JOB TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 1, DMVA

JOB CODE: 14234

DEFINITION: This is beginning-level professional environmental compliance work in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

An employee in this job performs environmental compliance monitoring to ensure department properties and activities comply with environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Work involves conducting facility and grounds inspections, analyzing data to determine environmental impacts from activities, applying discretion to identify compliance issues and determine appropriate corrective action plans, and drafting reports of inspection findings. Work includes researching, recommending, and implementing changes to agency policies, processes, plans, and proposed actions; conducting environmental surveys; and testing sites for hazardous substances. Work may include participating in environmental assessments and inventorying and disposing of environmentally hazardous waste. Work is reviewed by a supervisor for quality and conformance with environmental laws and regulations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Inspects and monitors department facilities and grounds for compliance with federal, state, local, and military environmental laws, regulations, policies, and rules.

• Reviews and analyzes environmental data, determines environmental impact, and recommends and implements changes to department policies, processes, plans, and proposed actions to improve compliance.

• Researches and analyzes data for compliance with federal programs including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

• Participates in the implementation of environmental programs involving the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and related environmental legislation.

• Monitors hazardous waste handling practices and ensures compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) through storage tank management and waste management programs, including participating in the proper storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste, and identifies compliance issues.

• Inspects environmental programs used at DMVA-operated military facilities to ensure compliance with the National Guard Environmental Performance Assessment System (EPAS) and recommends corrective action for program areas found to be noncompliant.

• Collects and researches information required for Environmental Condition of Property (ECP) evaluations for real estate actions, proposed construction, or other activities.

• Conducts site research through interviews and reviews historical documents, maps, and aerial photographs.

• Researches and analyzes environmental data to address storm water drainage problems and recommends corrective actions such as weed removal and installation of pollution prevention devices.

• Collects soil and water samples and sends for testing to determine the presence and level of hazardous substances, and develops program reports for submission to federal, state, and local government entities.

• Reviews construction plans, blueprints, and National Guard training plans to identify environmental impact and compliance with environmental laws, policies, rules, and regulations.

• Responds to chemical spills and releases, documents event, and provides direction to abatement staff.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of biological, chemical, or physical sciences related to environmental protection.

• Knowledge of environmental conditions and hazards and the interrelationship with ecological processes.

• Knowledge of the methods to handle and store hazardous materials.

• Knowledge of the techniques and methods used to collect and analyze environmental data.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to read and interpret environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

• Ability to interpret blueprints, building plans, and aerial photographs.

• Ability to operate motor vehicles.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Successful completion of the Environmental Specialist Trainee, DMVA (Commonwealth title) program;

or

• One year of professional environmental compliance or environmental planning experience and a bachelor’s degree in the physical, biological, or environmental sciences;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All employees are required to obtain an active certification in 24-hour Hazardous Waste Operations, Procedures and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training within six months of hire and successfully complete an 8-hour annual HAZWOPER refresher training thereafter.

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.