Environmental Technician

City of Grand Forks•Public Safety Center- 1220 S 52nd St Grand Forks, ND

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Looking for a career where science and hands-on fieldwork come together? Join our team as an Environmental Technician and play a vital role in protecting our community by supporting water quality monitoring, assisting with mosquito control operations, and helping ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Requirements

Two years of experience in a field related to inspections, sampling, laboratory analysis, code compliance, environmental services, vector control, or public utilities.
Equivalent to an associate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the biological, physical, or environmental sciences or a related field.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license and a Commercial North Dakota Pesticide Applicators License (Public Health category).
Operational characteristics, services and activities of a comprehensive mosquito control program.
Modern computer equipment and applicable software.
Techniques and safety related to mixing chemicals for mosquito control applications.
Advanced repair and preventative maintenance methods and techniques.
Tools and equipment used in the repair of mosquito control equipment and environmental sampling instrumentation.
Working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations relating to commercial and industrial wastewater discharge requirements.
Inspection, sampling, and laboratory procedures, techniques, and equipment relating to water, wastewater, and stormwater.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
Retain effective audio-visual and perception skills to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
Strong math and analytical skills.
Perform preventative maintenance and troubleshoot and repair a variety of mechanical problems in vehicles and equipment.
Use and operate hand tools, power tools, and mechanical equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
Properly operate technical field sampling and testing equipment.
Conduct physical analysis of environmental samples.
Properly operate a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment.
Ability to work independently and manage a schedule to achieve Department goals and objectives in a timely manner.
Prepare clear and concise reports.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions.
Efficiently use computer and software necessary for data input.

Responsibilities

Collect samples of raw and potable water, wastewater, and stormwater and prepare samples for laboratory analysis using appropriate chain of custody, containers, preservation techniques, and holding times.
Generate reports of sampling activities and maintain sampling equipment.
Train, review, and participate in the work of staff responsible for the operations of the City's Mosquito Control Program.
Collect, count, and identify adult mosquitoes to genera; collect adult mosquitoes to be tested for West Nile virus or other mosquito-borne diseases; participate in the collection and rearing of mosquito larva for quality control verification of larvicide products used.
Schedule and provide methods for implementing mosquito control practices for the City; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly.
Instruct lower-level mosquito control staff to perform volume flow calibration, testing, and proper operation of ultra-low volume mosquito control equipment; conduct periodic inspections to identify potential problems.
Maintain inventory of monitoring equipment and supplies.
Maintain inventory of parts and supplies, provide budget recommendations as necessary, monitor parts inventory and confer with supervisor as to what parts to order; obtain cost estimates; place orders and pick up parts.
Build and/or modify special equipment as needed; receive and evaluate information from staff and/or outside sources.
Perform welding as necessary.
Service and perform preventative maintenance on mosquito control equipment and vehicles; inspect equipment for potential mechanical problems and perform repairs when necessary; maintain records of all work completed.
Conduct routine inspections of food service establishments to ensure compliance with the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control ordinance including evaluation of grease handling devices for proper operation.
Review records maintained by facilities.
Educate kitchen staff and owner/managers on proper disposal and handling of FOG and other non-compliance issues.
Aid in conducting and distributing FOG education and outreach materials to businesses, clients, property owners/managers, and residents.
Prepare inspection reports that accurately document conditions of food service establishments.
Utilize FOG software to maintain proper recordkeeping.
Investigate FOG-related complaints.
Respond to water emergencies related to investigation of spills, improper or illegal discharge practices, and public health issues as directed by the Environmental Management Director.
Participate in special projects as required.
Answer questions from the public regarding mosquito control and FOG programs in the absence of senior staff members; investigate customer complaints.
Provide assistance to other City departments and the public in environmental situations.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of environmental regulatory programs.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.