ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 1- AQM

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this classification is to perform complex environmental and public health compliance functions involving inspection, problem identification, and enforcement duties in an environmental program specialty such as air quality control.

Essential Functions

The Environmental Specialist 1 is responsible for the following essential functions:

• Performs environmental compliance monitoring and inspections in a program specialty such as air quality management
• Provides consultative, technical, or educational services to industry, organizations, or individuals regarding the necessity and methodology of enhancing environmental health standards, practices, and safety
• Enforces and ensures compliance with all applicable environmental and health laws, county ordinances, and related rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations
• Investigates complaints from the public and governmental agencies; develops corrective recommendations for identified problems; initiates legal action when necessary to effect compliance
• Performs environmental and public health monitoring work with industry operations or planned operations; including sampling, use of testing devices, or evaluation of pollutants to determine environmental compliance and public health safety
• Performs plan reviews for new industry operations, or (where specified) renovated industry operations, to ensure compliance with federal, state, or local laws/regulations
• Analyzes pollution control devices, systems, and operations; prepares resulting reports
• Assists in conducting epidemiological studies concerning any environmental or public health classified disease or potential disease
• Monitors the issuance of program permitting through permit applications review, inspections, fee payment, and lawful compliance of all rules/regulations
• Manages computer database and conducts computer modeling studies pertaining to environmental pollutants or public health disease transmission
• Provides technical expertise in administrative hearings or legal proceedings resulting from regulatory functions
• Maintains records; prepares operating reports, inspections reports, or other documentation
• Respond to and report immediately if called upon by local, regional or central office supervisors, as part of a coordinated emergency response by the Knox County Mayor’s Office
• Perform other duties as required

Minimum Training & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Science, Engineering, or closely related field; minimum of two years’ previous experience and/or training involving environmental or public health compliance or a related area
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered for employment into the position
• Must possess and maintain a valid Tennessee Driver’s License

Specialized Knowledge

Must be proficient in Windows OS and Microsoft Office

Competencies

• Ensure regular, punctual attendance during scheduled work hours
• Basic understanding of computers, printers and other office equipment
• Ability to focus and demonstrate great attention to detail
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team
• Contribute to continuous performance improvement.
• Modify practices in consideration of changes
• Incorporate ethical standards of practice into all interactions
• Communicate in writing and orally with linguistic and cultural proficiency
• Convey data and information
• Recognize the influence of population diversity on programs, policies and services
• Develop and implement policies, programs and services
• Develop and maintain relationships that affect health

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to engage in occasional light physical activity.

Occupational Hazards

N/A

Knox County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Knox County Government may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.