SECTION CHIEF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Definition

Under the general direction of a Manager 4, Environmental Protection or other higher level official in the Department of Environmental Protection, is responsible for the management and supervision of work programs of two (2) or more units in a technical, planning, engineering, environmental analysis, or scientific program; supervises staff and work activities. Prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related work as required.

Examples of work

• Plans, organizes, and prioritizes the work of the section.
• Supervises the planning and implementing of all engineering, environmental, technical, and scientific aspects relative to the section's functions and responsibilities.
• Ensures the efficient operation and observation of all environmental and administrative policies, objectives, directives, rules and regulations.
• Plans the implementation of Department of Environmental Protection projects or programs.
• Develops operational programs and procedures.
• Researches current or proposed legislation.
• Monitors progress of work or projects assigned to section and provides technical advice to staff, peers, or management.
• Interprets applicable laws, policies, rules and regulations for subordinates.
• Consults with staff members for identification of staffing or operational needs.
• Devises improvement or change plans for the operation of the unit.
• Settles conflicts or problems in a supervisory capacity.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs, and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, disciplining and/or training of employees.
• Plans, schedules, and participates in formal meetings and conferences involving state, federal, county, and local officials, those of other states, and private interests in reference to section or program matters.
• Plans and supervises the preparation of detailed reports containing problem identification, analysis, findings, conclusions, and recommendations, including studies, compilations of data, computations, and analyses.
• Supervises section staff in achieving goals and objectives, in conformance with pertinent federal and state laws, rules, and regulations; ensures that interagency objectives are met.
• Supervises section activities and priorities, staff, and workload to conform to bureau and/or division priorities.
• Oversees and prepares evidence for administrative hearings or court, and may be called on to act as a technical expert witness at hearings.
• Reviews and provides relevant information for legal actions, technical documents, and public forums relating to or affecting the specific objectives of a program or section.
• Reviews and assists in developing guidelines, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; implements required changes relative to the work of the section.
• Oversees the preparation of budget, grant applications, and personnel needs and requests for a specific section; monitors expenses in conformance with established budgets.
• Administers, interprets, and ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Identifies specific operational or implementation problems within the section; supervises the staff in resolving these situations.
• Introduces progressive technical methods most applicable to section operations; coordinates the development and upgrading of computerized systems with DEP's Information Resource Manager.
• Addresses professional, technical, and lay groups to provide public information regarding the agency's programs.
• Keeps immediate supervisor apprised of current activities, problems, and developments relative to the section's work.
• Supervises the establishment and maintenance of files, records and/or data sources.
• Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of complex correspondence.
• Keeps current with knowledge, information, and developments pertaining to the needs of the section and the program.
• Will 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

A Bachelor's degree in one of the physical, environmental, chemical or biological sciences, geography or environmental planning, or civil, chemical, environmental, mechanical, sanitary, agricultural, mining, industrial or bio-resource engineering.

Experience

Five (5) years of experience in the investigation, inspection or enforcement of technical, scientific or engineering environmental activities, or, five (5) years of project management experience in the design, planning, coordination, monitoring and completion of environmental projects; two (2) years of either experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.

License

Appointee 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 environmental, engineering, and/or scientific theory and principles and of the technical methods associated with an environmental program.
• Knowledge of administrative practices and procedures, and operational/organizational theories and their application to supervising overall work operations.
• Knowledge of the tools, techniques, principles, and practices utilized in the specific discipline appropriate to the position.
• Knowledge of the state and federal laws, and the rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures of the Department of Environmental Protection as they apply to the functions and responsibilities of the section and program.
• Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit.
• Ability to supervise the preparation of reports on administrative, engineering, environmental, scientific, and technical matters outlining and identifying clear and accurate findings and sound recommendations, and the ability to implement approved recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with representatives of local, county, state, and federal governments, industry, civic associations, and others interested in the goals, functions, and responsibilities of the section, program, or Department.
• Ability to plan and coordinate the work of the assigned section.
• Ability to evaluate section performance, identify problem areas, and develop and implement improved or corrective methods and procedures.
• Ability to effectively represent the section, program or Department at conferences, seminars, meetings, or negotiations.
• Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of records and files.
• Ability 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, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform 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.

Note

A work unit for this purpose would typically consist of a primary level supervisor and at least three (3) professional and/or technical subordinates, as appropriate. Any deviation from this standard must be pre-approved by the Civil Service Commission before any appointments are made to the title.

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.

A Master's degree in any of the disciplines outlined above may be substituted for one (1) year of the non-supervisory experience as indicated.

A valid Professional Engineer's license issued by the New Jersey Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree in Engineering.