Environmentalist III

Job Summary

Performs a variety of professional and administrative duties related to maintaining a healthy environment for county residents. May be assigned responsibility for program oversight in areas such as hazardous waste enforcement, solid waste, individual sewage treatment system (ISTS) regulations, or water well regulation. This position is designated as the Board's Agents Under the Local Public Health Act pursuant to MN Stat. 145A.04, subd. 2, with respect to environmental health issues.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Coordinates and administers at least three program areas such as hazardous waste, solid waste, individual sewage treatment systems (ISTS), environmental reviews, or water well regulation. 

• Coordinates and administers annual hazardous waste, solid waste, and ISTS licensing activities and the staff involved in the programs. Administers and enforces the maintenance and compliance inspection portions of the ISTS (septic system) and the staff involved.

• Assists the Environmental Services Manager with administration of the department as directed; assists in the hiring, work direction and evaluation of other department staff; regularly directs department functions for special projects; assists in the preparation of the annual budget, strategic plan, and program evaluation; ensures the completion of activities in the absence of the manager.

• Evaluates potentially dangerous situations and sites and determines the immediacy of action needed to bring about compliance. 

• Devises plans for property clean-up; may collect information and or testify in criminal cases related to clean-up sites and code violations, including performing on-site inspections if needed.

• Coordinates the gathering of data and maintenance of digital data systems relating to environmental health (EH). 

• Assists businesses with waste management plans, understanding a wide variety of chemicals, chemical mixtures, and chemical wastes that cause hazards; advises businesses as to methods for waste management that keep them in compliance with state regulations and county ordinances. 

• Represents the county at local, regional, and state meetings on technical and regulatory matters regarding hazardous waste. 

• Assists with challenging building and ISTS Plans involving properties with septic systems to determine if sites are buildable; including reviewing code requirements regarding soil tests, construction detail, site plan layout, setbacks, and surface/subsurface drainage. 

• Assists with amending ordinance and policies related to ISTS, hazardous waste, and solid waste. 

• Assists others with activities related to the investigation and abatement of public health nuisances; including abandoned wells, dumps, garbage, moldy houses, meth houses, etc. 

• Works at the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility during staff shortages and busy periods. 

• Creates, manages, and troubleshoots databases as well as coordinates complex data management needs and issues; assists with implementing software changes and coordinating ongoing data imaging services. Coordinates the gathering of data and maintenance of digital data systems relating to environmental health.

• Performs customer service answering calls involving general EH issues related to household hazardous waste, recycling, mold, radon, water wells, and excavation of tanks containing oil or hazardous materials. 

• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires equivalency of a bachelor’s degree (MS preferred) in Environmental Health and five years of professional level environmental health experience. One must be a registered Environmental Health Specialist with the State of Minnesota. Required to be standardized, certified, or otherwise qualified as an inspector in three of the following areas: on-site sewage treatment systems, solid waste landfills, water wells, hazardous waste generators and facilities, or 24- or 40-Hour Hazardous Materials Management training. The incumbent shall possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Under the general supervision of the Environmental Services Manager and in accordance with established policies, the incumbent has latitude for independent judgment on a wide variety of Environmental Health in supervising subordinates on assigned tasks, in field inspection situations, and in dealing with the public. Works collaboratively with the Supervisor on matters of significance and those requiring policy decisions. Work is reviewed through conferences and observation of results achieved.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of the nature, scope, and complexity of environmental health issues.

Knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, soils, and geology as those fields of study relate to environmental issues.

Abilities – Ability to explain regulatory provisions with firmness, tact, and courtesy.

Ability to conduct effective inspection programs with an attitude of impartiality and personal responsibility.

Ability to plan studies, conduct research, assemble data, and write reports which effectively present technical and complex issues.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to guide subordinates on a task-level basis.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires field work, typically in a construction oriented setting; and inside work, typically in an office setting. One may be exposed to construction site hazards such as falling debris, moving equipment, chemical/dust exposure, treacherous surfaces, etc. when traversing inspection sites. Incumbent may be exposed to various atmospheric conditions such as odors, dusts, pets, insects, poor ventilation, fumes, inclement weather, etc. when working in the field.  Incumbent may be exposed to uncooperative, angry, and sometimes hostile people.

Physical activities include light to medium work: Sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, driving, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, pushing, pulling, feeling, reaching, lifting, grasping, twisting above the waist, bending at waist, repetitive hand and arm motion, and fine finger manipulation in the use of a computer. Incumbent will climb ladders, enter crawl spaces, exert force to maneuver items, and lift and/or navigate up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment which is necessary for performing the essential duties of the position.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.