This class is the entry level in a series of classes responsible for environmental specialist work in a field office of either an environmental protection agency or the Department of Transportation. Positions in this class address issues that pertain to the maintenance, evaluation, and protection of the environment by either focusing on a specific environmental program or multiple environmental program areas such as air quality, noise abatement, energy protection, water quality, toxic substances, hazardous waste, and/or special environmental concerns. In an environmental protection agency positions at this level evaluate effluents by sampling and analyzing water and waste water; planning and implementing water monitoring programs; investigating pollution complaints; conducting special biological studies and data analysis; and reviewing and processing discharge permits. In the Department of Transportation positions at this level research and analyze highway construction and maintenance projects’ impact on the environment; research, prepare, and obtain approval of detailed district environmental documents, involving multiple environmental issues; assemble, process and obtain approval of water quality permits; and conduct special environmental studies. This class is distinguished from the Environmental Specialist Senior-Field in that this class performs more routine work assignments and is not involved in lead work.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of routine difficulty using established work procedures according to federal and state policies, standards, and laws. Positions in this class apply state and federal policy, regulations, and program requirements to activities and projects affecting the environment.

In an environmental protection agency these positions sample and analyze water; investigate pollution complaints and make recommendations regarding solutions; conduct biological studies and data analysis; review and process discharge permits; prepare endangered species evaluations; oversee cleanup of oil spills and hazardous chemical spills; and serve as a member of a pollution response program.

In the Department of Transportation these positions perform research and analysis of impacts of highway construction projects on the environment. Prepares, writes, and obtains approval of environmental documents and water quality permits packages; maintains and monitors project information, status, and files; collects, compiles, and analyzes technical data using personal computer programs; collects and analyzes biolog1ce1, ecological, and cultural data; conducts traffic noise studies; writes status and technical reports and assists in special environmental studies requ1 red for project compliance; attends and participates in public meetings, hearings, and interagency meetings.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from a regional or district Environmental Manager-Field, or other supervisory/management staff in an environmental discipline.

Scope: Work affects the condition of the environment of an assigned field office area, and the completion and accuracy of related studies and projects concerning a variety of environmental disciplines.

Impact of Actions: Effective decisions result in the maintenance of a healthy environment. Errors may have a negative impact on the agency, the environment and the public’s perception of the agency. Work is typically closely monitored by a supervisor or lead worker and major errors should not go undetected.

Personal Contacts: Frequent oral and written contacts; with other state agencies, the public, state and local governments, consulting firms, and federal agencies to acquire and/or provide information, policy interpretation, and compliance requirements.

Knowledge: Some knowledge of pollution control and/or environmental practices and procedures; federal and state policies, regulations, and standards regarding environmental and/or pollution practices; site sampling techniques; laboratory testing procedures; scientific equipment maintenance; and of personal computer programs for data monitoring and analysis.

Skills: Working skill in the operation of computer and/or necessary sampling equipment.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to write technical reports and interpret applicable federal and state policy and regulations) to research, prepare and write environmental documents; and to analyze data, interpret results and make recommendations regarding litigation for environmental protection.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in environmental science, environmental laws, environmental planning, aquatic ecology, chemistry, biology, engineering, physics, landscape architecture, forestry, sociology, agronomy, hydrology, geology, ecology, aquatic chemistry, ichthyology, waste water treatment, land preservation, or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience in sampling, data analysis, or experience in assessing environmental condition as related to the work.

Any equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for education and experience.

This class was revised in February 1988, as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program. This class, along with the Environmental Program Specialist class, replaces the Pollution Control Specialist A and Highway Environmental Specialist A classes.

Last updated: 7/1/88