The Environmental Specialist position is a lead worker, project manager, and upper-level specialist position in the area of environmental resource science, watershed planning, and project management. Employees in this position use analytic skills and professional judgment to independently develop, evaluate and/or select environmental or natural resource science techniques, procedures and criteria; analyze data; design sampling and monitoring plans; assess watershed impacts and restoration actions, programs, and plans; and write regulatory reports. Some positions function as an expert on issues related to developing and implementing programs, plans and policies to comply with City, Regional, State and Federal regulations. The Environmental Specialist is responsible for directing the work of professional staff and performing and overseeing all phases of assigned projects.

This recruitment will be used to generate a list of qualified candidates to fill current and future vacancies in the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) and future vacancies in the Portland Water Bureau (PWB).

Current Bureau of Environmental Service (BES) Opening:
The BES Regulatory Strategy and Remediation Division is seeking an Environmental Specialist to support the Treatment Plant Permit Compliance (TPPC) Program. The TPPC is directly responsible for oversight of the Columbia Blvd. and Tryon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plants’ (CBWTP and TCWTP) environmental permits and associated compliance agreements.  These permits include the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Wastewater Discharge Permit for each plant, NPDES 1200-Z Stormwater Discharge Permit, Air Contaminant Discharge Permits (ACDPs), and Solid Waste Disposal Permit for the Lagoon Solids Monofill at the CBWTP. Compliance with the above-referenced permits is mandatory for continued operation of the two treatment plants under federal and state law.

The Environmental Specialist position will support the TPPC Program through internal auditing of BES programs that contribute to or are required to comply with the CBWTP NPDES and other associated permits. The position will serve as a subject matter expert in regulatory permit compliance and provide technical assistance to BES staff through training, development of standard operating procedures and regulatory deliverables, and conducting analyses of projects, processes, and operations for compliance with regulations.

Major Duties and Responsibilities include the following:  

• Establish and oversee an environmental permit auditing program in support of Future BES goals and federal, state, and local regulations to include development of standards and procedures, assessment tools, training, reporting, and communication protocols
• Perform multi-media compliance inspections at the wastewater treatment plant in support of permit requirements. Inspections to include field assessment, reporting, and development of corrective action plans;
• Review and evaluate system plans, compliance reports, and capital project plans to validate permit compliance; engage with project stakeholders and prepare written communications documenting evaluations;
• Prepare and present training materials to internal treatment plant, engineering, and planning staff on permit requirements;
• Develop pollution control plans and monthly and annual compliance reports to regulators
• Review, research, and prepare comments on behalf of the City to proposed changes in federal and state regulations and policies that can impact the bureau and City;

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted until 11/16/20 or when 100 applications have been received, whichever comes first. 

City of Portland Core Values:
Anti-racism | Communication | Collaboration | Equity | Transparency | Fiscal Responsibility

These values guide our actions as we serve the community and engage our workforce. To learn more about the City’s core values, please click here.

Why work at the City of Portland?
The City of Portland workforce serves a population of over 650,000. We are culture- and solutions-driven, viewing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, improve, and share our expertise. We are committed to removing systemic barriers to resources, access, and opportunity. The City is a believer in ALL people and continues to actively recruit and retain diverse top talent every day. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, basic life, short- and long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families. If you are open-minded, motivated, community-focused, and self-aware, please apply yourself at the City of Portland today.

Work Location
Currently, many positions with the City of Portland are being performed remotely due to COVID-19. Some employees are working from home full-time, while other roles cannot be filled in a remote status (firefighter, vehicle mechanic, street maintenance, etc.).  In the future, current positions classified as “full-time remote” could: 1) remain full-time remote, 2) become a remote/onsite mix, 3) revert to full-time at a city work location. As the situation evolves, the exact work location of the position in this recruitment may change based upon leadership direction and approval.

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:

1. Knowledge of environmental regulations including federal, state, and local code.
2. Knowledge and experience applying principles and practices of environmental science programs, such as standard professional auditing, technical investigations, analysis, and monitoring.
3. Knowledge of spill plans, hazardous materials management practices, and programs, stormwater pollution control plans, pollution prevention, watershed planning, protection and management, drinking water programs, or other best management practices.
4. Knowledge of principles of project management, planning, and analysis.
5. Ability to prepare clear and concise documents and explain technical concepts and processes in a careful and appropriate manner to diverse stakeholders.

An evaluation of each applicant’s training and experience, as demonstrated in their resume and answers to the supplemental questions, weighted 100%. Do not attach materials not requested. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list. You have 14 days from the notice of the examination results to let us know if you disagree with your results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.  Additional evaluation for required certifications may be required prior to the establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

**PLEASE NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies**

Recruitment Timeline:

*Timeline is approximate and subject to change

Applicants must submit a professional résumé online, as well as answer the supplemental questions specifically focused on your qualifications for this position as identified in the “To Qualify” section of this announcement in accordance with the following Application Instructions:

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted until 11/16/20 or when 100 applications have been received, whichever comes first. E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Work Status: Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Veterans’ Preference: If you are requesting Veterans’ Preference, attach a copy of your DD214/DD215 and/or Veterans Administration letter stating your disability to your profile, as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veterans’ Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment to which you apply. Veterans’ Preference documentation must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the closing date of this recruitment.

ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations: If you identify as a person with a disability, are pregnant or nursing, or observe a religious practice(s), and would like to request a reasonable accommodation when applying for this job, please contact the Recruiter below for assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply.

Questions?
Terrol Johnson, Senior Recruiter
Bureau of Human Resources
Terrol.Johnson@portlandoregon.gov
(503) 823-3172