Environmental Quality Program Manager

About the role

The incumbent, under the guidance and direction of the Deputy Director of Water Resources, is responsible for the effective and efficient management and administration of the Environmental Quality Program, including the analytical laboratory, Lee Creek and Frog Bayou (Lake Fort Smith) watershed management, industrial pretreatment, and FOG programs. This position provides subject matter guidance in developing long-term and short-term goals, strategic objectives and initiatives, operating and capital budgets, and financial plans.

Responsibilities

• Assists in program direction, priorities, goals, objectives, budgets, and initiatives to fulfill the mission of the City and Water Resources Department.
• Effectively manage the Water Resources Department’s environmental projects, laboratory, watersheds, FOG and industrial pretreatment programs, and organizational structure; and effectively resolve escalated personnel and other sensitive matters.
• Develop resources for a successful Environmental Quality Program, including records and data, inventories, computer and information systems, FOG program, mitigation program, and an engaged and effective staff.
• Provide research, analysis, reports, presentations, and recommendations on Water Resources Department laboratory, watersheds, mitigation projects, and FOG and industrial pretreatment programs; and reports for treatment plants and systems based on sample analysis data.
• Communicate verbally and in writing within and outside the Water Resources Department for planning and coordination, assisting with presentations to a wide variety of public and stakeholder groups, and tactfully handling sensitive matters with discretion.
• Develop, coordinate, and manage goals and objectives, capital budgets, environmental projects, and human resources.
• Provide leadership, motivation, supervision, training, and evaluation of the workforce through supervisory staff.
• Follow City, Water Resources Department, and Wastewater Treatment Program safety practices and guidelines at all times, including wearing proper personal protective/safety equipment.
• Regular attendance and timeliness is required.
• Participates in classes and/or attend conferences deemed necessary by the Deputy Director of Water Resources and/or Director of Water Resources.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises one (1) Laboratory Supervisor, one (1) Watershed Supervisor, and one (1) Environmental Monitoring Supervisor. Indirectly supervises up to twenty-one (21) other employees within the program. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems, both internal and citizen related.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in Environmental Management, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field; or experience equivalent to a listed degree.
• Five (5) years combined experience in laboratory, watershed management, environmental laboratory, and/or FOG and industrial pretreatment.
• Five (5) years supervisory experience is required.
• Three (3) years management experience or confirmation of related management coursework is required.
• Must possess a Grade IV Water Treatment Operators License as issued by the Arkansas Department of Health, or obtain said license within three (3) years from date of employment.
• Must possess a Grade IV Water Distribution Operators License as issued by the Arkansas Department of Health, or obtain said license within three (3) years from date of employment.
• Must possess a Class IV Wastewater Operators License as issued by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality or be able to obtain the license within six (6) years from date of employment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Thorough understanding of regulatory requirements for water and sewer systems.
• Familiar with development techniques of new programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred experience in driving boats, hauling boats, and backing boat trailers.

Skills

• Ability to read and interpret complex documents such as federal regulations, policy and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write complex reports and correspondence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with industry representatives, employees, federal or state regulators.
• Ability to verbally communicate and provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, percent, area, circumference, volume, and interpret graphs.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to use math to compute needed statistics for compliance determination.
• Ability to understand in written, oral, or diagram form complex variables and analyze them and explain results to others.
• Knowledge of the use of tools and equipment in the department.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment, including Windows-based word-processing, spreadsheet, and database application software.

Position Designations

• This position is designated as essential during inclement weather events; all essential employees are expected to report to work due to the critical functions of the position.
• This position is not able to work remotely.
• This position may require driving as part of regular job duties.
• This position is designated as a safety/security sensitive position and is subject to random DOT drug and alcohol screenings and/or non-DOT drug and alcohol screenings.
• Availability for emergency after-hours, holiday, and weekend callout work is required.
• Working overtime may be required.

Employment Screenings

• Criminal History Background Check
• Post Offer Drug Screen in accordance with the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment
• Motor Vehicle Record Check

The City of Fort Smith, Arkansas has entered into a Consent Decree in litigation with the United States of America and the State of Arkansas. The Consent Decree and Consent Decree Modification are available for review on the City’s website.