ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III

DEFINITION

This is senior-level technical and professional work in the implementation of federal/state laws and regulations related to natural resource management, protection, conservation and/or reclamation, and environmental health programs. Responsibilities may include one or more of the following areas; air quality, water quality, public drinking water protection, land reclamation, hazardous or solid waste management, environmental public health, and/or soil and water conservation.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Researches, investigates, and provides recommendations regarding potential and existing environmental health and safety problems and issues concerning the quality of the state's natural resources; investigates complaints regarding pollution problems or possible health hazards.

Implements and enforces environmental laws, statutes, regulations, program policies and procedures; provides direction relating to compliance issues; suggests various funding opportunities to assist with expenditures; conducts inspections for compliance, and monitors pollution sources.

Coordinates and directs projects and program efforts involving local, state, and federal agencies; communicates exposures, risks and related issues to the public, officials, and other interested parties.

Interprets, develops, prepares, and implements complex air, water and/or waste sampling plans; collects, processes, and monitors samples.

Directs and participates in comprehensive environmental surveys and studies; evaluates and interprets findings, and prepares scientific reports; implements corrective actions as needed.

Provides administrative and technical assistance to representatives of other agencies, officials, facility owners and operators, and the public relating to environmental programs, laws, regulations, statutes, and contract specifications.

Responds to environmental emergencies; oversees or conducts site assessment, characterization and/or remediation of contaminated sites or environmental emergencies.

Presents information to public and professional groups to promote environmental programs and awareness.

Represents the department in settlement agreements; participates in negotiations to gain compliance with environmental programs, laws, rules, and regulations; develops complex enforcement plans.

Recommends appropriate technical tests to determine environmental damage and/or threats to the public's health; performs field analysis utilizing complex, technical scientific equipment.

Reviews, processes, or prepares complex operating permits and regulatory registrations.

Serves as a lead worker providing training and advice to staff, and may lead special work groups or teams.

Exercises significant independence and initiative in completing assignments; receives general administrative direction; work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Comprehensive knowledge of current environmental issues, principles, techniques, and terminology related to natural resource management, protection, conservation and/or reclamation, and environmental health programs.

Comprehensive knowledge of investigation, analysis, research and statistical methods/techniques, regulatory process, and environmental control scientific theories and practices.

Comprehensive knowledge of resource sampling, data collection, and usage/operation of environmental monitoring equipment.

Intermediate knowledge of management principles and practices.

Intermediate knowledge of scientific theory, principles, and practices as applied to environmental control.

Ability to analyze and evaluate environmental problems and technical plans/reports.

Ability to develop and write grants, bids, contracts, and cooperative agreements.

Ability to coordinate inspections and/or investigations related to environmental issues and to apply scientific theories and legal interpretations.

Ability to manage numerous tasks and make decisions.

Ability to communicate effectively and make presentations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, private sector management, and the general public.

Ability to travel in the performance of assigned duties.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

Two or more years of experience as an Environmental Specialist II, Soil and Water District Coordinator II, Water Specialist II, Air Quality Monitoring Specialist II, Soil Scientist II, Land Reclamation Specialist II, or Chemist II with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.

OR

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 30 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Environmental Science or Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physical Science, Geology, Engineering, Agronomy, Forestry, Soil Science, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Agriculture, Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, Soil Conservation, or a closely related field; and,

Four or more years of professional experience in environmental protection, environmental or ecological assessment, environmental public health programs, environmental education, wastewater/public drinking water inspections, or environmental program planning and coordination.

(Additional qualifying experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for deficiencies in the required education.)

(24 earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified areas may substitute for one year of the required general experience. A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in the specified areas may substitute for two years of the required general experience.)

(Minor Revision 4/19/06)