Definition: Serves as an entry-level environmental specialist performing one or more of the following functions under close direction and supervision: routine compliance and enforcement; assists in the development of draft legislation, policies and regulations; conducts routine scientific analyses and technical services on assigned office or field projects; provides regulatory assistance; project administration and environmental technical assistance for grants/contracts/ loans; provides interpretation of policy and technical assistance; conducts less complex surveys, analyses and records field conditions; gathers and analyzes information to assist in developing recommendations and decisions-making, and/or assists in permit development.

Typical Work

Assists in the installation, operation and maintenance of environmental monitoring/sampling equipment; assists in performing field and office surveys and studies; performs surveillance and other special projects;

Assists in routine repairs and calibrations of environmental monitoring/sampling equipment, in accordance with specifications and standard operating procedures; performs basic sampling data review for precision and accuracy;

Assists in responding to complaints, routine inspections/surveillance and permit review to meet compliance requirements;

Assists in the research and compilation of basic information for use in regulation or policy development;

Enters and maintains basic databases or inventories;

Assists in preparing for public meetings, hearings and workshops;

Assists with routine inspections or investigations of facilities or project sites which require specialized knowledge of industry processes, pollutant sources, or natural processes;

Responds to routine inquiries or requests for technical assistance regarding the scientific background and technical implementation of agency programs;

Reviews plans for technical accuracy and makes recommendations to higher level staff;

Conducts routine sampling and test, analyzes, evaluates and interprets data, writes reports, and assists higher level staff;

Maintains and utilizes computerized environmental databases in support of technical projects;

Reviews routine permit applications for technical accuracy and makes recommendations regarding the scientific merit of the proposal;

Provides environmental technical and administrative assistance to grant/contract/ loan recipients in the planning, design, construction and/or implementation of environmental protection projects;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: field investigative techniques and data gathering and basic research; practices and methods of environmental problem solving; soil, water or air sampling methods and techniques; characteristics of pollutants; principles, practices, and methods of environmental science, natural resource management, pollution prevention and pollution control; applicable state, federal, and local environmental regulations.

Ability to: use sound judgment in performing assigned tasks; understand and apply environmental regulations and related laws; write clearly and concisely and prepare maps, plans, charts and graphs; communicate effectively with agency staff, other agencies, industry and the general public.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

Experience at or above the Environmental Technician level or equivalent will substitute, year for year, for education.

New class: 5-5-72
General revision: 11-10-78
Revised minimum qualifications: 3-15-80
Revised definition; deleted distinguishing characteristics: 4-11-86
Revised definition, minimum qualifications, general revision, and title change (formerly Environmentalist 1): 3-11-94