JOB TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINEE

JOB CODE: 75400

DEFINITION: This is structured trainee work conducting compliance inspections in a specific environmental field for the Department of Environmental Protection.

An employee in this job receives formal and on-the-job training to develop understanding and competence in performing compliance inspections for an environmental program. Work involves assisting higher-level specialists with environmental inspection, investigation, enforcement, and public relations work in one of the specific environmental fields, such as air quality, waste management, sewage planning, water quality, radiation protection, mining operations, oil and gas, storage tanks, or sanitation. Duties are performed with increasing independence as experience is gained. Work is performed under close supervision, and is reviewed in progress and upon completion for technical accuracy, work quality, and adherence to established policies and procedures.

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.)

• Participates in on-the-job and formal training to develop competency in conducting compliance inspections in a specific environmental field.

• Participates in inspections of regulated facilities, such as surface mining sites, industrial plants, or water treatment facilities, to identify toxic contaminants and other hazardous environmental conditions and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

• Assesses inspection sites to ensure employee and public safety.

• Assists with collecting and shipping chemical and bacteriological samples from environmental sources, such as surface water sources, wells, and other potable water supply sources; eating and drinking facilities; waste systems; or sewage disposal systems.

• Compares case data to laws and regulations to determine if violations occurred, and recommends appropriate action.

• Assists with preparing post-inspection reports and departmental violation orders, which include violations observed, recommended control measures, required corrective action, and correction timelines.

• Assists with researching inspection and case history to gather documentation for court proceedings.

• Attends enforcement conferences to assist with and observe the process for providing background data on cases, answering questions regarding cases, and explaining departmental orders and agreements.

• Assists with responding to complaint investigations involving private, public, commercial, or industrial contaminant or pollutant sources.

• Provides guidance to the regulated community regarding compliance with rules and regulations.

• Assists with application and permit reviews to ensure compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to an environmental specialty, such as water quality, erosion control, or mining methods.

• Responds to emergency situations, such as natural disasters and pollutant releases, by assisting in clean-up operations, setting up evacuation centers, and providing advice and assistance on vector control, waste handling, sewage disposal, manure management, and water supply safety.

• Assists with maintaining mechanical and electronic equipment that produces analyses of environmental conditions.

• Prepares written correspondence to exchange information with facility owners, governmental officials, and the public.

• Operates motor vehicles to travel to inspection sites.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

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

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

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

• Ability to read and interpret written material, including laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and graphics.

• Ability to collect, organize, evaluate, and present data in graphic and narrative form.

• 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.)

• A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field;

or

• Four years of technical experience in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

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