Environmental Specialist /Water Conservation Coordinator

JOB OBJECTIVE:
This position is one in which the employee performs not only work on a particular job but also holds the responsibility of assisting the coordination special work assignments, community activities, public relations, and works closely with the P.S.J.A. Independent School District to promote the Cities Recycling program. Assists the Public Works Department and the citizens of San Juan in an effort to reduce the waste stream and divert the municipal waste to the Recycling center. The employee will coordinate work with school districts, commercial districts, civic groups, and other government entities. Employee gives continuous and reliable service to the public, which also involves dealing with sensitive matters demanding utmost tact and delicacy. Will have supervisory responsibilities by overseeing the Recycling Division.

This Job is in the Administration Division of the Department of Utilities/Public Works with the City of San Juan and reports to the Director of Utilities/Public Works. The Primary Purpose of this position is to coordinate programs that educate the public about water conservation practices and principles and the provision of regulatory oversight.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Plans, organizes, coordinates and implements programs in the areas of waste recycling, waste prevention and waste minimization.
2. Reviews and assesses public education and drawing efforts related to recycling and municipal waste stream reduction.
3. Plans, develops, and conducts education and training programs for the general public through contacts with businesses, schools, community groups, etc. Complies, prepares and makes available materials for public education and training in a variety of media.
4. Researches availability of grants to provide supplemental funding for specific programs and activities. Prepares grant applications, coordinates grant applications with other agencies as appropriate, administer grant funds which are received.
5. Assist with special assignments in department when requested.
6. Willingness to work flexible hours, if needed.
7. Schedule all presentations with schools, businesses, civic groups, etc. and prepare all materials and giveaways for presentations for Recycling.
8. Conduct presentations to children, adults, and senior citizens at schools, senior centers, civic organizations meetings churches, businesses and area merchants.
9. Prepare monthly reports and maintains data accordingly.
10. Supports and performs storm water inspections, generates follow up work orders, makes maintenance schedule recommendations, and maintains/updates inspection documentation, analyzes trends in inspections and schedule recommendations, and maintains/updates inspection documentation in the maintenance management software system, analyzes trends in inspection and maintenance data.
11. Monitors storm water conditions using software and field inspection data, to include flooding, physical stream changes, bank erosion, and stream characterization. Analyzes effects, trends; recommends actions and time frames.
12. Responds to customer complaints or inquiries from internal/external customers regarding operation and maintenance of storm water drainage issues. Properly responds to service request and performs work orders.
13. Initiates communication with property owners, agencies, and communities regarding necessary maintenance needs, scheduling inspections, and follow-up visits. Makes recommendations to resolve operations deficiencies.
14. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS CONTINUED:
Responsible for developing and implementing new and existing water conservation policies; monitoring programs and activities for compliance with City conservation code and regulations; understanding of the application of water use efficiency best management practices; compiling monthly reports regarding water conservation programs and enforcement activities; traveling to conduct site visits and/or perform inspections to identify potential water conservation concerns; and assessing water conservation performance measures and providing effective solutions for identified problems or concerns. The Water Conservation Coordinator frequently makes water conservation presentations to neighborhood groups and other customers. The employee has continual contact with City Staff at various levels. Boards and committees, outside agencies, consultants and citizens to exchange information and/or provide technical assistance related to divisional activities, including providing warrant documentation and court testimony. The work product is appraised as to the attainment of program objectives and adherence to governing laws and regulations.

Essential Job functions to include

• Implementation of an industry standard software that tracks water use such as AWWA-WAS- version 5 water software or similar industry software
• Monthly reports on raw water purchased, raw water used, raw water treated, treated water pumped to city, pumped water billed and the losses of each category in the water process
• Monthly reports on water breaks, water leaks , maintenance water use at water plants for backwashing and recycling of water, water tower spills and similar water uses
• Monthly reports on wastewater inflow and outflow at wastewater plant.
• Monthly reports on rainfall
• Monthly reports to Mayor and City commissioners on water conservation strategies or strategies to be implemented
• Prepare and implement water conservation education presentations and schools, businesses and city events

Responsible for collecting data, preparing and submitting the annual Texas Water Development Board; Water Use, Water Loss Audit and Water Conservation Report with copies to TCEQ and city staff as required

EQUIPMENT/MATERIAL:
Computer, typewriter, calculator, copy machines, scanner, and other general office equipment, Motorized vehicles, i.e. cars, pickups, and utility vehicles, etc., General Office Equipment, Cell Phone, Camera, Computer, etc. and other equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Works indoors and outdoors as needed while working a normal 5-day, 40-hour week. In some instances, special projects may require occasional night or weekend work. Some traveling when needed to attend seminars or conferences. Work requires some physical effort involving some sitting and standing. Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs.

• Primarily inside, outside when conducting field inspections.
• Subject to working near moving machinery, power tools and vehicles in motion.
• Subject to working in confined and cramped spaces.
• Occasionally exposed to storm elements, such as rain, hail, lighting, high winds, etc.
• Occasionally exposed to large amounts of dust.
• May be exposed to varying amounts of noxious odors and chemical substances.
• Note: Typically, City Employees working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, working hours vary (may require to begin before 8:00 a.m. and/or end beyond 5:00 p.m., and/or may work on weekends and holidays), and are subject to change, based on the duties and location of the position and the business needs of the assigned work division/department.

Job Requirements:

• Knowledge of general municipal water codes and regulations, and industry standards for water conservation programs, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public education.
• Knowledge of irrigation system components and water efficient appliances and equipment.
• Knowledge of a skill in performing landscape water requirement calculations.
• Knowledge of and skill in demonstrating work and safety procedures.
• Skill in development and coordination of community outreach, programs and activities.
• Skill and ability to critically assess and organize large amounts of information.
• Skill in speaking effectively before groups.
• Skill conveying technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Skill communicating verbally and in writing using tact and diplomacy.
• Skill in using standard office computer application software with an ability to learn new software.
• Ability to analyze and improve current work methods and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability and willingness to work independently.
• Ability and willingness to assume responsibility for decisions made.
• Ability and willingness to work within strict time constraints.
• Ability and willingness to testify in court.
• Possession of a valid driver license (Texas)

Physical Requirements

• Flexibility, mobility and body coordination enough to continuously move oneself from place to place when walking over rough terrain, climbing fences, conducting field inspections, etc.
• Stamina enough to exert oneself physically throughout the working day.
• Strength enough to lift, push, pull, or carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Hearing and speech enough to read the fine print found in specification books, on reduced copies of maps and plans, computer generated reports, etc.

Manual and finger dexterity enough to operate standard office equipment, computer keyboards, motor vehicles and utilize routine field inspection equipment, etc.

EDUCATION/SKILLS REQUIRED:
Requires a High School diploma with a minimum of (1) year experience in academic and/or hands on administrative assistance functions. Must have a minimum of (3) years’ experience in public speaking and Water Conservation. Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Requires individual to be bilingual (English and Spanish). Must be computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office, email and internet. Must have excellent grammar, writing, communication and organizational skills. Preferred Qualifications: Code Enforcement Certification as it relates to MS4 and experience in working with the public sector, in a Public Works capacity and specialized course work in water conservation, environmental science or related field preferred. Requires a valid Texas driver’s license.