Environmental Specialist (Waste Diversion and Sustainability)

Posting number: 26-10811

Department: TNR (Trans & Natrl Resrc)

Job classification: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Management

Summary

The Operational Sustainability team focuses on waste diversion, climate action planning, and sustainability initiatives geared towards lowering greenhouse gas emissions for Travis County as an organization.
We are currently seeking a self-motivated, qualified Environmental Specialist to assist with organization-wide waste diversion initiatives, education and outreach, and event planning related to the program goals.
The Environmental Specialist will be tasked with coordinating the responsible disposal of waste materials generated by County business operations. Disposal efforts may be hands-on or in collaboration with other departments or 3rd party vendors. Waste streams could include single stream recycling, universal and household hazardous waste, metal & brush recycling, hazardous waste, and other materials as requested. This position will work closely with the program’s contract administrator when necessary to coordinate with vendors.

Other work will include on-the-ground site assessments for the purpose of relationship building and assessing department recycling needs, assistance with illegal dumping and spill response, annual TCEQ Tier II reporting, program inventory purchases and tracking, and assistance with internal education and outreach efforts, including creation of social media content. This position will also plan events related to the program’s waste diversion initiatives. The Environmental Specialist will be critical to the program’s mission of moving the County towards greener, more sustainable business practices.
Requirements will include knowledge of waste diversion methods, strong written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with diverse groups of stakeholders. HAZWOPER certification, knowledge of climate action planning, and experience in event planning and education and outreach are preferred. The Environmental Specialist position is hybrid. There will be minimum requirements for this position to work in the field or off-site every week with some flexibility around work hours, and a mix of office work with teleworking options.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This position may support one or more of the following program areas: Hazardous materials management, hazardous waste management and cleanup, pesticide use and management, household hazardous waste and other special wastes; Solid waste management, recycling, responsible purchasing; Storm water management, erosion and sedimentation controls; Water quality monitoring, assessment, regulation, compliance and policy; Air quality monitoring, assessment regulation, compliance and policy; Land acquisition in support of endangered species protection or other natural resources program; Grant development and administration; Environmental policy and legislative analysis; and Compliance and civil enforcement across multiple program areas. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Examples of duties

• Develops, implements, performs duties of and/or administers countywide natural resource and environmental quality programs.  Includes planning, processing and evaluating projects and activities in support of the programs. Manages multiple projects and activities within authorized scope, schedule and budget.
• Coordinates efforts with contractors, department staff, other departments and agencies, the regulated community,stakeholders and the general public.Serves as departmental liaison for the designated program.
• Analyzes and interprets Federal, State and Local environmental regulations. Recommends, develops and implements procedures and projects consistent with environmental regulations.  Makes recommendations on compliance to the department and the regulated community. ?
• Prepares cost estimates, plans and specifications for outside goods or services within the designated areas ofprogram specialization. Prepares requests for proposals, assists in contract negotiations with vendors, and manages approved contracts in accordance with authorized scope, schedule and budget.  Develops purchase requests for required supplies and services.
• Analyzes, evaluates and presents data, maintain databases and prepares written reports.  Presents findings and reports to department staff and management, other agencies, the Commissioners Court and the public.
• Conducts education and outreach to the general public by participating in information meetings, trainings, and conferences to explain issues related to the programs goals. Represents the departm