Environmental Specialist II (Water Quality)

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Please apply by 5/22/24

Salary Range: $45,553 - $68,330

This is an exempt (salaried) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant's salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.

At Mecklenburg County, you'll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We're counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

Working at Mecklenburg County for LUESA, (Land Use and Environmental Service Agency) you will help to provide key services that will contribute to an exceptional quality of life for Mecklenburg County residents. LUESA's responsibilities range from enforcing building and zoning codes to managing water and air resources for future generations.

Working with LUESA provides an opportunity to partner with some of the most creative minds and inspiring leaders. If you are interested in working for a collaborative team that is driven by success and innovation you have found the right organization. We welcome talented, high-energy, fun team members to partner with our community to enhance our quality of life through environmental stewardship and economic vitality.

Position Summary

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.

What Will I be Doing:

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.

Who Will I be Working With:

This position is in the Pollution Control Team of the Water Quality Program. The team is composed of 2 Environmental Specialist IIIs, 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).

More About the Role:

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

Essential Functions

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).

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

Minimum of two years of experience.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in an environmental or scientific field.

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: Yes

Licenses and Certifications

Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License

Requires County Driving Privileges

Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required

Preferred Qualifications

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of

Environmental assessment and pollution control principles, practices and methods

Field testing, sampling and investigation techniques and procedures

Federal, state and local environmental laws, rules and regulations

Skills

Maintaining field monitoring and data equipment

Conducting field observations

Preparing reports

Collecting field samples

Organizing, evaluating, and acting upon observations identified in the field

Abilities

Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner

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

Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships

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

Computer Skills

Proficient in applicable computer programs

Work Environment

Works in outdoor exposed to weather conditions

Selection

This classification has been identified as having a role in the development of

ADA compliant technologies and for which the incumbent agrees to follow

County policies to the best of their abilities in order to meet these obligations.

No

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer Statement

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request.

Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.