Environmental Protect Spcl IV
Job Description :
Environmental Protection Specialist IV performs and coordinates highly advanced environmental evaluations of National Priorities List Superfund sites and other hazardous waste areas.
Work involves conducting site inspections / site visits, collecting samples for laboratory testing, evaluating the quality of environmental sampling data, and evaluating environmental sampling results with regard to potential human health impact.
This includes identifying contaminants of potential concern and identifying actual or potential human exposure pathways.
Assesses the potential onsite and offsite fate and transport of contaminants by evaluating available meteorologic, geologic, hydro-geologic, and topographic information.
Assesses site information to determine potential public health impacts and makes risk management recommendations for the site.
Prepares written technical reports of environmental assessments for State agencies, Federal agencies, and the public. Serves as health assessor for the Public Health Assessment and Consultation group under a Cooperative Agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
Participates in State and Federal public workshops and community meetings to address concerns pertaining to the public health impact of site under investigation.
Work is performed under the general direction of the Group Manager with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions :
Performs and coordinates highly advanced environmental evaluations of National Priorities List Superfund sites, other State and Federal hazardous waste sites or other sites involving potential exposures to environmental contamination.
Researches, acquires (from Federal, State, and Local agencies), and reviews environmental documentation on hazardous waste sites.
Plans, coordinates, and conducts site inspections / site visits at hazardous waste sites. Evaluates environmental data, interprets the results with respect to potential human health impacts, and prepares technical reports of findings and recommendations. (50%).
Produces and / or reviews written and oral reports that may include legally defensible testimony regarding public health investigations, studies, and other site-specific issues.
Interacts with media and community representatives to present the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) views / opinions on particular issues associated with potential risks associated with hazardous waste sites or other situations pertaining to exposure to hazardous substances. (25%).
Participates in community meetings and public availability sessions to present and discuss information and / or respond to questions concerning various aspects of public health risk assessments / consultations.
Participates with other program staff in health professional and community health educational activities associated with exposure to hazardous substances.
This may include public speaking, poster presentations, and / or preparation of materials for distribution to the public.
Coordinates with other staff regarding health education activities for State and federal hazardous waste sites. (15%).
Represents DSHS at state and federal workshops. This includes presenting results of public health assessments / consultations and participating in panel discussions, as necessary.
Participates in the ATSDR review of public health assessments providing peer review for assessments and consultations. (5%)
Performs related work as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but not limited to actively participating and / or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and / or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
Such participations may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and / or location . (5%) Knowledge Skills Abilities :
Knowledge of public health and environmental health issues; site assessments; human health risk assessments; site inspections;
chemical contaminants; and fate and transport of chemicals in the environment.
Skill in obtaining and compiling environmental sampling data from various sources and evaluating and interpreting data quality.
Skill in using computer for word processing and data analysis using Microsoft programs (Word, Excel), SAS, R or other data analysis software.
Ability to determine the chemical contaminants of potential concern; to recognize possible exposure pathways of public health concern;
to coordinate site inspections / site visits at State and Federal hazardous waste sites; to work outdoors in rough terrain and conduct field investigations of environmental contamination
Ability to plan and direct projects, manage workloads, and establish deadlines.
Ability to prepare written public health assessments and to effectively communicate orally and in writing with other staff, governmental agencies, the public, and the media.
Ability to conduct site visits pertaining to health assessments and consultations.
Ability to wear site-specific personal protective equipment when necessary.
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