Environmental Engineer (water Quality)

Definition

Definition : Under general supervision from the Environmental Programs Supervisor, the Environmental Engineer - Water Quality (EE-WQ) researches, analyzes and evaluates Community surface and groundwater quality and develops strategies, plans and goals associated with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements, and the Clean Water Act (CWA). The EE-WQ oversees the control of pollution along Tribal waterways and coordinates special projects as needed to safeguard human health and the environment. Under an approved Treatment as a State (TAS), the EE-WQ reviews NPDES and AZPDES applications, and fulfills CWA Section 401 certification requirements to ensure proposed discharges do not adversely affect Tribal waters and violate water quality standards. This job class is treated as FLSA exempt.

Distinguishing Features : The EE-WQ is distinguished from the Environmental Engineer - Air Quality by education and work experience relating to water resources and water pollution control programs. This includes knowledge of federally mandated Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) legislation under the CWA.

Essential Functions : Essential functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Examples of Tasks

1. Mentoring: Mentors junior Water Quality Program staff so they attain the technical and customer service skills along with experience necessary to perform independently and attain further career progression goals.

2. Permit Application Review: Reviews NPDES and AZPDES permit applications that may impact Tribal waters, communicates with EPA and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) staff, and drafts fact sheets and general permit language to ensure compliance with Tribal water quality standards as applicable.

3. Water Quality Standards Management: Maintains water quality standards to ensure they are updated periodically, works with EPA and Tribal Council on standards approval, and organizes triennial review meetings.

4. Water Quality Management: Performs research, analysis and evaluation to enhance the quality of the Community's water resources with respect to risk reduction from water use, reuse, disposal and treatment. This is accomplished by the development of long-term water pollution prevention measures and practices.

• Develops an implementation strategy to achieve water quality related goals for the Community with timeliness and cost effectiveness.
• Develops water quality monitoring plans to assess implementation strategies and adjusts policies and budgets accordingly.

5. Storm Water Program: May develop, at the direction of the Environmental Programs Supervisor, a comprehensive storm water compliance program.

• Maintains NOIs and NOTs issued by the EPA.
• Reviews and approves SWPPPs for construction-related activities.
• Creates an inventory and classification system for monitoring and compliance issues.
• Coordinates and documents construction site storm water runoff control to include inspection and post construction storm water runoff controls.
• Develops a Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping program for identified SRPMIC Departments.
• Develops a database to track permits, inspections and enforcement procedures.

6. Administration: Develops an inventory and classification system for water quality monitoring and compliance.

• Engages in extensive research, analysis and evaluation tasks necessary to develop forms, manuals, methodologies, reports and databases.
• Recommends water quality BMPs for identified activities in the Community.
• Collects and reviews water monitoring data from local, state and federal governments to determine compliance with applicable laws, ordinances and regulations.
• Assists with cataloguing of Water Pollution Inventory, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and 303(d) listed waters.
• Represents the Community at professional meetings and conferences that pertain to water quality.
• Manages assigned special projects and contractors to complete the EPA-approved workplan and associated deliverables with efficient fiscal and administrative oversight.
• Writes grants, prepares budgets, and completes fiscal reports and project tracking.
• Provides environmental education & outreach to the Community.

7. Field Work: Collects, analyzes, monitors and documents water quality data from identified water sources, and oversees the safe completion of projects in the field.

• Uses various types of water sampling equipment to collect samples from surface and groundwater sources.
• Provides assistance to the Senior Environmental Specialist (Wetlands) to ensure the Community's natural and constructed treatment wetlands are protected.
• Oversees the completion of nonpoint source pollution projects along waterways or other projects as outlined within EPA-approved workplans.
• Conducts environmental field reviews, writes reports and submits recommendations regarding environmental documents submitted by various agencies for review.

8. Miscellaneous: Performs other job related duties as assigned by the Environmental Programs Supervisor, Community Development Department Assistant Director or the Community Development Department Director.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of the history, culture, laws, customs and traditions of the SRPMIC.
• Knowledge of federally mandated EPA legislation such as the CWA and the SDWA.
• Knowledge of state and local laws and regulations regarding the NPDES.
• Knowledge of policies, practices and procedures of water quality protection including water collection, testing, assessments and management as required by EPA.
• Knowledge of well construction and specifications.
• Knowledge of hydrology and water pollution.

• Skill analyzing and evaluating information, including data, accurately, and expressing ideas clearly when providing oral and written reports and recommendations.
• Skill using the computer and job-related software programs.
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with a wide range of people including employees from federal, state and local agencies, subject matter experts in environmental protection disciplines, Community members, Tribal government officials, department employees and the public.
• Skill communicating and instructing others using both technical and non-technical language to explain complex subjects and processes.
• Skill using water quality measurement and monitoring equipment.
• Skill with organization and task tracking.

• Ability understanding water quality standards and revising Tribal Water Quality Standards according to federal standards changes.
• Ability interpreting and assessing water quality related situations, issues and concerns.
• Ability to use initiative and judgment by working independently while recognizing matters that require supervisory awareness or intervention.
• Ability to coordinate issues of mutual concern with other departments.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, effective working relationships with all levels of the department and Community.
• Ability to write comprehensive documents and to meet federal reporting requirements.
• Ability to prepare reports and budgets.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Experience:A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university inEnvironmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Physical Science, Civil Engineering, Water Resources, Water Planning, Chemistry or a closely related field and 5 years work experience in water pollution control, water quality standards, or a water quality environmental program, Or:

• An Associate Degree in a related science from an accredited college and 10 years work experience in water pollution control, water quality standards, or a water quality environmental program.
• Experience reviewing water quality standards and water-related permits is a must.
• Experience managing large projects, preferably an EPA grant-funded project, is preferred.

• Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of experience and education that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered.

• Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill

Special Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License. Requires the ability to collect water samples within rivers, wetlands, and wells, often during inclement weather conditions.May also be required to stand or walk for extended periods, be exposed to severe weather conditions including heat and cold as well as lift and carry special (heavy) equipment or other objects.
• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the "Community Code of Ordinances", Chapter 11, "Minors", Article X. "Investigation of Persons Working With Children".

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check.

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified : Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required:1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods:

1) attach to application

2) fax (480) 362-5860

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date.

The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted .

Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.

Benefits:

The SRPMIC offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. In addition employees enjoy vacation and sick leave and 13 paid holidays.