Environmental Specialist III at City of Detroit, MI

About the Department

The HOUSING & REVITALIZATION ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III will coordinate environmental compliance with US. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for housing developments in the City of Detroit.  The position will follow HUD-funded projects throughout the development process, through construction and post-construction compliance periods.

Under general supervision, designs, develops, implements, directs and coordinates complex procedures and programs to facilitate environmental protection, conservation and use of City natural resources in compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws in one of the following areas of specialization:

Environmental Assessment and Response: An environmental assessment, response, and remedial activity program for real property owned, operated, acquired or leased by the City of Detroit or property slated for acquisition by the City of Detroit for any operation, project, program, redevelopment or reuse. Responsibilities include contract over-sight with real property environmental assessments and coordination of contract procurement policies between the City of Detroit and contractors.

 Environmental Management Systems: Environmental management systems required for operational departments to achieve and exceed compliance with applicable environmental laws, rules and regulations.   Systems typically include training for the identification, handling, treatment, storage, transport and disposal of hazardous materials, solid waste, and waste oil; and incorporate the requirements for the use, storage, transport and disposal of hazardous material.  The program has as its objective process improvement towards implementation of an ISO 14000 environmental management system.

Watershed Management: A multimedia technical assistance program to facilitate improvement in the environmental quality of the air and watershed.  Coordinates with other City departments as appropriate to related programs, plans, processes and procedures for mitigation, pollution prevention, conservation, restoration, and waste minimization to reduce pollutants from storm water run-off, monitoring and remedy non-point source pollution including Underground Storage Tanks (UST) and others.   Programs and technical assistance also requires policies and procedures for reduction and auditing of emissions from combustion sources and demolition including compliance with National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations. 

Solid Waste Management: A compliance program consistent with the laws, rules and regulations governing the storage, transport and disposal of solid waste.  The program includes enforcement of City ordinances governing the storage, transport and disposal of solid waste that employs inspections and audits, training enforcement officers, business and community outreach and coordination with departments having responsibility for the management of solid waste transport and disposal.

Position Duties

• Manage projects that require planning, organization and coordination of different technical areas.
• Develop, oversee, and manage a comprehensive program for contract procurement, contractor oversight, budgetary, and financial efficiency of environmental consultant services.
• Assist in the management of environmental grant funds. 
• Participate in the planning, development, and coordination of regional and local emergency response programs. 
• Perform investigations and analyses related to highly technical environmental assignments.
• Direct work teams consisting of technical professionals on complex projects.
• Resolve organizational and jurisdictional issues to achieve efficient and cost effective solutions to the re-use and redevelopment of contaminated sites that meet the requirements of applicable federal, state and local environmental laws.
• Perform quality assurance evaluations and reviews of deliverables from environmental consultants and contractors.
• Analyze new or revised laws and regulations for impact on the goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of the department.
• Conduct field investigations in response to complaints or notification of suspected releases of hazardous substances and documents findings. 
• Identify and evaluate environmental response mechanisms and suggest appropriate and innovative alternatives for disposition of contamination.
• Perform site audits and follow-up inspections to ensure compliance.
• Conduct audits of City agencies by evaluating information relevant to ensuring compliance with environmental laws, regulations, programs, and policies.
• Evaluate redevelopment and re-use proposals and meet with developers, planners, owners or operators, financial officials, and development agencies to resolve environmental issues.
• Present and instruct on processes and policies for the environmental protection and conservation of City natural resources.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications (required):

• Master’s degree in chemical, environmental, or civil engineering; or chemical, physical, biological, ecological or environmental science.
• Three years of recent municipal or other governmental supervisory or management experience or other comparable leadership experience in an environmental management context.
• Certification as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Geologist (PG) may be substituted for the education requirements.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be substituted to meet the education and experience requirements of this position.

Other Qualifications

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit:   15 points