ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST

Code: 01742@ Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, is responsible for scientific investigations including field and office studies associated with environmental pollution abatement and land management; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Investigates known or potential environmental problems including correcting data, identifying statistical parameters, analyzing and reviewing of empirical findings, and writing of technical reports covering inferences of the results obtained.
• May be responsible for certain specific areas of investigation such as aquatic studies, woodland management, paleontological evaluation, geologic survey, or watershed regulation.
• May be required to supervise the total operation of a laboratory dealing with soil and water analysis.
• Serves as a public information source providing information concerning physical and natural science, archaeological and cultural history, and outdoor pursuits as they apply to public parks.
• Lectures and writes on matters pertaining to the advancement of an environmental ethic in keeping with the philosophy of public parks and open space preservation.
• Maintains equipment and takes readings associated with meteorological and forest fire potential recording systems.
• May perform all phases of work in the development and dissemination of publications.
• Utilizes photographic supplies and audiovisual equipment as required in the discharge of stated responsibilities.
• Assists in the preparation of annual budget requests.
• Makes authorized purchases.
• Organizes and maintains educational displays often incorporating live organisms.
• Supervises other employees as assigned.
• May operate a motor vehicle for transporting passengers to various sites.
• May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in the environmental, biological, or chemical sciences or in environmental engineering.

Experience

One (1) year of professional experience in environmental control work including field investigations and inspections and emvironmental impact analysis.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, theory, and techniques involved in the broad field of environmental sciences and of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to environmental pollution.
• Ability to conduct environmental impact studies, investigations, and inspections.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate the data collected, and to draw sound conclusions thereof.
• Ability to collect samples or perform tests in the field, and make evaluations and analysis.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret laws, rules, and regulations on matters having environmental impact.
• Ability to cooperate with the community and individual citizens on matters affecting the environment, and to organize assigned field and technical work and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

A valid Professional Engineer's License issued by the New Jersey State Board of Professional Engineer's and Land Surveyors may be substituted for the degree in environmental engineering.

Possession of an environmentally oriented Master's degree in the environmental, biological, or chemical sciences, or in engineering may be substituted for the above work experience.