Environmental Specialist


Job Details

Salary: Depends on Qualifications

Location : Gaithersburg, MD

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: FY2024-00909

Department: Public Works

Division: Environmental Services/SWM (3360)

Opening Date: 04/10/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

FLSA: Exempt

Description

The of the is seeking an innovative, progressive, "hands-on" professional to develop, coordinate, implement, and administer environmental and development standards and regulations related to water quality in the City. The Environmental Specialist administers programs that fulfill the requirements of the City's NPDES MS4 Permit issued by the State of Maryland, particularly the education and outreach minimum control measure; manages, evaluates, develops, and anticipates stormwater outreach needs; and promotes stewardship of the City's watershed resources by coordinating conservation programs and informing and assisting stakeholders in watershed protection strategies.

We are looking for a positive and results-oriented individual who has knowledge and experience in environmental and sustainability topics as well as experience in technical and programmatic concepts such as stream monitoring, social marketing, and website management. You must be an effective communicator and problem-solver, be able and willing to take on a variety of responsibilities and juggle multiple projects simultaneously with minimal direction, and be able see projects through from initial planning to implementation.

Starting salary for this position is negotiable within the target hiring range ($68,000 to $75,000) and will be offered at a level consistent with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life), paid time off, generous retirement contributions, health and wellness programs, tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans, training and professional growth opportunities, and excellent work/life balance.

Job Functions

What you will do with us:

  • Solicit and respond to public comments and proposed new programs for community engagement.
  • Assist in development, assessment, design, and management of watershed studies, implemental plans, stormwater management projects, stream restoration projects, and regulated regulations and controls.
  • Assist in developing, preparing, and administering solicitations and contracts, grant and award applications, annual reports, and master plans.
  • Assist in developing and implementing polices, programs, and partnerships that protect the natural environment and promote the City's environmental initiatives.
  • Respond to general public inquiries related to the Stormwater Program Fee, Stormwater Program Fee credits, and other maintenance inquiries.
  • Review and process applications, conduct field inspections, maintain budget and participation spreadsheets, and research/evaluate potential expansions associated with the Rainscapes Rewards and Chesapeake Bay Trust grant programs.
  • Develop, conduct, and coordinate public information programs, outreach events, workshops, and volunteer-based environmental programs; recruit and organize volunteers.
  • Design and disseminate educational materials; manage and update the Division's web pages.
Key responsibilities are highlighted above; please to view the full classification description for the Environmental Specialist position. The classification description indicates the full salary range established for a position in Grade 108 in the City's FY 2024 Schedule of Salary Ranges.

Qualifications

What you need to be considered:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Studies, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Education, or related field.
  • At least 3 years of demonstrated professional experience in environmental management analysis and reporting, environmental impact analysis, and/or stormwater management.
  • Must have or obtain two of the following within 12 months of hire: Wetland Delineator training; Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) training through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; Maryland Forest Conservation Act Qualified Professional.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and knowledge of the methods for updating geographic databases.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively collaborate with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
  • Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite; solid skills using Adobe Creative Suite preferred.
  • A valid driver's license and safe driving record.
  • The physical ability to perform field work and occasionally lift/carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Additional Information

Interested applicants must submit the following to be considered:
  • A complete online application
  • Current Resume (attached to the online application)
  • Letter of interest (attached to the online application); include why you are interested in this position and highlight the special skills/abilities that make you uniquely qualified to serve in this position

Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is strongly encouraged. The position will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are received or all hiring decisions have been made.

This is a full-time salaried "exempt" position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week (not eligible for overtime compensation under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the City's personnel regulations). Occasional evening and weekend work is expected in order to fulfill the public outreach goals of this position. Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.

The successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post accident and random testing.

For more information about the position, please contact Environmental Services Division Chief Nancy Schumm at or 240-###-####. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at or 301-###-####.

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other openings in this classification which occur in the next 12 months.

The City of Gaithersburg offers its full-time employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and professional lives. Employees are eligible on their first day of employment (unless otherwise specified). We provide employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.

HEALTH BENEFITS
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage - employer pays 85% of premium in each tier
  • Multi-tiered coverage options (single, single + spouse, single + child, single + children, family)
  • Retirement Health Savings contribution (for non-participants in medical or dental plans)
Medical Insurance
  • CIGNA HealthCare Open Access Plan
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Wellness Initiatives
Dental Insurance
  • Sun Life Indemnity Plan
  • Use a dentist of choice or participating dentist for increased savings
  • Basic or Enhanced Plans offered
Vision Insurance
  • National Vision Administrators
  • Use a provider of choice or participating provider for increased savings
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS
  • Eligible for immediate enrollment in all plans upon hire
  • 401A - Employer contribution equivalent to 8% of employee's annual base salary; fully vested after 5 years
  • 401K - Employer 3% matching contribution on the first 5% of employee's annual base salary contributed by the employee; fully vested after 5 years
  • 401A Supplemental - Additional 5% employer contribution to eligible employees in the Public Works and Police Departments who have physically demanding jobs on a consistent basis; fully vested after 10 years
  • 457-deferred compensation plan and Roth IRA (employee contributions only)
PAID LEAVE
  • Vacation (12 - 24 days accrued annually; accrual rate based on years of service)
  • Sick Leave (13 days accrued annually; unlimited accrual)
  • Personal Leave (28 hours granted annually)
  • Holidays (11 holidays observed each year)
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
  • Long-Term Care Insurance (employer paid for base plan coverage); buy-up and spouse coverage available (employee paid)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans
  • Employer paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability & Workers' Compensation Insurance
  • Multilingual Stipend ($2,080 per year for eligible employees, paid biweekly)
  • Housing Stipend (Up to $3,600 per year for eligible employees)
  • Tuition Assistance (Up to $5,250 per year eligible after 1 year of service)
  • Healthy Lifestyle Incentives
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
  • Ongoing Training/Personal Development Programs
  • Credit Union
  • Recreation & Leisure Opportunities & Discounts
  • Direct Deposit (required)
Click on the link below to view general information about the benefits available.

(pdf)

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How did you first learn about this employment opportunity?
  • City of Gaithersburg Website
  • Job Interest Card Notification
  • Indeed
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Other Website
  • Social Media
  • Friend or Relative
  • I am a current City employee
  • Other


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 City of Gaithersburg

 04/28/2024

 Gaithersburg,MD