Environmental Specialist I (Dallas Water Utilities - Civil Service)

Dallas is Growing. Grow With Us. Looking for more than just a job? The City of Dallas offers careers with purpose. With competitive benefits, growth opportunities, and a vibrant work culture, we’re committed to helping you thrive while you help our city flourish. Be part of a team that’s committed to service, innovation, and community. Job Summary Under supervision, performs routine environmental work conducting field inspections and investigations of simple facilities and/or construction sites, collects and documents samples, assists with more complex inspections or investigations to determine compliance with environmental laws and regulations, including permits. Job Description Overview The Environmental Specialist I evaluates and investigates City of Dallas’ compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and standards. Performs routine inspections, responds to spills, collects environmental samples (water, soil, sludge), participates in continuous training, and documents findings. Essential Functions 1 Performs general environmental evaluations and inspections, and reviews City of Dallas’ services and utilities; investigates complaints and prepares compliance reports for environmental agencies. Coordinates with the Environmental Compliance Committee, assisting with permit requirements for the municipal storm sewer system and other regulatory programs. 2 Performs quality monitoring of incidents such as spills or other potentially hazardous situations; ensures spills are cleaned appropriately and thoroughly, assists with investigating causes of incidents to determine preventability, and files incident reports and any related documents. 3 Inspects city facilities for environmental compliance; reviews waste storage areas, water facilities, stormwater management tactics, and other water activities; observes and identifies issues and escalates concerns; monitors completion of identified issues. 4 Studies and applies environmental policies, rules, regulations, and standards to meet city expectations; participates in training and education to ensure all inspections and compliance activities are completed accurately and efficiently. 5 Participates in 24-hour emergency response service requests and documents emergency response investigations. 6 Conducts environmental quality monitoring and sampling to meet program requirements, including collecting grab samples, following chain of custody procedures, preserving sample integrity, recording field results, and preparing samples for laboratory analysis. 7 Performs other work as needed or assigned. Knowledge and Skills 1 Knowledge of environmental compliance regulations, such as The Clean Water Act (CWA) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). 2 Knowledge of environmental procedures and inspection tactics, such as RG-416 Surface Water Monitoring Procedures (Bio Program) and RG-415 TCEQ Surface WQ Monitoring Procedures (Physical & Chemical Monitoring). 3 Knowledge of Environmental codes, ordinances, and regulations, such as Texas Water Quality Standards. Ability to perform inspections and document findings. Ability to compile relevant data and communicate findings in a comprehensive manner. Basic skill in managing results and ensuring resolution of issues. 4 Skill in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. 5 Skill in Power BI, GIS, and Excel. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: High School diploma or GED. EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of experience in performing environmental inspections, handling hazardous materials, performing chemical analysis in waste management, spill response or soil/water/air/groundwater sample collection for environmental compliance. EQUIVALENCY: An associate’s degree or higher in an engineering, environmental or physical sciences field will meet the education and experience requirements. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: Valid driver’s license and good driving record. A forty (40)-hour HAZWOPER certification must be obtained within the probationary period for all spill response divisions. For Stormwater Neighborhood division, a Certified Environmental Storm Water Compliance Professional (CESCP) certification and a Boater Certificate must be obtained within the probationary period. For Water Quality division, Class D Water license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is required and a Boater Certificate must be obtained within the probationary period. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must pass background investigation. No Felony convictions. Cannot currently be on deferred adjudication for any Felony, Class A or Class B Misdemeanor. Availability to work varying shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Subject to twenty-four (24) hour call-out. Working conditions include potential exposure to bio-hazardous material(s), hazardous chemicals, inclement weather, and confined spaces. PREFERRED: OSHA 30-hour Safety Certification (DWU) Certified Inspector of Sediments and Erosion Control (CISEC) and Qualified Inspector of Stormwater (QCIS) certifications (DWU) Experience with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) (DWU) Salary Range $22.32 - $24.56 The salary listed on this job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications. City of Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.