Environmental Specialist II (Water Quality) - Mecklenburg County, NC : Job Details

Follow your calling, Find your careerPlease apply by: 12/6/24Salary Range: $45,553 - $68,330This is an exempt (salaried) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant's salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.At Mecklenburg County, you'll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We're counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.Working at Mecklenburg County for LUESA, (Land Use and Environmental Service Agency) you will help to provide key services that will contribute to an exceptional quality of life for Mecklenburg County residents. LUESA's responsibilities range from enforcing building and zoning codes to managing water and air resources for future generations. Working with LUESA provides an opportunity to partner with some of the most creative minds and inspiring leaders. If you are interested in working for a collaborative team that is driven by success and innovation you have found the right organization. We welcome talented, high-energy, fun team members to partner with our community to enhance our quality of life through environmental stewardship and economic vitality.More About the RoleThis position is part of the Lakes and Biologicals Team in the Water Quality Program. Our overall goal is Clean Water, but our team primarily focuses on performing various monitoring activities that include routine water quality sampling of five (5) lakes, bathymetric surveys and sedimentation assessments in lake coves, and the collection and identification of benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, and algae from our surface water resources. We perform data analysis to identify short and long-term water quality trends, and we make recommendations and implement strategies for improving water quality conditions. We partner with other organizations with similar goals to protect and restore our water resources. The position will also serve on an Emergency Response Team, which requires on-call duty approximately 2 to 3 weeks per year.What Will I be DoingYou will be part of a team that conducts various types of surface water quality monitoring activities. You will assist with the Cove Monitoring and Protection Program which will include performing bathymetric surveys, sediment coring, and sediment probing via the water quality boat, bass raider, and kayaks. You will assist in the implementation of a sediment source fingerprinting project in lake watersheds. You will collect lake surface water samples for physical and chemical analysis. You will assist lead staff in the collection of benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, and algae. You will participate in our streamwalk program which requires you to walk in the stream to look for pollution problems and to inspect stormwater infrastructure. You will also respond to numerous citizen requests and environmental incidents involving potential pollution issues in our surface waters such as spills and discharges. You will enforce local surface water regulations by conducting inspections and issuing Notices of Violation. You will spend a lot of time performing field work in all weather conditions.Who Will I be Working WithYou will be working with an enthusiastic group of environmental professionals that are passionate about protecting the environment. You will also be working with various municipal departments, local businesses, and community members.Position SummaryPerforms technical and investigative work involving enforcement of various codes and regulations toprotect public health, safety, and the environment. This position, under minimal supervision, may alsoperform site inspections, collects and analyzes samples and data, and responds to citizen complaints.Essential FunctionsReview field inspection reports and assign and monitor follow-up corrective and enforcementactions and plansInvestigate complaints concerning suspected violations of environmental laws, rules andregulationsCoordinate and participate in enforcement actions with external agenciesDraft, prepare, and review reports, correspondence and other documents concerning complaintsand enforcement activitiesConsult with management, other governmental agencies and industry representatives onenvironmental mattersDevelop data processing applications involving databases and spreadsheets to compile,inventory, and manage field testing, sampling and investigations dataOrder field equipment and supplies used in conducting field sampling, testing and investigationsProvide technical guidance and may schedule, assign, train and oversee review the work ofothersConduct field tests, sampling, and investigations to assess the natural environment and todetermine sources of and methods for controlling pollutants in air, water and soilPerform public education and outreach activities in various settings such as the field, office orclassroom environmentsAssist with the preparation of grant applications to fund environmental programs as directed.Operate environmental monitoring equipment, following quality controls and good laboratorypractice (GLP)Minimum QualificationsExperience:Minimum of two years of experience.Education:Bachelor's degree in an environmental or scientific field.Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: YesLicenses and CertificationsRequires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's LicenseRequires County Driving PrivilegesAnnual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check requiredKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge ofEnvironmental assessment and pollution control principles, practices and methodsField testing, sampling and investigation techniques and proceduresFederal, state and local environmental laws, rules and regulationsSkillsMaintaining field monitoring and data equipmentConducting field observationsPreparing reportsCollecting field samplesOrganizing, evaluating, and acting upon observations identified in the fieldAbilitiesApplied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely mannerBusiness Acumen: Using economic, financial, market and industry data to understand andimprove business results; using one's understanding of major business functions, industry trendsand own organization's position to contribute to effective business strategies and tacticsCollaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaininggood working relationshipsCommunication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individualsor groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain theinformation providedComputer SkillsProficient in applicable computer programsWork EnvironmentWorks in outdoor exposed to weather conditionsSelectionThis classification has been identified as having a role in the development ofADA compliant technologies and for which the incumbent agrees to followCounty policies to the best of their abilities in order to meet these obligations.NoReasonable Accommodations StatementTo accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonableaccommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made tohelp enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Disclaimer StatementThis is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements orworking conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request.Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positionsmay be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.