JOB TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 2, DMVA

JOB CODE: 14235

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

An employee in this job performs environmental compliance monitoring and assessments to ensure department properties and activities comply with environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Work involves determining the methods and requirements for assessments; analyzing grounds, natural resources, buildings, and construction plans and determining environmental impacts from current and proposed activities; applying discretion to identify compliance issues and determine appropriate corrective action plans; and overseeing contracted environmental services. Work includes evaluating regulatory changes to determine program impacts and consulting with program areas to develop or update agency policies, processes, plans, and proposed actions to ensure compliance with applicable environmental laws and other requirements. Work may include inventorying and disposing of environmentally hazardous waste. Work is reviewed by a supervisor for quality and conformance with environmental laws and regulations.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the lower-level job based on the responsibility for independently conducting environmental assessments by analyzing environmental impacts of projects and plans, preparing assessment reports, recommending and ensuring corrective actions, and ensuring actions are implemented; and for developing and implementing changes to agency policies, plans, and processes.

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.)

• Performs assessments of department facilities and grounds for compliance with federal, state, local, and military environmental laws, policies, rules, and regulations.

• Collaborates with federal, state, local, and military program areas to develop and implement department policies and procedures for environmental compliance, inspections, assessments, and planning.

• Researches and analyzes environmental regulations to address unique or complex environmental issues, such as identifying the environmental impact from the testing and ongoing use of new military equipment and develops related policy and procedural recommendations.

• Prepares Records of Environmental Consideration, Environmental Assessments, and Environmental Impact Statements to analyze and describe the impact that construction projects and military training will have on the surrounding environment and ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

• Completes Environmental Condition of Property (ECP) evaluations for real estate actions, proposed construction, or other activities.

• Develops policies for and implements environmental programs involving the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and related environmental legislation.

• Prepares Record of Non-attainment Assessments for new Pennsylvania National Guard activities and construction projects.

• Conducts complaint investigations to determine areas of noncompliance, develops corrective action plans, and advises program areas on mitigation strategies.

• Evaluates, identifies, and requests needed repairs to damaged underground and above-ground storage tanks.

• Assesses and approves corrective action plans to remedy storm water drainage problems, such as weed removal and installation of pollution prevention devices.

• Responds to chemical spills and releases, ensures the event is documented, 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, and physical sciences related to environmental protection.

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

• Knowledge of environmental laws including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

• Knowledge of environmental protection problems and issues related to air, water, storm drainage, soil, building construction, and storage tanks.

• Knowledge of the methods and equipment used in the handling, storage, and cleanup of 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 conduct environmental compliance inspections.

• Ability to assess facility operations, grounds, activities, and construction plans based on compliance with environmental laws and department policies.

• Ability to interpret the impact of environmental plans and practices.

• Ability to draft and implement environmental policies and procedures.

• 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)

• One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 1, DMVA (Commonwealth title);

or

• Two years 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.