Environmental Scientist

Salary: $55,966.14 - $83,949.22 Annually

About the Role

Under general supervision, prepare and coordinate environmental studies and inspections; review, interpret, prepare plans, projects, and specifications; and supervise technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and coordinate environmental studies and projects with regulatory agencies, other departments, consultants, and contractors.
  • Plan, research projects, conduct data collection and analysis.
  • Oversee design and implementation of environmental projects, including Air and Water Quality, Solid Waste Management, Storm Water Management, Environmental Compliance, and Brownfields Redevelopment.
• Conduct compliance investigations; perform environmental monitoring, sampling, and reporting.
• Prepare scope of work and cost estimates for environmental projects.
• Conduct and/or monitor ongoing inspections of projects for compliance with contract specifications, approved materials, and design.
• Prepare environmental reports and studies.
• Conduct or oversee environmental sampling, monitoring, and regulatory reporting.
• Assess facts and draw valid conclusions to develop or improve accepted methods and techniques.
• Coordinate asbestos inspections and surveys to locate and evaluate asbestos-containing materials in city-owned facilities.
• Monitor contractor adherence with Local, State, and Federal regulations regarding proper handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
• Manage waste shipments, inventory, and reporting to regulatory authorities.
• Conduct environmental surveys, assessments, investigations, sampling, and monitoring.
  • Calculate emissions and pollutant discharge rates using various software.
  • Perform quality assurance on data submissions and processes.
  • Complete correspondence to relay specific deficiencies encountered during data quality assurance.
• Provide technical assistance to the general public, regulated entities, and other interested groups in the application of appropriate environmental city, state, and federal rules and regulations.
• Inspect, investigate, enforce, and document designated environmental and municipal code violations.
  • Conduct random test sampling and inspections to ensure compliance with established environmental health and safety standards and regulations.
  • Determine corrective action to be taken, such as warnings or citations.
  • Recommend corrective action and notify the correct authority.
  • Respond to and investigate environmental-related complaints within the City.
  • Provide education and instruction related to environmental standards and regulations.
• Perform administrative duties as assigned.
  • Prepare bid specifications, assist or prepare draft requests for proposals, and review project bid proposals.
  • Research issues, conduct studies, review codes and regulations, compile data, develop spreadsheets to evaluate statistical data and testing/research results.
  • Prepare and authorize contract Change Orders, Purchase Orders, Invoices, and Notice to Proceed notifications.
  • Investigate and respond to citizen, City Official, consultant, or customer inquiries and complaints.
  • Manage documents, maintain records, review, and prepare assigned project reports.
• Supervise and direct technical staff.
  • Schedule, assign, instruct, guide, and check work.
  • Appraise employee performance.
  • Provide for training and development.
  • Enforce personnel rules, regulations, and work behavior standards.
  • Counsel, motivate, and maintain harmony.
  • Interview applicants.
  • Recommend hiring, discipline, merit pay, or other employee status changes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in natural or physical science, engineering, environmental studies, or related field, plus two (2) years of full-time experience in environmental activities.
• Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent from another state.

Benefits

• Life and Health Insurance:
  • Basic Life Insurance Coverage at no cost to eligible employees.
  • Optional Dental, Vision, and Short Term Disability coverage.
  • Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account (healthcare and/or dependent care for daycare expenses).
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with access to mental health sessions, therapy, and more.
• Wellness Program: Includes wellness education, fitness tests, biometric screenings, group fitness, health coaching, and more.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Encourages personal and professional development by sharing educational costs for Degree, Certifications, Continuing Education, and Books & Equipment.
• Vacation Leave:
  • 0 - 5 years of service: 12 days (3.70 hours per biweekly pay period).
  • >5 to 15 years of service: 17 days (5.24 hours per biweekly pay period).
  • >15 years of service: 20 days (6.16 hours per biweekly pay period).
• Sick Leave: Accrued in accordance with the Rules of the Civil Service Commission.
• Accident Leave: Coverage for occupational injuries and diseases.
• Pregnancy Leave: Treated the same as any other temporary physical disability.
• Legal Holidays:
  • New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Holiday, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Employee's Birthday.
  • Additional holidays as designated by City Council.