PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN

Definition

Under the general supervision of a Supervising Environmental Technician, Environmental Engineer, Scientist, or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, performs highly skilled and technical engineering or investigation and inspection work in an environmental program; directly supervises a technical unit engaged in program activities; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Performs highly skilled and technical field or office work in connection with a phase of environmental engineering or environmental quality investigation and inspection work
• Directly supervises staff responsible for performing technical engineering and inspection work
• Supervises and/or conducts the more complex field surveys, collecting and analyzing samples such as air, soil or ground water
• Supervises the collection of samples and/or specimens of air contaminants, vegetation, or other matter; packages field samples for laboratory analysis; transports samples to the laboratory
• Gathers pertinent data and information
• Key enters data into a prescribed computer database or spreadsheet
• Conducts the more complex measurements and calculations related to the analysis of water, soil, noise and air impacts
• Supervises the maintenance of records of samples and specimens in accordance with established procedures
• Sets up, tests, operates, calibrates and maintains specialized control and testing equipment, recording devices and measuring instruments used at designated monitoring sites
• Supervises the investigation and inspection of facilities for compliance with environmental regulations; conducts the more complex investigation and inspection work
• Prepares reports involving engineering studies and surveys, including special environmental surveys
• Reviews technical documents to ensure completeness and conformance to requirements
• Supervises work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and disciplining of employees
• Tabulates data; prepares maps, graphs, and charts associated with environmental studies
• Trains lower grade technicians
• Supervises the maintenance of essential records and files
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system used by the agency, office, or related units

Education

Appointees will be required to provide verification of the satisfactory completion of one or more course in mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, geometry, pre-calculus or calculus) AND one or more course in science (physics, chemistry, environmental, or biological) required in various high school level college preparatory curriculum.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in performing field inspections, investigations, and surveys, operating control and testing equipment, recording devices and measuring instruments, and/or providing technical support to an Environmental Scientist, Environmental Specialist, or Environmental Engineer.

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 fundamental concepts and principles of environmental investigations, inspections, and sampling techniques
• Knowledge of the methods and procedures used to collect samples and specimens, and of proper storage and transporting methods
• Knowledge of the equipment and recording, measuring, and testing devices used in the environmental quality program, and the routine maintenance and field calibration of equipment and devices
• Knowledge of basic algebra and geometry
• Ability to collect, analyze and interpret technical data
• Ability to perform complex environmental investigations and inspections, and collect and transport samples and specimens to department laboratories
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral directions
• Ability to operate, calibrate, and perform simple maintenance on testing equipment and devices
• Ability to perform drafting operations, to read and interpret maps, diagrams, and charts, and to make related computations
• Ability to perform work in hazardous environments when assigned to a team conducting transportation-related environmental studies
• Ability to observe established safety rules and precautions
• Ability to make mathematical calculations
• Ability to supervise program activities and staff
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, and others involved in the work of the unit
• Ability to supervise the maintenance of essential records and files
• 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 essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODE: 11/30/2013

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Semester hour credits from an accredited college or university in subject areas identical to, or closely related to, the high school coursework identified above will be accepted towards meeting the educational requirement.

<b>SPECIAL NOTE:</b> The responsibility for ensuring that employees have satisfactorily completed the required education rests with the Appointing Authority.

Thirty (30) semester hour credits from an accredited college or university, which shall have included at least twenty-one (21) semester credit hours in any combination of natural, chemical, environmental, biological, or engineering sciences, may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.