Environmental Specialist Sr

Job Summary

The Operational Sustainability team focuses on waste diversion, climate action, and sustainability initiatives geared towards lowering greenhouse gas emissions for Travis County as an organization. We are currently seeking a self-motivated, qualified Environmental Specialist Sr. to manage vendor contracts and budgets, lead our education and outreach efforts and waste diversion initiatives, and assist the Program Manager and Planner Sr. with other project work related to the program goals.

Requirements

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Technical Writing or a directly related field AND three (3) years experience the program specialization areas listed above; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
• Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: Valid Texas Driver's License. Depending on assigned duties, may require certification in the designated specialty field such as: International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification, International Erosion Control Association (IECA) certification (e.g. Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control, CPESC), Pest Control Applicator License, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), or Certified Grant Management Specialist as recognized by the National Grants Management Association.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, performs duties of and/or administers a group of countywide natural resource and environmental quality programs or a single program that require a high level of technical skill, specialized knowledge, or expertise as reflected by an accredited certification or extensive experience.
• Manages multiple projects, contracts and activities consistent with authorized scope, schedule and budget.
• Calls for and coordinates efforts with contractors, department staff, other departments and agencies, the regulated community, stakeholders and the general public.
• Serves as departmental liaison for the designated programs.
• Analyzes and interprets Federal, State and Local environmental regulations. Recommends, develops and implements procedures and projects consistent with environmental regulations.
• Makes recommendations on compliance to the department and the regulated community.
• Prepares cost estimates, plans and specifications for outside goods or services within the designated areas of program specialization.
• Prepares request for proposals, assists in contract negotiations with outside vendors and manages approved contracts.
• Develops purchase requests for supplies and services required for assigned programs and projects.
• Affords assistance in developing grant proposals, applications, and contracts for services with other agencies as sources for additional funding.
• Analyzes, evaluates and presents data, maintain databases and prepares written reports.
• Presents findings and reports to department staff and management, other agencies, the Commissioners Court and the public.
• Conducts education and outreach to the general public by participating in information meetings, trainings, and conferences to explain issues related to the programs goals.
• Represents the department by working closely with groups, community members and organization representatives.
• Conducts advanced level technical inspections, analyses and or investigations.
• Supports civil enforcement, as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of: Grant guidelines, procedures and of funding agencies. (Specific to grants area of specialization)
• Grant technical writing, project management, and environmental specifications. (Specific to grants area of specialization)
• Standard theory, principles, practices and techniques of environmental and natural resource protection.
• Scientific principles and techniques related the assigned area of environmental specialization.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable environmental laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• General aptitude in mathematics or accounting.
• Principles, practices and techniques of project management, and environmental specifications.
• Research and data analysis techniques.
• Principles of data and document management.
• Computer equipment and software to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages including geographic information systems.
• Technical writing, report writing and preparation, business letter writing, grammar and punctuation.

Skills

• Use of biological monitoring, environmental assessment, and wildlife control equipment and instruments.
• Data analysis.
• Geographic Information Systems, including the ability to:create maps and graphs, using GIS software and related equipment;compile geographic data from a variety of sources which may include census, field observation, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps;retrieve stored maps, manage shape files and other GIS data;
• Explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Both verbal and written communication.
• Ability to: Research, plan and coordinate grant related activities. Write policies and procedures. Manage time well, perform and prioritize multiple tasks, organize diverse activities, develop and implement environmental research and projects. Meet deadlines and produce projects in a timely manner while working on several projects at once. Work as a team member within a diverse organization.