Environmental Planner

***WE DO NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS THROUGH INDEED***

Apply online at: www.cascadecountymt.gov.

Applications and other necessary documents are also available at:

• Cascade County Human Resources Dept.,
• www.cascadecountymt.gov
• Job Service

Submit all application materials to:
Cascade County Human Resources
325 2nd Ave N #108
Great Falls, MT 59401

Position: Environmental Planner

Salary: $58,000-$63,000 per year DOE

Schedule: Full-time with Benefits

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Department:Planning

Department Administrator:Charity Yonker

Education/Experience/Training:

• Master’s Degree preferred in Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Civil Engineering, or equivalent with education, experience or training in hydrology, hydraulics, watershed principles, regulatory processes, mapping, and standard sampling and laboratory practices. OR
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in environmental science, environmental planning, or related field with two or more years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities of this job.

Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License issued by the State of Montana or the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of hire date.
• Certification as a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Administrator or Reviewer or ability to obtain SWPPP Certification within 6 months of hire.

JOB SUMMARY

The Environmental Planner for the Cascade County Planning and Geographic Information System (GIS) Department performs routine and complex administrative, technical, and professional work for the administration of the Cascade County Stormwater Management Plan and County superfund site(s). This position will engage the public in extensive outreach education programs and act as a community liaison, as well as collaborate with other county departments and divisions, other local jurisdictions and state and federal agencies to ensure project goals, reporting, and monitoring are carried forward in a timely and professional manner and perform other duties as assigned or required.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Serves as project lead on county stormwater management compliance and superfund site remediation efforts. Researches, develops, designs, monitors and coordinates project priorities, timelines and deliverables. Coordinates with other regulatory agencies to manage environmental issues and ensure compliance with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and any other federal, state, and local agencies. Ensures compliance with regulatory, policy, and legal entities, including but not limited to, completing the stormwater annual reports and audits to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and reporting to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Manage EPA Cooperative Agreement grants on behalf of the County including submission of application materials, submitting required reports in a timely manner, processing payments for County Consultant, and ensuring all legal requirements of the Cooperative Agreement are met. Ensures Department regulations are up to date and are in agreement with any state or federal regulations. Interprets, explains, applies, and ensures compliance with provisions of County ordinances and policies pertaining to stormwater, water quality protection, and natural and beneficial functions of floodplains. Liaises with private project consultants, industrial representatives, developers, public and private stakeholders, and members of the public to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, resolve problems, and respond to requests. Presents information and trains internal and external stakeholders, including the general public, other interested parties, government officials, contractors, and county employees. Drafts, reviews, and modifies designs, schematics, and maps of varying types and interprets data. Prepares reports, records, and other documents for various water quality and superfund requirements. Creates and maintains standard operating policies to carry out the stormwater program, and coordinates with other County Departments to ensure these standard operating practices are implemented and followed according to those policies. Performs and coordinates studies, water quality sampling, stormwater infrastructure surveys, construction site inspections, workplace inspections, and investigate illicit discharge reports to ensure compliance with stormwater requirements, and other site inspections for general permitting and compliance. Makes recommendations and plans for potential capital improvement projects for stormwater systems. Manages and coordinates environmental remediation projects and tasks. Participates in committee work for land and resource development, management, and stewardship when requested. Works towards land use redevelopment of the superfund site(s). Reports regularly to Planning Director and BOCC on progress of Cooperative Agreement or issues that arise. Coordinates County zoning processes with Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) for any development activity or changes in zoning to assist with PRP managed Institutional Controls for superfund sites. Coordinates development in a superfund area with City-County Health if there are onsite septic systems planned. Collaborates with City-County Health Department to assist with implementation of a Blood Lead Testing Program, if required. Prepares educational materials related to the status of the Superfund site or FAQ’s related to Blood Lead Testing in coordination with the City-County Health Department, if required. Coordinate with the PRPs and County GIS Coordinator to track remediation status of properties. Attends regular monthly BETAG meetings and any superfund related meetings in the community or organized by EPA, DEQ, the PRP, or other stakeholder groups. Educates realtors, developers, or potential purchasers of property in Black Eagle of the site status and other information relevant to purchasing or building. Prepares grant applications and reporting related to water quality and environmental remediation including, but not limited to, processing reimbursement requests and periodic progress reporting as assigned. Maintains professional affiliations, participates in continuing education activities, attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions. Identifies, analyzes and addresses problems and trends in a timely, efficient and equitable manner. Maintains effective communication with all levels of management and the public. Communicates professionally on the phone, in meetings, and during presentations. Reads, comprehends, plans, organizes and reviews the work to meet MCAs, County regulations and policies, Departmental goals and community needs. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Knowledge and understanding of: National Pollutant Discharges Eliminations System (NPDES) and Montana Pollution Discharge Eliminations System (MPDES) program; Traditional Multiple Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s);Storm Water Management Plans (SWMP) and the six minimum control measure; Stormwater Pollution and Prevention Plans (SWPPP), including but not limited to, best management practices and minimum control measures; Best Management Practices to reduce or eliminate soil erosion and pollution; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) laws, programs, and processes; Local superfund sites; Mapping knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) and the use of geographical positioning systems (GPS); National Flood Insurance Program, the Community Rating System, and floodplain management; Zoning, floodplain and subdivision laws; Planning programs and processes; General principles of land use planning and development; Mathematical, statistical, and engineering computations. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; Current safety practices and inspection and inspection methods and practices; County and Department policies, practices, standards and guidelines; Automated computer systems, computer use and data entry.

Ability to: Plan and organize comprehensive programs within Planning & GIS Department; Maintain a webpage, create and post website content, and utilize social media platforms; Respond to public requests relating to land management policies and regulations; Prioritize the workload presented as a professional; Work on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously; Perform a wide variety of work with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines; Establish effective working relationships with the Board of County Commissioners, other County departments, employees, Federal and State agencies, private agencies, and the general public; Communicate well with others in both technical and non-technical terms, as well orally and in writing; Prepare accurate and reliable reports and presentations containing findings, recommendations and technical documentation; Proficiently use various software programs including word processing, database management, statistical analysis, and geographic information system. Evaluate resources as needed; Organize tasks and work environment to maximize efficiency; Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions; Quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology; Attend meetings, conferences, and trainings within the state of Montana several times a year; Meet challenges with resourcefulness through original thinking and creativity; Identify, analyze and address problems and trends in a timely, efficient and equitable manner; Adapt to interruptions, equipment failures, unusual demands or changing priorities; Handle and safeguard confidential information; Coordinate, analyze and utilize a variety of reports and records; Employ and enforce safety practices and procedures; Perform other duties as assigned or required; Occasionally work outside normal hours as assigned.

The successful applicant shall serve a 1-year probationary period and will have a criminal background check conducted. The results thereof may disqualify the applicant from consideration for employment with the County.

Notice to Applicants: Applicants who are claiming Veteran’s or Handicap Preference must provide a DD-214 Discharge Document (Part 4) or DPHHS Handicap Certification and Employment Preference Form with their application for employment so Cascade County may apply the preference during the selection process.

Cascade County makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with the applicant’s ability to compete in the recruitment and selection process or an employee’s ability to perform the essential duties of the job. For Cascade County to consider such arrangements, the applicants must make known any needed accommodations.

CASCADE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYEE

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $58,000.00 - $63,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work setting:

• In-person

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person