Job Description

UTILITIES: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I, II, III

Pay Rates:

Environmental Specialist I - PG-13 ($21.51)
Environmental Specialist II - PG-14 ($22.58)
Environmental Specialist III - PG-16 ($24.90)

Employee Benefits

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• FRS Retirement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Education Incentives
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic

Must have the physical, developmental, and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

Performs progressively responsible, technical/professional field and office duties performed for Utilities compliance, permitting, review and trending of water quality laboratory data, and preparing regulatory reports.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

The employee will be expected to conduct field inspections of water and/or wastewater facilities and systems as necessary to support assigned programs and will systematically store records on correspondence, inspections, and laboratory data. Assigned programs may include

• Water Use Permitting and Compliance
• Drinking Water Compliance
• Wastewater Permitting and Compliance
• Reclaimed Water Compliance
• Storm water Permitting and Compliance
• Residuals Hauling
• Fuel storage and ground storage tank Compliance
• Environmental monitoring

This position will input data into multiple database tracking systems and will review the data entered by others for quality control and compliance requirements. Specific reports may be requested to evaluate critical trends or prepare projections. The employee will track the status of assigned program deadlines to report during the weekly compliance meeting.

Actively participates in the preparation and presentation of compliance notifications and educational information to county employees and the public.

Responsible for performing simple field repairs of field equipment. Provides general and preventative maintenance of sampling equipment and team vehicles (i.e., washes, cleans, and schedules for required vehicle repairs).

Confer with consultants as directed which may include review of scope items, preparation of documents for County approval of scope proposals, review invoices and evaluate consultant performance.

Other duties may include the preparation of correspondence, technical reports, and BOCC agenda items.

In addition, the employee may be required to present sworn testimony, and evidence during court hearings.

Significant field and office tasks may be required during nontraditional work hours including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends in accordance with regulatory schedules and operational needs.

May assist, train, and evaluate the work assignments of other team members.

Perform other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas related to utilities management, such as: hydrology, geology, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, water supply planning or storm water management.
• Knowledge of the apparatuses and techniques used in field testing for pollutants and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of water and wastewater and be able to perform said testing.
• The employee must be able to review and interpret Federal, State and Local regulations.
• Ability to perform field observations and research work.
• Ability to think and react calmly in the best interest of the county.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with government officials, fellow employees, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• The employee must be both detail oriented and able to apply critical thinking on a large scale.
• Skill in presenting and interpreting factual data and presenting conclusions or recommendations to management timely.
• Skill in utilizing computer software packages, spreadsheets, and databases; Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. Other software utilized by the Division such as CIS Infinity, Lucity CAM, HachWIMS, Simplify I3 and PowerBI is preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must have valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida Driver's License at the time of employment within this classification.

Environmental Specialist I:

Graduate of an accredited two-year college or university with major course work in a physical or natural science and have a minimum of two years related program working experience. A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Additional years of experience will contribute toward the college degree on a two for one basis, e.g., if a degree is not presented, six years of relevant work experience will be required.

Special Requirements and Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Specialist I

Must pass at least one of the following within the first year: Complete Groundwater Monitoring Field Course, Field Sampling Short School, or FDEP SOP Training. Preferred candidates should already have completed these courses.

Environmental Specialist II:

Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a physical or natural science and have a minimum of two years related program working experience. A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Additional years of experience will contribute toward the college degree on a two for one basis, e.g., if a two-year degree is presented, four years of work experience will be required. If a degree is not presented, eight years of relevant work experience will be required.

Special Requirements and Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Specialist II

Must have two of the certifications above and pass at least one of the following within the first year: Sediment and Erosion Control "Qualified Storm Water Inspector" or FWS NCTC Wetland Plant Identification class. Preferred candidates should already have completed these courses.

Environmental Specialist III:

Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a physical or natural science and have a minimum of four years related program working experience with at least six months of supervisory experience or training. A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Additional years of experience will contribute toward the college degree on a two for one basis, e.g., if a two-year degree is presented, six years of work experience will be required. If a degree is not presented, ten years of relevant work experience will be required.

Special Requirements and Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Specialist III

Must pass at least one of the following within the first year: Water Treatment Plant Operations Class C Course, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Class C Course, Water Distribution Operator Level 3, or Wastewater Collections C Course. Preferred candidates should already have completed these courses.

Special Requirements and Preferred Qualifications for all levels

For all levels, this position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

Must have home telephone at the time of employment as employee is subject to standby and/or call out for emergencies. Employee may assist with supervision and participation in any necessary emergency work.

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

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