12/20/2006 75670

WATER PROGRAM SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional work in a central office water management program in the Department of Environmental Protection.

An employee in this job performs a variety of duties in support of a statewide water management program. Work involves developing and interpreting regulations, policies, procedures and technical guidance for a central office water management program; developing, assessing and delivering technical training programs for field staff or facility operators; evaluating program implementation on a statewide basis; or overseeing statewide compliance monitoring and enforcement efforts. Work includes representing the assigned water management program on technical work groups and special committees; serving as a liaison with federal, state and local agencies; and supporting various technical program management functions, such as the management and quality assurance of scientific data, and the development, negotiation and management of contracts, inter-agency agreements and grants. An important aspect of this work is its focus on supporting a statewide water management program of significant scope and complexity on an ongoing basis, rather than performing the operational aspects of implementing the program within a geographic area of the Commonwealth. Work is assigned in the form of goals and objectives, and the employee exercises considerable independence and judgment in planning, scheduling and completing the work. Work is reviewed upon completion by a professional supervisor for technical accuracy and overall quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, develops, coordinates and evaluates an important component of a statewide water management program such as wastewater collection and treatment, drinking water treatment and distribution, water quality criteria, sewage planning, biosolids, water allocation, erosion and sediment control, water-borne vector management, watershed planning and assessment, water resources planning and various education and outreach programs.

Leads or participates in the development of regulations, policies and procedures for a statewide water management program.

Interprets regulations, policies and procedures for a statewide water management program.

Evaluates the effectiveness of a statewide water management program to ensure consistency in implementation and that technical requirements are met.

Compiles, analyzes and presents technical data and recommendations for the planning, implementation and evaluation of a statewide water management program.

Provides advice to field personnel and facility operators on unusual or complex technical or administrative problems.

Develops methods and procedures for conducting field investigations, collecting samples, performing field testing and related surveillance and assessment activities.

Researches, develops and demonstrates efficient work methods and innovative techniques to field personnel.

Oversees the statewide enforcement program for a water management program, including managing a caseload for multi-site or statewide issues.

Provides advice and direction to field staff on complex compliance and enforcement issues.

Performs technical reviews of water quality assessments and remediation plans conducted by field staff and outside parties.

Leads or coordinates technical work groups to study new or emerging issues in water management or to address program deficiencies.

Plans and conducts independent projects, special studies and investigations with statewide impact on the assigned water management program.

Researches emerging technical issues in water management, surveys other states’ and federal programs, assesses industry trends, and prepares reports of findings and recommendations.

Evaluates the training needs of field personnel, facility operators and the regulated community and develops training courses or materials to address those needs.

Develops strategies and procedures for outreach and technical assistance activities.

Conducts evaluations of the technical, managerial and financial capabilities of wastewater or drinking water systems.

Manages the technical aspects of contracts, grants and inter-agency agreements related to a statewide water management program, including developing the scope of work or eligibility criteria.

Participates in the planning, development and maintenance of data management systems, including data manipulation and quality assurance procedures, to determine if regulatory requirements are met.

Represents a statewide water management program to Commonwealth and federal officials to explain departmental programs, functions, regulations, policies and procedures.

Prepares and delivers formal presentations regarding a statewide water management program.

Participates in the development or analysis of legislative proposals for a statewide water management program.

Participates in the explanation and defense of regulatory proposals.

Travels to field locations.

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

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the federal and Commonwealth laws, regulations and legal precedents governing environmental protection.

Knowledge of the biological, chemical and physical sciences related to the assessment, protection and restoration of water resources.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques utilized in the inspection of facilities for compliance with permit conditions.

Knowledge of the standard enforcement procedures and appropriate policies for ensuring compliance with environmental protection laws and regulations.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used in evaluating the effectiveness of regional and statewide water programs.

Knowledge of the relationships of environmental conditions to human health.

Knowledge of mathematical and statistical methods used in data gathering, analysis and presentation.

Knowledge of data management applications, including various computer databases and spreadsheets, used to track, manage and report on program activities.

Ability to review and analyze written material.

Ability to analyze and present technical data in clear, concise and scientifically accurate reports.

Ability to read and interpret inspection and testing reports, engineering drawings and specifications, and topographic and other maps.

Ability to effectively communicate orally.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of professional environmental protection experience; and a bachelor’s degree in the biological, physical, or environmental sciences, engineering, or in a field closely related to environmental protection or regulation;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes three years of professional environmental protection experience.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Certain positions in this job will require possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.