Environmentalist II

Job Summary

Performs a variety of professional duties related to maintaining a healthy environment for county residents. Assignments include planning and enforcement activities in solid waste, hazardous waste, inspection of subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS), enforcement of sewage regulations, investigation of nuisance complaints and related matters, as well as operation of the county Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility and assignments in other areas of the department. One incumbent is designated the Designated Employee for MN Department of Agriculture pursuant to MN Stat. 18.80, subd. 1.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Coordinates the administration of at least one program area. Prepares and/or reviews contracts, makes grant applications, and monitors grant dollars related to program area. Tracks and manages data and prepares reports relative to program area; prepares and submits reports to the state and other agencies, as required. Licenses and re-licenses businesses for regulated activities, including conducting inspections to ensure compliance.

• Evaluates potentially dangerous/hazardous situations and sites and determines the immediacy of action needed to bring about compliance/remediation, includes performing on-site inspections if needed.

• Identifies dangerous/hazardous chemicals, understands incompatibilities, and ensures proper management.

• Collects, categorizes, and packages household hazardous waste for reuse or proper management at the HHW Facility, maneuvering up to 50 pounds. 

• Ensures code enforcement in the areas of Solid Waste, Hazardous Waste, SSTS, and public health nuisance.  

• Reviews proposed lot splits/plats to determine if proposed lots are buildable/meet environmental standards and will be approved for recording, including a review of code requirements regarding soil tests, construction detail, site plan layout, setbacks, and surface/subsurface drainage.

• Conducts inspections and reviews plans and proposals for various residential and commercial properties to determine compliance and to issue permits and licenses. Makes immediate and independent judgement regarding compliance. In cases of noncompliance, determines the action needed and timeline to correct.

• Conducts solid and hazardous waste inspections. Makes immediate and independent judgement regarding compliance. In cases of noncompliance, determines the action needed and timeline to correct.

• Attends meetings with federal, state, and local agencies for specific department or specialty area tasks.

• Provides public education including writing/presenting/facilitating educational materials and events and web publications; education includes work with individuals and groups.

• Gathers information for environmental review processes, including Audits, Phase I studies and – EAWs, EISs, and AUARs to assist in determining the environmental impact of a project.

• Conducts investigations of illegal dumps, burns, abandoned waste, or public nuisance complaints, etc.; enforces rules/regulations outlining corrective action necessary to comply.

• Performs certain duties of Environmental Health Program Coordinator when working at the HHW Facility if Program Coordinator is absent.

• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires equivalency of a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or directly related field and two years of professional experience in the environmental health field. Required to be standardized, certified, or otherwise qualified as an inspector in two of the following areas: subsurface sewage treatment systems, operation of a household hazardous waste facility, solid waste landfills, public nuisance investigation, solid waste program planning and development, water well sanitation, or hazardous waste generators and facilities. A valid driver's license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities are required.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The employee works under the general supervision of the Environmental Services Manager, in accordance with established policies; the incumbent has latitude for independent judgment on a wide variety of Environmental Health issues. Some of these include: arranging and/or attending meetings, developing educational materials, making presentations to groups, schools, and municipal governing bodies, implementing of environmental plans and developing recommendations for consideration, field inspection situations, and in dealing with the public. Reports to supervisor on matters of importance 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 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 and up to 50 pounds when moving various waste items at the HHW facility which is necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

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.