Environmental Protection Specialist

Job Summary

This position is located in the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), Natural Resources Administration. The mission of 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 floodplain management team within the Floodplains, Wetlands, and Groundwater Branch. This position supports the Floodplain Management team by reviewing permit applications for compliance with District Flood Hazard Rules, conducting site evaluations, and providing technical guidance to stakeholders. The role involves implementing new regulations, managing resilience programs, such as the Flood Smart Homes Program, and leading or supporting project/grant management for flood risk infrastructure.

Provides assistance in planning, developing, preparing, and implementing Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and similar quality control measures relating to specific environmental disciplines. May provide assistance in designing and implementing sampling and analysis plans; collects and analyzes environmental data and information; and creates and maintains databases and records relating to findings, conclusions, and decisions. Provides assistance in preparing and reviewing policy recommendations and technical proposals on environmental and natural resources issues that are unusually controversial, precedent setting, or very costly.

Provides evaluation of findings to determine the existence and extent of environmental hazards. Assists in developing and revising plans and control techniques to deal with environmental hazards. Reviews trade journals, news releases, technical reports, and District and federal legislations, regulations, and guidance documents for developments that might affect regulatory, compliance assistance, enforcement, and public outreach and education programs. Provides assistance in drafting of environmental policies, regulations, guidelines, procedures, and forms.

Reviews applications for various approvals and permits, including plans, permits, registrations, certifications, and licenses, and determines whether to approve or deny the same, in accordance with established scientific and regulatory standards, criteria, and procedures. Provides assistance 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 the adverse effects of pollution.

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 and provides advice on site assessments and corrective action plans for contaminated sites, including review and approval of sampling and analysis plans, site investigations, feasibility studies, removal and remedial actions, monitoring plans, records of decision, clearance reports, operation and maintenance plans, and institutional controls to address indoor and ambient air quality, soils, surface water, groundwater, and sediment quality.

Identifies deficiencies in information or interpretation, and seeks additional information, clarification, and corrections from responsible parties or their consultants.

The following sections cover the qualifications required for this position.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of…