Water Quality Environmental Specialist II

County of Mecklenburg, NC•Charlotte, NC

2d•$52,000 - $75,000

About The Position

Performs technical and investigative work involving enforcement of various codes and regulations to protect public health, safety, and the environment. This position, under minimal supervision, may also perform site inspections, collects and analyzes samples and data, and responds to citizen complaints. Mecklenburg County is recruiting an Environmental Specialist II. This position is in the Water Quality Program, which is part of the Storm Water Services Division of the Land Use and Environmental Services Agency. The program’s objectives are to protect and restore Mecklenburg County’s abundant surface water resources. To accomplish the program’s objectives, the Water Quality Program is comprised of the following sections: Compliance, Monitoring, Pollution Control, Pollution Prevention, and Streams. This position is in the Pollution Control Team of the Water Quality Program. The team is composed of 2 Environmental Specialist IVs, 4 Environmental Specialist IIs, and 1 Water Quality Supervisor. The Pollution Control Team is responsible for Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) activities and Mecklenburg County’s automated monitoring networks (water quality and flood sensor networks). The primary responsibilities for these employees will be maintaining and repairing Mecklenburg County’s automated monitoring networks (water quality and flood sensor networks): Installing, maintaining, and repairing automated water quality and hydrologic monitoring stations and associated hardware Programming data loggers, modems, cameras, and data hosting services Maintaining an inventory of supplies, tools, and equipment Completing continuous education to stay knowledgeable in the current trends and equipment used in automated monitoring Other required work duties include: Perform technical investigative work and site inspections as well as respond to citizen complaints and emergency situations for protecting public health and the environment The position will be required to serve on-call (24 hours per day and 7 days per week) for approximately 3 weeks per year on the Emergency Response Team, responding to water quality emergencies to enforce local water quality ordinances This position is approximately 70% fieldwork and 30% office work

Requirements

Minimum of two years of experience.
Bachelor's degree in an environmental or scientific field.
Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
Requires County Driving Privileges
Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required
Knowledge of Environmental assessment and pollution control principles, practices and methods
Knowledge of Field testing, sampling and investigation techniques and procedures
Knowledge of Federal, state and local environmental laws, rules and regulations
Skills Maintaining field monitoring and data equipment
Skills Conducting field observations
Skills Preparing reports
Skills Collecting field samples
Skills Organizing, evaluating, and acting upon observations identified in the field
Abilities Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner
Abilities Business Acumen: Using economic, financial, market and industry data to understand and improve business results; using one’s understanding of major business functions, industry trends and own organization’s position to contribute to effective business strategies and tactics
Abilities Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
Abilities Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
Proficient in applicable computer programs

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with automated monitoring equipment
Ability to effectively communicate technical and non-technical information with staff and the public through interpersonal interactions and written documentation

Responsibilities

Review field inspection reports and assign and monitor follow-up corrective and enforcement actions and plans
Investigate complaints concerning suspected violations of environmental laws, rules and regulations
Coordinate and participate in enforcement actions with external agencies
Draft, prepare, and review reports, correspondence and other documents concerning complaints and enforcement activities
Consult with management, other governmental agencies and industry representatives on environmental matters
Develop data processing applications involving databases and spreadsheets to compile, inventory, and manage field testing, sampling and investigations data
Order field equipment and supplies used in conducting field sampling, testing and investigations
Provide technical guidance and may schedule, assign, train and oversee review the work of others
Conduct field tests, sampling, and investigations to assess the natural environment and to determine sources of and methods for controlling pollutants in air, water and soil
Perform public education and outreach activities in various settings such as the field, office, or classroom environments
Assist with the preparation of grant applications to fund environmental programs as directed.
Operate environmental monitoring equipment, following quality controls and good laboratory practice (GLP).
Installing, maintaining, and repairing automated water quality and hydrologic monitoring stations and associated hardware
Programming data loggers, modems, cameras, and data hosting services
Maintaining an inventory of supplies, tools, and equipment
Completing continuous education to stay knowledgeable in the current trends and equipment used in automated monitoring
Perform technical investigative work and site inspections as well as respond to citizen complaints and emergency situations for protecting public health and the environment
The position will be required to serve on-call (24 hours per day and 7 days per week) for approximately 3 weeks per year on the Emergency Response Team, responding to water quality emergencies to enforce local water quality ordinances