Utilities Environmental Specialist I,II, III, IV, Senior

Polk County•Winter Haven, FL

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Utilities Division is responsible for public health and safety, as well as safeguarding the environment, by providing crucial safe water and wastewater services. This position is part of the team that provides services necessary for human health, economic stability, and overall societal well-being. At the core of the mission of providing these services includes commitment to providing excellent customer service to our citizens, business partners, regulatory agencies, and other county divisions. Performs specialized professional work implementing the County Utilities Water Quality and Compliance Program, Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP), and Water Resource Education and Enforcement Plan. Responsibilities include ensuring regulatory compliance for water and wastewater systems, administering grease and pretreatment programs, conducting inspections and enforcement related to County ordinances, supporting grant funding initiatives, and providing public education on water resource management. The position requires significant interaction with the public, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders and involves both office and field work.

Requirements

Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of application.
Knowledge of environmental regulations, water conservation practices, industrial pretreatment requirements, grease management standards, and water resource management programs.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance procedures, environmental monitoring practices, and enforcement processes.
Skill in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting environmental data and preparing technical reports.
Skill in planning and organizing program activities and maintaining accurate records and databases.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, regulatory agencies, businesses, and the public.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and resolve compliance issues in a professional and effective manner.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Proficiency in computer applications used for data analysis, report preparation, and database management.

Nice To Haves

Environmental Specialist I – Pay Grade 14 Associate’s degree in a physical or natural science field with one (1) year of related program experience. Comparable combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Environmental Specialist II – Pay Grade 16 Associate’s degree in a physical or natural science field with three (3) years of related program experience and one of the following certifications: Florida Association of Code Enforcement – Fundamentals of Code Enforcement, Water Conservation Coordinator Certification, Industrial Pretreatment Program License C, FDEP Sampling Standard Operating Protocol Training
Environmental Specialist III – Pay Grade 18 Bachelor’s degree in a physical or natural science field with three (3) years of related program experience and one additional certification beyond the ES II level, such as: Florida Association of Code Enforcement – Administrative Aspects Certification, Fats/Oils/Grease Level I Certification, Industrial Pretreatment Program License B, Qualified Stormwater Inspector Certification
Environmental Specialist IV – Pay Grade 20 Bachelor’s degree in a physical or natural science field with four (4) years of related program experience and one additional certification beyond the ES II and ES III levels, such as: Florida Association of Code Enforcement – Legal Issues Certification, Fats/Oils/Grease Level II Certification, Industrial Pretreatment Program License A, Hazardous Materials Certification
Senior Environmental Specialist – Pay Grade 22 Bachelor’s degree in a physical or natural science field with five (5) years of related program experience and one additional certification beyond the ES II, III, and IV levels, such as: Florida Association of Code Enforcement – Code Enforcement Professional Certification, Fats/Oils/Grease Level III Certification and Industrial Pretreatment Program License A, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service NCTC Wetland Plant Identification Certification
A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

Plans, implements, and monitors assigned environmental compliance programs including Water Conservation, Industrial Pretreatment, Grease Management, Environmental Management, Water Quality Monitoring, Biosolids Management, Abnormal Events reporting, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
Coordinates program activities and tracks compliance with regulatory requirements and County ordinances.
Conducts inspections and field site visits to evaluate facility compliance, industrial user discharges, grease management requirements, and water resource enforcement activities.
Investigates violations, documents findings, and supports enforcement actions related to County codes and environmental regulations.
Maintains monitoring equipment and assists with environmental sampling activities as required.
Maintains databases and tracking systems for regulatory compliance, inspections, and monitoring activities.
Performs data analysis related to water efficiency, water level compliance, and program performance.
Prepares technical reports and documentation for regulatory compliance and internal management.
Research grant opportunities and assists with preparation of grant applications.
Tracks grant contract requirements, prepares reimbursement requests, and develops required progress reports.
Develops and delivers educational presentations and outreach activities promoting water conservation, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship.
Engages with the public, businesses, and community organizations to increase awareness of water resource programs and regulations.
Coordinates with consultants, reviews invoices, tracks project deadlines, and provides updates to administration on program activities.
May present sworn testimony or evidence during enforcement hearings or court proceedings.
Performs related duties as assigned.