Environmental Specialist - Environmental Contaminants

The Delaware Environmental Laboratory is a full-service lab that tests and assesses water, air, soil, hazardous materials, and biological samples. The lab helps facilitate the management of Delaware’s natural resources and the protection of Delaware’s water resources.  for more information about the Environmental Laboratory in the Division of Water.

The Environmental Specialist I supports Delaware’s efforts to protect its water and soil resources from the impacts of environmental contaminants. The primary responsibilities of the selected candidate will be to conduct field sampling using boats and other field vehicles, as well as performing analysis within the laboratory, such as preparing samples using various filtering and extraction techniques. This position will utilize laboratory information systems and statistics and coordinate with their supervisor/coworkers to complete their responsibilities.

All work is performed under the general supervision of a technical supervisor in accordance with standard operating procedures and established methods.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Performs environmental specialist work in an environmental specialty area such as wildlife/endangered species, wetlands and vegetation, noise, air quality, civil rights, architecture/historic properties, and archaeology sites.
• Provides guidance and technical assistance to engineering and project personnel, representatives from local, state and federal agencies, and project stakeholders to incorporate environmental and sociocultural considerations into project and/or program activities.
• Ensures that State project and/or program plans, construction and maintenance are all in compliance with local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations related to water quality, wetlands, air quality, noise, wildlife, civil rights, historic preservation, and recreational sites.
• Conducts research, field studies and evaluations for compliance with regulatory requirements; observes, collects, analyzes, reviews and interprets data, technical reports, and regulatory submissions to make recommendations on project and/or program alternatives.
• Prepares technical reports, documentation on consultation efforts, project effect documentation, permits, and Memorandums of Agreement.
• Coordinates and negotiates with local, state and federal regulatory agencies to obtain necessary permits or approvals and ensure project delivery of proposed construction related activities that may affect environmental or cultural resources.
• Makes recommendations and negotiates mitigation efforts with project managers, regulatory agencies and other project stakeholders; ensures these commitments are met.
• Meets with engineering and other project personnel, state agency personnel, project stakeholders and regulatory agencies to resolve resource compliance issues and keep project/programs moving to completion.
• Formulates plans and policies to preserve and enhance the social and natural environment.
• May meet with community leaders, special interest groups, resource agencies, the general public, or other affected parties to provide outreach and education on environmental impacts, mitigation, and environmental stewardship using a variety of forums such as seminars, workshops, conferences, newsletters, assessments, and analytical reports.
• May review draft environmental or cultural legislation proposals, regulations, or…