ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

DEFINITION

This is entry-level technical and professional work in the implementation of federal/state laws and regulations related to natural resource management, protection, conservation and/or reclamation, and environmental health programs. Responsibilities may include one or more of the following areas; air quality, water quality, public drinking water protection, land reclamation, hazardous or solid waste management, environmental public health, and/or soil and water conservation.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Participates in basic investigations of potential and existing environmental health and safety problems and issues concerning the quality of the state's natural resources.

Participates in basic inspections and monitoring of pollution sources to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

Assists with collecting samples of air, water and/or waste for bacteriological, physical, chemical, or biological analysis.

Participates in the review, processing, or preparation of documents relating to permits, applications, contracts, plans and specifications, grants, and special studies.

Assists with project administration involving the collection and compilation of expenditures, contract and agreement negotiations and preparation, invoice review, inspection of project progress, and communications with contractors or grant/loan recipients.

Assists with examining and preparing charts, tables, maps and other pertinent documents for the presentation of data; prepares technical reports of investigations, findings, and analyses.

Assists with presentations, planning public exhibits, communicating risks to the public, publicizing accomplishments, and promoting a variety of programs and environmental protection projects.

Provides administrative and technical assistance with practical applications of state statutes, commission rules, program policies and procedures.

Discusses basic environmental problems with representatives of public and private interests.

Provides notice of non-compliance and/or identifies potential problem areas; initiates enforcement actions or provides recommendations for resolution.

Receives general administrative direction; work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Introductory knowledge of current environmental issues, principles, techniques, and terminology related to natural resource management, protection, conservation and/or reclamation, and environmental health programs.

Introductory knowledge of investigation, analysis, research and statistical methods/techniques and procedures.

Introductory knowledge of environmental monitoring equipment usage and operation.

Ability to perform statistical computations.

Ability to evaluate data.

Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, maps, technical plans, and reports.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, private sector management, and the general public.

Ability to travel in the performance of assigned duties.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 30 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Environmental Science or Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physical Science, Geology, Engineering, Agronomy, Forestry, Soil Science, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Agriculture, Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, Soil Conservation, or a closely related field.

(Professional experience in environmental protection, environmental or ecological assessment, environmental public health programs, environmental education, wastewater/public drinking water inspections or environmental program planning and coordination may substitute on a year-for-year basis for deficiencies in the required education.)

(Minor Revision 4/19/06)