DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a professional level position participating in the design, development and conduct of environmental management activities. The work includes the preparation of studies, reports, and plans related to the protection of natural resources and the enhancement of the environment. Additional responsibilities include the coordination of activities for the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Planning and Development, and/or the Senior Environmental Planner. and although work is not constantly reviewed, supervision is normally available when needed. Occasional supervision may be exercised over other personnel engaged in environmental activities. Does related duties as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

• Participates in the development, including research and analysis, of natural resource protection and environmental management programs;
• Conducts field investigations for the purpose of natural resource identification, data collection and inventory;
• Assists in establishing and administrating a limnology (lake quality/purity testing) program within the county;
• Assimilates, evaluates and interprets physical data involving ground water supplies, soil and bedrock characteristics, wetland and surface drainage patterns, toward the development of a groundwater management strategy;
• Identifies major underground aquifers and helps to establish land use control ordinances to protect these resources;
• Conducts research studies to abate or control sources of environmental pollutants;
• Reviews, identifies and inventories fresh water, wetlands, flood plains, designating areas of critical concern;
• Researches appropriate materials and literature relative to federal and state aid programs and disseminates information to appropriate authorities and the public;
• Assists in the administration of environmental programs funded by state and federal agencies;
• Determines data collection methods to be employed in research projects and surveys;
• Conducts site evaluation for environmental significance of county owned properties to determine if they should be retained for county purposes, such as for future parkland, open space, or wildlife habitat;
• Prepares environmental management plans and environmental impact statements;
• Organizes and prepares materials for the monthly meetings of the Soil and Water Conservation District Board, attends meeting and participates by providing technical assistance and advice;
• May serve as liaison to local, state or federal governmental agencies involved in environmental work.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Good knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques involved in environmental planning and in the conduct of studies and site surveys; good knowledge of the natural sciences and the general principles of environmental science and regional planning; good knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental regulations and land use principles and practices; working knowledge of computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e­mail and database software; ability to conceive, organize and conduct technical and non­technical environmental studies; ability to analyze, evaluate and interpret a broad range of environmental planning data; ability to prepare complex reports; ability to express oneself effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to understand complex oral and written directions; initiative; tact; resourcefulness; good judgment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either

1. Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Engineering, Environmental or Natural Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Geography or closely related field; or
2. Bachelors Degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Engineering, Environmental or Natural Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Geography or closely related field and two (2) years professional experience in environmental planning, environmental management or related field; or
3. Master’s Degree and two (2) years professional experience in environmental planning, environmental management, or related field; or
4. Bachelors Degree and four (4) years professional experience in environmental planning, environmental management, or related field; or
5. An equivalent combination of training and experience as indicated in (a) and (b) above.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

4/87; 9/21

Competitive Class