Primary Functions

The Environmental Specialist is responsible for evaluating soils used in treated wastewater effluent dispersal within CUD’s service area. The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the assessment of soils areas for proposed new developments, the assessment of existing soils areas and active dispersal areas for performance and working with the STEP department to help optimize operations of existing dispersal systems.

Essential Functions

• This position reviews soils maps and design plans as part of the development design review process to ensure submittals meet or exceed standards.
• Communicates effectively with soil consultants, surveyors, developers, engineers, and staff answering questions and consultation as needed. 
• Researches and verifies proper soils are used for drip dispersal. 
• Assists with approvals or denials of soils areas proposed to be utilized for drip dispersal systems. 
• Assists with diagnosing drip dispersal failures and recommends solutions after on-site investigations.
• Coordinates and schedules soil quality checks for proposed developments with soil consultants, developers, and engineers.
• Keeps accurate/detailed information related to soils investigated.
• Investigates and inspects proposed soils areas for features such as sinkholes, drains, wetlands, utility crossings, or other features that may not be suitable for drip dispersal. Properly documents and maps such features for use during plan review/approval and construction.
• Assists in resolving project issues by troubleshooting, attending on-site meetings, and discussing problems and options for a clear course of action.
• Determines when soils samples need to be submitted to an independent laboratory for analysis. Collects and delivers samples to the laboratory and communicates the results to the proper parties.
• Attends continuing education opportunities as needed to maintain any certifications or licenses. Assists with training and presentations as needed.
• Complies with all rules and procedures outlined in the Policy Manual, the Employee Handbook and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Emergency duty as needed.
• Other duties as assigned. 

General Requirements:

• Must meet residency policy requirements of a 45-minute response time (or relocate within twelve months) and maintain that status as a condition of continued employment 
• Valid Tennessee Driver’s License (or obtain within ninety days) and safe driving record

Knowledge Knowledge/Education And Experience Required:

• The minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in soil science, agronomy, environmental science, or a closely related field preferred, AND 
• Also, must have successfully completed the soil related classes required by the State of Tennessee for soil scientists and a minimum of five (5) years of experience as a soil scientist in a similar role as described by the essential functions, AND 
• Must have or have ability to obtain one of the following certifications or degrees within two years of hire: 
• State of Tennessee Licensed Soil Scientist OR 
• A combination of education and minimum 10 years’ experience, in lieu of licensure, which provides the applicant with the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. Relevant experience and education must have a heavy focus in the areas of soil science with an emphasis on regulatory compliance with soils requirements.

Knowledge of and experience with:

• Principles, techniques, terminology, and tools used in soil surveys.
• Existing regulations, compliance, and system design parameters.
• Reading soil maps and plans pertaining to soils used in dispersal of treated wastewater effluent. 
• GIS (ESRI platform), and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) software packages

Familiarity with:

• Tools and methods used to determine soil characteristics, types, series, and other soil information commonly used in evaluating soils.

Performance Standards (work characteristics, behaviors, leadership abilities, etc.):

• Keen analytical abilities
• Good interpersonal relationship skills with persons of all economic and educational levels. 
• Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact, and diplomacy.
• Self-motivated
• Ability to:
• Read and understand engineered construction drawings and specifications, equipment operation and maintenance manuals, and related documents
• Obtain at least a general understanding of the complex principles and practices of water/wastewater utility operations, planning, engineering, and construction facets
• Communicate construction issues with multiple parties at one time
• Make accurate and timely field decisions based on analysis of site conditions and situation at current time
• Work in field and office environments
• Utilize GIS maps to locate existing facilities/features from that map and retrieve details about such facilities/features contained within the GIS 
• Read and understand as-built maps and locate existing facilities/features from that map
• Maintain good working relationship within department and outside of department
• Maintain an organized workflow

Working Conditions: normal or usual conditions where work is performed:

Performs technical duties in both the office and/or field. The office setting is under generally favorable working conditions. No special physical demands are required to perform the work (intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping, walking distances, and occasionally lifting of objects weighing 25 to 50 pounds). Fieldwork involves risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working under extreme outdoor weather conditions, working around moving parts, machines, irritant chemicals, etc. May be required to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, coats, goggles, gloves, or shields. Field work requires some physical exertion such as walking, climbing, bending, stooping, stretching, or similar activities.

Must possess vision sufficient to read materials encountered in the course of work; hearing sufficient to comprehend conversations in person and over the telephone; speech sufficient to make oneself heard in person, in front of groups, and over the telephone; mobility to move around in an office setting, attend meetings, and visit field sites as necessary, and enter, exit, and operate a motor vehicle; dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment and other equipment necessary to perform the functions of the position; strength sufficient to lift and carry materials encountered in the course of work weighing up to 25 pounds; endurance sufficient to maintain efficiency throughout an entire work shift.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.