Environmental Specialist Sr

Travis County•Austin, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Operational Sustainability team focuses on waste diversion, climate action, and sustainability initiatives geared towards lowering greenhouse gas emissions for Travis County as an organization. We are currently seeking a self-motivated, qualified Environmental Specialist Sr. to manage vendor contracts and budgets, lead our education and outreach efforts and waste diversion initiatives, and assist the Program Manager and Planner Sr. with other project work related to the program goals. The Environmental Specialist Sr. will administer over 20 vendor contracts and manage related project funding. The position will be the primary liaison for all contracted services and will work closely with vendors and Travis County Purchasing and Finance offices. This role will lead all internal education and outreach efforts related to waste diversion, climate planning, and other sustainability initiatives. This position will also have a supporting role in the program’s waste diversion efforts and event planning. The Environmental Specialist Sr. will be critical to the program’s mission of moving the County towards greener, more sustainable business practices. Work includes contract and budget management, relationship building, and leading, planning and implementing education and outreach efforts throughout the organization. This position will also work with staff to support the program’s waste diversion initiatives and event planning. The requirements will include strong written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to educate diverse groups of stakeholders. Knowledge of waste diversion methods and climate action planning is preferred. This position may also be required to present information to elected officials and will sit on select committees. The Operational Sustainability Program offers flexible work hours, a mix of office and field work, as well as teleworking options.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Technical Writing or a directly related field AND three (3) years experience the program specialization areas listed above; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Valid Texas Driver's License.
Knowledge of Grant guidelines, procedures and of funding agencies.
Knowledge of Grant technical writing, project management, and environmental specifications.
Knowledge of Standard theory, principles, practices and techniques of environmental and natural resource protection.
Knowledge of Scientific principles and techniques related the assigned area of environmental specialization.
Knowledge of Federal, State, Local and County applicable environmental laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
Knowledge of General aptitude in mathematics or accounting.
Knowledge of Principles, practices and techniques of project management, and environmental specifications.
Knowledge of Research and data analysis techniques.
Knowledge of Principles of data and document management.
Knowledge of Computer equipment and software to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages including geographic information systems.
Knowledge of Technical writing, report writing and preparation, business letter writing, grammar and punctuation.
Skill in Use of biological monitoring, environmental assessment, and wildlife control equipment and instruments.
Skill in Use of field techniques appropriate to the areas of specialization.
Skill in Data analysis.
Skill in Geographic Information Systems, including the ability to: create maps and graphs, using GIS software and related equipment; compile geographic data from a variety of sources which may include census, field observation, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps; retrieve stored maps, manage shape files and other GIS data; Data management techniques.
Skill in Explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language.
Skill in Problem-solving and decision-making.
Skill in Both verbal and written communication.
Ability to Research, plan and coordinate grant related activities.
Ability to Write policies and procedures.
Ability to Manage time well, perform and prioritize multiple tasks, organize diverse activities, develop and implement environmental research and projects.
Ability to Meet deadlines and produce projects in a timely manner while working on several projects at once.
Ability to Work as a team member within a diverse organization.
Ability to Research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of memorandums or reports.
Ability to Effectively present information to management and public groups.
Ability to Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.

Nice To Haves

Depending on assigned duties, may require certification in the designated specialty field such as: International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification, International Erosion Control Association (IECA) certification (e.g. Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control, CPESC), Pest Control Applicator License, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), or Certified Grant Management Specialist as recognized by the National Grants Management Association.
Fluent in Spanish
Experience working in a leadership role
Understanding of waste diversion, climate action, and sustainability initiatives
Knowledge of contract administration and program budgeting
Experience in education and outreach and event planning
HAZWOPER Certified

Responsibilities

Develops, implements, performs duties of and/or administers a group of countywide natural resource and environmental quality programs or a single program that require a high level of technical skill, specialized knowledge, or expertise as reflected by an accredited certification or extensive experience.
Includes planning, carrying out and evaluating projects and activities in support of the programs.
Manages multiple projects, contracts and activities consistent with authorized scope, schedule and budget.
Coordinates efforts with contractors, department staff, other departments and agencies, the regulated community, stakeholders and the general public.
Serves as departmental liaison for the designated programs.
Analyzes and interprets Federal, State and Local environmental regulations.
Recommends, develops and implements procedures and projects consistent with environmental regulations.
Makes recommendations on compliance to the department and the regulated community.
Prepares cost estimates, plans and specifications for outside goods or services within the designated areas of program specialization.
Prepares request for proposals, assists in contract negotiations with outside vendors and manages approved contracts.
Develops purchase requests for supplies and services required for assigned programs and projects.
Assists with development of grant proposals, applications, and contracts for services with other agencies as sources for additional funding.
Analyzes, evaluates and presents data, maintain databases and prepares written reports.
Presents findings and reports to department staff and management, other agencies, the Commissioners Court and the public.
Conducts education and outreach to the general public by participating in information meetings, trainings, and conferences to explain issues related to the programs goals.
Represents the department by working closely with groups, community members and organization representatives.
Conducts advanced level technical inspections, analyses and or investigations.
Administers preparation and submission of grant applications for new and continued funding of programs through Federal, State, Local and County sources, including maintaining grant accurate records and prepare monthly reports of progress, monitoring contractual compliance, reviews projects, coordinates efforts between funding agencies, and schedules items for approval.
Identifies funding sources, develops projects and writes grant proposals.
Communicates and meets with funding agencies, and assists with taking the application through the approval process.
Responds to information requests.
Serves on committees and task forces dealing with environmental or grants issues.
Reviews projects in the Natural Resources and Environmental Quality programs.
Reviews project operations to ensure timely submission of progress reports.
Supports civil enforcement, as required.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.