Definition: Serves as an environmental specialist performing one or more of the following functions under direction and supervision: compliance and enforcement; performs and evaluates scientific analysis and technical services on assigned office or field projects; assists in the development of draft legislation; conducts surveys, analyses and records field conditions; project administration and environmental technical assistance for grants/contract/loans; gathers and analyzes information to develop recommendations and make decisions, and/or permit development.

Typical Work

Installs, operates and maintains environmental monitoring/sampling equipment; performs independently or as a part of a team to complete field and office surveys, studies and other special activities; prepares draft reports of assigned independent or team activities;

Performs general equipment repair and calibration in accordance with specifications and standard operating procedures; performs review of monitored data for precision and accuracy;

Investigates complaints; performs inspections/surveillance; performs draft permit evaluations/reports; assists in issuing notices of violation or noncompliance;

Researches and compiles information for use in regulation or policy development;

Reviews databases or inventories for completeness and accuracy;

Assists in routine public meetings, hearings and workshops;

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

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

Reviews plans for technical accuracy and makes recommendations on the scientific merit of the proposal;

Conducts tests, analyzes, evaluates and interprets data, writes reports, and assists higher level staff;

Develops, maintains, analyzes and utilizes computerized environmental databases in support of technical projects;

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

Develops scientific studies and resource management plans, and conducts research for routine technical projects;

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: methods and techniques of field sampling, testing, data gathering, basic research and field investigations; characteristics and health effects 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, independent judgment in making decisions on environmental problems and completing assigned tasks; understand and interpret plans, maps and equipment specifications; prepare clear and concise written reports and make oral presentations; understand and communicate environmental regulations and statutes; communicate effectively with Ecology 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 and one year of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.

One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 1.

A Master's degree in one of the above fields.

New class: 5-5-72
General revision: 11-10-78
Revised minimum qualifications: 2-15-80
Revised definition and minimum qualifications; deleted distinguishing characteristics: 4-11-86
Revised definition, minimum qualifications, general revision, and title change (formerly Environmentalist 2): 3-11-94