Senior Environmental Specialist, Land & Water (Exempt) w/ Port of Portland

https://www.governmentjobs.com/jobs/3018988-0/senior-environmental-specialist-land-water-exempt/agency/portofportland

General Information
As a Senior Environmental Specialist, you will provide professional and technical support for the Port's Water and Land Programs in order to fulfill the organizations environmental commitments, facilitate business development, and ensure compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations as well as Port policies and procedures.   Function as lead for aspects of program planning and delivery including budgeting and consultant and contractor oversight. If you thrive in an environment of collaboration and share our passion for water and land quality, water conservation and environmental stewardship then this might be the opportunity you've been waiting for. 

Summary of Essential Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Provide professional and technical support for the development of strategies to help meet regulatory success criteria. 
  • Help track regulatory issues and trends to maintain the highest and best knowledge of technical and regulatory information. 
  • Effectively communicate environmental regulations, permit conditions, and policies within the Port and with relevant external stakeholders. 
  • Collect and interpret data and prepare reports to demonstrate compliance with regulatory obligations including, but not limited to:
    • Federal: National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permits; Underground Storage Tank management and Spill Response. 
    • State: Industrial Stormwater permits (1200-C, 1200-CA, 1200-Z), Underground Storage Tank Program. 
    • Local: Various permits issued by METRO, Multnomah County, Washington County, City of Portland, City of Hillsboro and City of Troutdale
• Program Delivery: 
  • Support successful delivery of the Water and Land programs. 
  • Conduct research and interpret information to support development and implementation of applicable Port policies, standards, processes and resource management plans. 
  • Support cross-departmental planning and communications as well as development of recommendations on complex Port business issues. 
  • Support implementation of the Environmental Management System including regular reporting on program performance. 
  • May oversee outside services contracts and budgets.
• Project and business opportunity analysis:
  • Provide professional and technical support across all Port operating areas regarding stormwater, water quality, water conservation, spill prevention, control and countermeasures, and soil, sediment and surface water sampling/monitoring procedures and methods. 
  • Conduct opportunity evaluations of: Port master, facility and other plans; capital projects; business transactions, proposals and designs; and operations and maintenance activities. Identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Other Projects:
  • Manage the environmental aspects of multi-disciplinary projects as appropriate.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental management/science or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is required. Master’s degree is preferred. 
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations, permits and plans associated with management of stormwater, spill prevention control and countermeasures is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater analysis and analytical methods is required.
• Prior experience overseeing and directing the work of consultants and contractor is preferred.
• Experience with program budget development and management is preferred.
• Intermediate proficiency with current Microsoft Office Suite software is required.  Advanced proficiency is preferred.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Ability to obtain technical certification in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard to support spill response, ideally within three months from date of hire.
• Ability of obtain and maintain security clearance to gain access to Port’s airports, marine terminals and other properties is required.

Skills and Abilities

• A “can do” attitude; swiftly identifies issues and seeks creative solutions. 
• Respectful and proficient written and verbal communications skills and able to tailor content to varying audiences. 
• Skilled at managing project ambiguity, complexity, and interdependencies in a methodical and structured way. 
• Willingness to promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work; focuses on safety improvements and complies with safety and health policies and procedures. 
• A proven team player who shows the utmost respect for others.
• Ability to:  
  • Apply a broad range of knowledge to the completion of complex and challenging assignments.
  • Build relationships and work cooperatively with diverse stakeholders and solve complex problems.
  • Plan, organize, and schedule all phases of work products to achieve quality outputs on schedule. 
  • Work effectively in collaboration with junior staff, peers, and management. 
  • Resolve problems with minimal conflict, and motivate colleagues to collaborate. 
  • Multi-task in a high energy environment; proactively work through ambiguity. 
  • Work without supervision; apply good judgment on when to escalate matters. 
  • Orient, train and oversee performance of junior peers on support tasks. 
  • Create a positive work environment and demonstrate commitment to valuing differences among individuals and passion for being inclusive.