Placer County

Environmental Resources Specialist (#14540)

$41.80-$52.20 Hourly / $7,245.33-$9,048.00 Monthly / $86,944.00-$108,576.00 Yearly


DEFINITION

To assist in the development, implementation, monitoring and compliance of the County’s solid waste management program, including solid waste reduction, recycling, composting, household hazardous waste program collection, and material recovery facility and landfill operations; to develop promotional and educational activities on waste reduction and other related subjects to ensure compliance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements; to prepare grant applications and process grant documents; and to assist in the administration of contracts.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from other professional and management personnel.
 
May exercise functional and technical supervision over outside consultants, contract employees, and/or technical and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Assist in the development, implementation, monitoring and compliance of the County’s solid waste reduction, recycling, composting, household hazardous waste programs, and material recovery facility and landfill operations.
  • Research, compile, analyze and interpret information and data necessary to meet program objectives.
  • Consult with department management staff to determine goals and objectives of the related programs; make recommendations for County integrated waste management programs and goals; conduct waste audits and make recommendations to reduce and recycle wastes.
  • Measure the effectiveness of existing programs; assist in development and recommendation of new programs that target additional materials and populations, work closely with residents, community groups, local and regional public and private agencies/companies in coordination of solid waste program activities.
  • Prepare grant applications and process grant documents including all progress and final payment reports; assist in the preparation of requests for proposal (RFP) and contract agreements including CEQA documents.
  • Participate in the preparation, administration, monitoring and evaluation of contracts; participate in negotiating contracts with outside vendors, consultants or organizations; assist in monitoring fiscal and legal liabilities of the same.
  • Analyze and review invoices, technical documents and reports, draft advertisements, articles, and public service announcements prepared by assigned staff; provide feedback and direction as needed; assist in the development of staff training programs; provide technical and/or specialized expertise to assigned clerical/technical staff; interpret regulations, ordinances, and policies to staff, consultants and the general public as needed. 
  • Assist in the preparation, review and monitoring of program budgets; submit justifications for budget requests.
  • Develop promotional and educational activities to promote public awareness and involvement in environmental issues; prepare informational materials for public and business outreach programs; assist in notifying and developing publicity for various programs; coordinate and deliver informative environmental health and safety resource presentations to groups comprised of residents, merchants, businesses and/or civic groups.
  • Conduct solid waste assessments of businesses in order to develop recommendations designed to increase waste diversion; provide technical assistance to businesses, recyclers, schools, and residents; meet with merchants and attend community meetings and waste advisory meetings to report on activities.
  • Prepare a variety of written communications including reports on activities and correspondence; oversee the preparation of graphic materials; prepare agendas for meetings; maintain program records.
  • Respond to public inquiries regarding environmental issues including recycling and waste reduction programs; investigate and resolve complaints.
  • Coordinate solid waste projects with other County departments to ensure compliance with elements of County General Plan and related community plans.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible experience in solid waste management, recycling, land use or environmental health planning work, or a related field.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the knowledge and abilities indicated above. Typical courses may include urban, regional or environmental planning, science, environmental or civil engineering, or other related subject area. 

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • California Integrated Waste Management Act.
  • California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
  • Local ordinances and regulations applicable to planning and implementing integrated waste management programs.
  • Principles, practices and methods of solid waste facility program planning and administration.
  • Principles, practices and methods used in public information programs.
  • Principles and practices of environmental health and safety.
  • Principles and practices of grant application preparation, project and contract administration, including budget management and basic accounting.
  • Statistical research methods and data analysis techniques.
  • Budgeting procedures and techniques associated with solid waste management programs.
  • Computer systems and applications.
  • Modern office practices, procedures and computer equipment and related applications. 

Ability to:

  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job. Intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and solve problems; sit at desk for long periods of time; and stand at the counter to answer questions of the public.
  • Intermittently walk, stand, kneel, climb and bend in the field; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; intermittently write or use a keyboard to communicate and occasionally lift moderate weight.
  • Conduct research and analyze data relating to integrated waste management programs.
  • Understand, interpret and apply laws, ordinances, regulations, complex rules and related procedures to program activities.
  • Assist in the development and monitoring of program budget.
  • Provide technical and functional supervision to assigned staff.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of plans and programs in achievement of goals and objectives.
  • Prepare public education information and program materials to be presented to residents, businesses, schools and community groups.
  • Assist in the preparation, negotiation and administration of contract agreements.
  • Organize and coordinate the activities of public and private recycling programs.
  • Prepare and complete grant applications for program funding including the monitoring of activities and preparation of appropriate reports in support of grants.
  • Prepare clear, comprehensive and concise reports and correspondence.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Represent the County in meetings with other agencies and the general public.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.

CLASS: 14540; EST: 11/1/2001; REV: 8/1/2008;