Clean Water Specialist

Department of Transportation, Environmental Programs Division

About the role

Positions in this family are responsible for planning, supervising, and performing technical and professional work in environmental quality, environmental management, or environmental health protection programs. This includes performing inspections, surveys, and investigations; reviewing and approving federal grants; providing consultative services; case management; and ensuring compliance with environmental laws. Specialty areas may include biology, health, geology, hydrology, and environmental science.

Responsibilities

• Provide stormwater technical assistance to all field liaisons
• Conduct stormwater inspections as requested
• Perform general stormwater reviews
• Assist with the review of the Approved Products List and research erosion and sediment control products
• Write special provisions
• Develop and deliver presentations/educational opportunities
• Evaluate lists of permitted activities
• Contribute to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit implementation process
• Review Section 404 permits/requests for project activities

Level Descriptors

Level I: Basic level where employees are assigned duties in a training status to build skills in conducting investigations, performing basic professional analysis, and interpreting state and federal laws. Tasks include evaluating inspection and survey data, preparing technical records and reports, and assisting in making recommendations for remedial actions.

Level II: Career level where employees perform a wide range of tasks at full-performance, including investigations, analyses, and interpretation of state and federal laws. Employees evaluate data, prepare reports, and make recommendations. Limited guidance and training may be provided to entry-level employees.

Level III: Specialist level with independent responsibility at an advanced level in managing single or multi-program environmental or health protection areas. Employees may specialize in an environmental discipline and are recognized as experts. Work is performed with high technical and administrative freedom.

Level IV: Team lead level where employees have responsibilities for leading projects, programs, or units. Includes technical supervision, coordinating staff and work assignments, reviewing work, and ensuring completion of projects.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles and practices of environmental quality and sanitation
• Knowledge of biological, microbiological, radiological, and chemical analysis
• Knowledge of environmental problems, sample collection, and laboratory methodologies
• Knowledge of complaint investigations, survey and inspection of environmental and sanitary conditions
• Knowledge of consumer protection, epidemiology, and water and air quality regulations
• Knowledge of hydrological and geological survey methods, and principles of ground and surface water geology and hydrology
• Ability to operate and maintain monitoring and detection equipment
• Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships
• Ability to write technical reports and collect samples
• Ability to apply research methodologies and read and interpret plans and specifications
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Qualifications

Level I: Bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in a physical, natural, or biological science, chemistry, geology, hydrology, physical geography, epidemiology, environmental science, environmental health, or civil, agricultural, environmental, geological, or chemical engineering.

Level II: Bachelor’s degree as above plus one year of professional experience in a qualifying area; or a master’s degree in a qualifying area.

Level III: Bachelor’s degree as above plus three years of professional experience in a qualifying area; or a master’s degree plus two years of professional experience in a qualifying area.

Level IV: Bachelor’s degree as above plus four years of professional experience in a qualifying area; or a master’s degree plus three years of professional experience in a qualifying area.

Pay

• Level I: $57,200
• Level II: $63,000
• Level III: $69,500
• Level IV: $77,900

Benefits

• Annual Benefit Allowance: Up to $20,538.24 for employees and dependents to enroll in benefits
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Several medical, dental, and vision plans, including options for Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Retirement Savings Plans:
  • Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan: Available to employees who began State employment after November 1st, 2015. Employer matches 6% with an employee contribution of 4.5%, or 7% with an employee contribution of 7% or above
  • OPERS Defined Benefit Plan: Available to returning employees previously enrolled in OPERS
• Annual & Sick Leave (PTO):
  • 15 days accrued annually during the first 1–5 years of service
  • 18 days accrued annually for 5–10 years of service
  • 20 days accrued annually for 10–20 years of service
  • 25 days accrued annually for over 20 years of service
  • Sick leave: 15 days accrued per year
• Paid Holidays: 11 paid holidays per year
• Longevity Pay: Annual payments to eligible State employees with a minimum of 2 years of State service
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to professional services for resolving personal problems