Environmental Specialist

**ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST**
ENGINEERING

Human Resources

NEWPORT NEWS, VA Department

**GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES**

Under general supervision, this position assists in planning, researching, developing, and coordinating
a variety of environmental management programs throughout the City. Reports to the Senior
Environmental Specialist.

**ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS**

Assists in establishing environmental management standards and setting objectives to reduce the
environmental impact for City land, water and air uses; reviews progress of programs; makes
recommendations for improvement. Assists departmental environmental team by providing guidance
on regulatory updates to internal City resources and regulated community.

Performs site plan and other plan reviews associated with environmental permits and the permitting
processes to ensure necessary documents are applied for or renewed in a timely and complete manner;
monitors compliance with erosion and sedimentation control regulations. Conducts a variety of field
tests and assessments and develops associated documentation for reporting and recordkeeping.

Conducts Citywide environmental quality tests, collects samples, performs lab analyses and researches
data or collected information; generates reports; makes recommendations for environmental program
improvements. Performs qualitative and quantitative testing; responds to illicit spills and discharges;
responds to related inquiries from the public. Assists regulatory agencies with investigating and
resolving potential or actual environmental issues; develops proactive plans for managing
environmental risk.

Provides oversight and support for environmental initiatives throughout the City which may include
participation with the local schools, businesses, associations, Wetlands Board, and the Chesapeake Bay
Program. Develops and conducts training as needed for all City Departments; conducts related
workshops and classes, coordinates external presenters, public events and other programs related to
environmental management and stormwater managements.

Performs other duties as assigned.

**PERFORMANCE STANDARD**

Employees at all levels are expected to** **effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

**PC# 22236**
**Page 1 of 3** **Revised: 4/01/2022**

**REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
Environmental Management - Thorough knowledge of the principals involved with environmental
systems affecting land, water and air usage to include pollution control, environmental health and
safety, and applicable federal, state and local regulations. Knowledge of technology solutions for
environmental management, control, remediation, and sustainability. Knowledge of hazardous
chemicals and materials.

Strategic Planning - Knowledge of strategic planning principles and theories to ensure regulatory
compliance, positive environmental impact and community support.

**REQUIRED SKILLS
Interpersonal Relationships - Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
with employees, representatives from other departments and organizations and the public.
Effectively responds to and resolves inquiries and disputes.

Judgement/Decision Making - Uses logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate
situations; anticipates, identifies and evaluates potentially dangerous, unusual or deviating
situations; diffuses emotional situations and exercises appropriate judgment to establish priorities
and take prompt action for problem resolution.

**REQUIRED ABILITIES
Time Management - Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Ability to establish priorities
for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.

Communication - Ability to communicate ideas and proposals effectively to diverse audiences to
include preparing and conducting training, preparation of reports, and policies. Excellent ability
to listen and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle
a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.**
**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE**

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental or Earth Sciences or a closely related field and 3 - 5
years of experience with environmental systems management, or an equivalent combination of
education and experience.

**ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS**

Requires a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

May require designation as Conservator of the Peace.

Must obtain and maintain certification as an Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector and Stormwater
Management Inspector from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) within one year
of employment in this position. May be required to obtain and maintain certification as a DEQ Erosion
and Sediment Control Plan Reviewer.

**PC# 2223