Environmental Specialist Sr

The Operational Sustainability team focuses on waste diversion, climate action, and sustainability initiatives geared towards lowering greenhouse gas emissions for Travis County as an organization. We are currently seeking a self‑motivated, qualified Environmental Specialist Sr. to manage vendor contracts and budgets, lead our education and outreach efforts and waste diversion initiatives, and assist the Program Manager and Planner Sr. with other project work related to the program goals.

The Environmental Specialist Sr. will administer over 20 vendor contracts and manage related project funding. The position will be the primary liaison for all contracted services and will work closely with vendors and Travis County Purchasing and Finance offices. This role will lead all internal education and outreach efforts related to waste diversion, climate planning, and other sustainability initiatives. This position will also have a supporting role in the program’s waste diversion efforts and event planning.

Work includes contract and budget management, relationship building, and leading, planning and implementing education and outreach efforts throughout the organization. This position will also work with staff to support the program’s waste diversion initiatives and event planning.

Requirements will include strong written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to educate diverse groups of stakeholders. Knowledge of waste diversion methods and climate action planning is preferred. The role may require presenting information to elected officials and will sit on select committees.

The Operational Sustainability Program offers flexible work hours, a mix of office and field work, as well as teleworking options.

This position may support one or more of the following program areas:
Hazardous materials management, hazardous waste management and cleanup, pesticide use and management, household hazardous waste and other special wastes;
Solid waste management, recycling, responsible purchasing;
Storm water management, erosion and sedimentation controls;
Water quality monitoring, assessment, regulation, compliance and policy;
Air quality monitoring, assessment regulation, compliance and policy;
Land acquisition in support of endangered species protection or other natural resources program;
Grant development and administration;
Environmental policy and legislative analysis; and Compliance and civil enforcement across multiple program areas. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Develops, implements, performs duties of and/or administers a group of countywide natural resource and environmental quality programs or a single program that require a high level of technical skill, specialized knowledge, or expertise as reflected by an accredited certification or extensive experience. Includes planning, carrying out and evaluating projects and activities in support of the programs. Manages multiple projects, contracts and activities consistent with authorized scope, schedule and budget.
• Coordinates efforts with contractors, department staff, other departments and agencies, the regulated community, stakeholders and the general public. Serves as departmental liaison for the designated programs.
• Analyzes and interprets Federal, State and Local environmental regulations. Recommends, develops and implements procedures and projects consistent with environmental regulations. Makes recommendations on compliance to the department and the regulated community.
• Prepares cost estimates, plans and specifications for outside goods or services within the designated areas of program specialization. Prepares request for proposals, assists in contract negotiations with outside vendors and manages approved contracts. Develops purchase requests for supplies and services required for assigned programs and projects. Assists with development of grant proposals, applications, and contracts for services with other agencies as sources for additional funding.
• Analyzes, evaluates and presents data, maintain databases and prepares…