ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN III8274C3 Pay Grade: 24 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is advanced technical field sampling and testing or supervisory work in an environmental program. Work involves the performance of a variety of complex technical duties in a specialized environmental program and/or planning, directing or overseeing the technical activities of a specific environmental program area. Work may include specialized or geographic environmental program management; environmental data management; technical report writing; and assisting professional or highest level technical staff in more complex projects. Work may include lead worker responsibilities over equal or lower level technicians or limited administrative supervision of technical and/or clerical staff. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction..." Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average - Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually involves multiple, unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level experience a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful analysis and interpretation. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL C: Typically involves limited supervisory responsibility which entails performing as a "first line supervisor" for a small number of employees. Supervision is not the primary responsibility of the job. Responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling, and reviewing work and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Environmental Technician II class which is restricted primarily to independent performance of basic technical duties, very limited lead worker responsibility and less technical report writing. Differs from the Environmental Technician IV class which as more responsibility for program management and administrative supervision. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Reviews operations, conducts special and routine inspections, and investigates complaints concerning air quality, mining, remediation, underground storage, water quality, and waste management facilities/sites for conformity to state and federal requirements. Prepares or supervises preparation of the technical reports, correspondence, and related illustrated materials that serve as the basis for determining environmental quality and/or validating compliance or noncompliance of regulated facilities. Advises facility operators and managers of the nature of violations and other needed improvements; develops and evaluates proposals for corrective action; and makes determinations concerning need to initiate legal enforcement actions. Reviews reports, plans, and specifications for compliance with department guidelines and regulations; recommends the issuance or denial of permits or approves letters based on this review. Participates in the operation of well drilling rigs on groundwater environmental projects. Directs, supervises, and/or participates in environmental sampling projects; selects sampling equipment and locations and approves modifications to standard procedures that may be applied to unusual field conditions. Conducts and assists in the development of quality assurance procedures and programs for environmental activities carried out by the department, local government, and industry. Enters and maintains environmental data on computer system, performs initial review, and incorporates into technical reports or submits to higher level technical/professional staff for analysis. Supervises and/or conducts biological, chemical, or physical analyses on air, groundwater, water, biota, or soil samples in laboratory and/or field settings. Compiles and interprets data from questionnaires, engineering and inspection reports, and other source materials concerning the adequacy of environmental pollution control systems and operations, and provides direct guidance and consultation to affected entities. Coordinates statewide programs or supervises technical activities of a district program for the monitoring, inspection and surveillance of underground injection wells, disposal well systems and petroleum storage facilities. Coordinates an emergency spill response and reporting program; makes decisions concerning clean-up procedures for routine spills; identifies the nature of complex spill problems and notifies the appropriate professional staff; and prepares necessary documentation and reports. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of the methods, techniques and practices appropriate to environmental programs. *Knowledge of basic algebra and geometry. *Knowledge of the sources of technical information and the methods of obtaining and using such information. *Knowledge of the instruments, equipment, and material used in an environmental engineering or environmental geology program. Abilities *Ability to compute test results or factual data. *Ability to use and maintain the instruments, equipment and materials used in an environmental regulatory program. Ability to interpret and explain applicable regulations, plans, and specifications. *Ability to prepare technical reports and documents. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, members of the regulated community, consultants, and the public. Ability to make on-the-spot judgments to determine compliance with regulations and to effect immediate correction if violations pose a substantial threat to the environment. *Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. *Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Four years of experience in environmental/agricultural sciences or natural resources. Education in the biological sciences, agricultural sciences, physical sciences, natural resources, mathematics or engineering may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/93 |