Local recruitment: Environmental Protection Specialist

Job Summary 

The mission of the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is to protect and restore the environment, conserve natural resources, and improve the quality of life in the District of Columbia. As the nation’s capital city, the District will become a model of environmental protection and sustainable environmental practices. In partnership with other District agencies, the federal government, business groups, non-profit organizations, and residents, the department will help instill environmental awareness through innovation and best practices.

This position is in the Municipal Stormwater Branch of the Inspection and Enforcement Division (IED), Natural Resources Administration, Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). The Municipal Stormwater Branch is responsible for protecting water quality by inspecting facilities and infrastructure that may discharge pollution to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). The Branch is also responsible for inspecting stormwater best management practices (BMPs) that treat, retain, and/or detain stormwater. The incumbent will be part of a team responsible for inspection, compliance, and enforcement activities at commercial, institutional, industrial and municipal facilities within the District’s MS4 area and regulated stormwater BMPs.

Duties and Responsibilities 

The incumbent conducts investigations and enforcement actions as part of the illicit discharge detection and elimination program and performs dry weather outfall inspections as part of the program. They will utilize a variety of data management and visualization software to record and document inspection findings, including but not limited to ArcGIS, Quickbase, Salesforce, and the Microsoft product suite. They will also assist in drainage and inland flooding investigations, develop education and outreach programs about the importance of preventing water pollution, and collaborate with other DOEE divisions, the District of Columbia Government, the Federal Government, public and private organizations, and other stakeholders.

Prepares inspectional and investigatory reports from facts and information gathered during field inspections and records review, and maintains database of findings, conclusions, and decisions. Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates sampling data and inspectional cases for sufficiency of documentation and supporting evidence. Refers conclusions to supervisor for assistance in making enforcement or corrective action decisions. Assists in planning, developing, and implementing an inspectional, sampling, investigatory, and enforcement program relating to specialized scientific and technical practices relating to one of the above environmental programs to protect human health and the environment from adverse effects of pollution. Processes a wide range of enforcement actions, including notices of violation, stop work orders and site directives, compliance and cease and desist orders, and civil infraction notices, and serves as a witness in administrative and judicial proceedings.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.  To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must be equivalent to the next lower grade in the normal line of progression.

Preferred Experience: The ideal candidate will have experience in environmental compliance, stormwater management, and working knowledge of water pollution control regulations and stormwater best management practices. The preferred candidate has the ability to manage and analyze data from a variety of software interfaces; experience using Geographic Information Systems, and the ability to interpret construction drawings and site plans. Finally, the preferred candidate has good written and oral communication skills, the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously

License and Certification

Incumbent is required to possess a valid driver’s license.

Working Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in an office and in the field. While at construction sites the incumbent is required to wear protective equipment. Compliance with health and safety regulations is required.

Other Significant Facts 

Tour of Duty: Varies

Pay Plan, Series, Grade: CS-0028-11

Promotion Potential: None

Duration of Appointment: Career Service Term Appointment (not to exceed 13 months).

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under the collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 2725 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee (dues) through direct payroll deduction.

Position Designation: This position requires a pre-employment criminal background check.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.