Department of Energy & Environment – Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The mission of the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is to protect and restore the environment, conserve natural resources, and improve the quality of life in the District of Columbia. As the nation’s capital city, the District will become a model of environmental protection and sustainable environmental practices. In partnership with other District agencies, the federal government, business groups, non-profit organizations, and residents, the department will help instill environmental awareness through innovation and best practices.

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), Natural Resources Administration, Watershed Protection Division seeks a highly qualified candidate for the position of Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist, Restoration Branch. This position is located in the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), Natural Resources Administration, Watershed Protection Division, Restoration Branch. The mission of the Watershed Protection Division is to conserve the soil and water resources of the District of Columbia and protect its watersheds from nonpoint source pollution.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent in this position serves as the Chief of the Restoration Branch, with responsibility for the day-to-day operation and administration of the branch. The individual also provides supervision and a high level of technical assistance and direction to environmental engineers, scientists, technicians, specialists, and administrative staff by developing, planning, coordinating, and enforcing District of Columbia laws, regulations, goals, objectives , and federal mandates governing the protection of the environment. The incumbent independently plans, designs, and supervises environmental programs and projects. Specifically, the incumbent oversees the functions of the nonpoint source management, Chesapeake Bay, and pollution prevention programs of the division. The incumbent manages federal grants and budgets and directs a sub-grant program. The incumbent also oversees staff members who develop watershed plans; implement projects to improve watersheds and water quality; and conduct environmental outreach and pollution prevention. The branch chief coordinates closely with and acts as a liaison to other DOEE branches and divisions, other District of Columbia Government agencies, as well as regional and federal agencies. Specifically the incumbent:

* Oversees, coordination, and direction for watershed planning; nonpoint source pollution control; pollution prevention; environmental outreach; and participation in regional watershed protection activities, including the Chesapeake Bay, and Anacostia Watershed. Plans and carries out an effective nonpoint source management program that protects the District of Columbia and the Chesapeake Bay from nonpoint source pollution;

* Manages the day to day operation of the branch including the interpretation of rules, regulations, statues, policies, and standards as they relate to nonpoint source management;

* Supervises and effectively utilizes employees of the Branch. This includes the assignment and review of work; utilization of personnel to accomplish work objectives and to develop increased capabilities of employees; rating employee performance in accord with established standards; recommending personnel actions; interviewing and selecting new employees; approving leave; investigating complaints and resolving differences between employees; providing for professional development and training, and giving such other guidance as needed to ensure the expeditious accomplishment of work and the development and maintenance of competent staff;

* Directs the preparation, application, and negotiation process to acquire federal grants, including assuring that all grant conditions are adhered to through achievement of Branch

objectives and commitments;

* Oversees the District of Columbia’s Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program and implements approved grant work plans, including ensuring that all grant conditions are adhered to through achievement of Branch objectives and commitments;

* Oversees the District of Columbia’s Chesapeake Bay Program and implements approved grant work plans, including ensuring that all grant conditions are adhered to through achievement of Branch objectives and commitments;

* Supervises the development and updating of Nonpoint Source Assessment and Nonpoint Source Management Reports;

* Coordinates District watershed implementation plans, including preparing strategies, overseeing on-going restoration projects in sub-watersheds, and planning and recommending future restoration projects;

* Oversees a program to award grants to conduct research, provide community outreach, and demonstrate technologies to control nonpoint source pollution, including administering the RFA and grant award process, and management of grant awards; Directs projects to restore urban streams, wetlands, and associated habitats;

* Conducts projects that demonstrate innovative ways to control nonpoint source pollution, including low impact development technologies;

* Carries out effective community outreach activities to educate District of Columbia residents and visitors on ways to protect District waters and Chesapeake Bay from nonpoint source pollution;

* Ensures that standard operating procedures of all activities of the branch are completely documented; that each program has established and is implementing applicable quality management measures; and that documented procedures and plans are updated and revised as necessary;

* Monitors and evaluates routine operations and special activities for efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with policies and procedures. Analyzes existing work methods and management techniques employed to determine if they provide maximum efficiency and effectiveness, and revises, as necessary;

* Confers regularly with the manager of the Watershed Protection Division on the quantity and quality of routine and special work performed by the branch and progress toward achieving performance measures;

* Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of federal grant applications, and all necessary grant reports and paperwork; as well as the preparation of memoranda of understanding, cooperative agreements, and contracts;

* Prepares statistical reports; personnel actions; contracts and procurements; front burner reports; and risk management reports; and manages the branch’s resources, including vehicles, equipment, and supplies. Ensures that the branch maintains its files, correspondence, and documents in good order;

* Creates an organizational environment that encourages innovation and empowers employees with authority to make decisions on work activities through ongoing communication of organization’s program goals, objectives, and priorities; provision of training, continuing education, and professional development opportunities; and use of automation and new technology;

* Creates a work environment where individuals are treated fairly; a high level of professional expertise is maintained; teamwork within the organization is promoted and

implemented; and recognition and rewards for effective performance are provided;

* Represents the Department as an authoritative source of theoretical expertise and practical knowledge at hearings, and discussions before community groups, boards and committees; Represents, either directly or through superiors, the District of Columbia as a member or alternate on various boards and committees, including the boards and committees established by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and similar interagency and inter-jurisdictional bodies, providing technical and policy guidance and leadership; Serves as Acting Associate Director for the Watershed Protection Division when required; and

* Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the mission, functions, goals, and objectives of DOEE. Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.

To be creditable, at least 1 (one) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to a Grade 14.

Mastery of the principles, theories, and methodologies associated with oversight and enforcement of hazardous materials storage, use, disposal and remediation in an urban jurisdiction. Superior, in depth knowledge of related fields, including chemistry, ecology, environmental planning, contaminated site remediation, and toxicology. Expert knowledge, experience, and/or ability to effective management, supervision, and program planning and evaluation techniques in order to direct, manage, and oversee a major office within the District of Columbia Government. Expert knowledge of applicable federal and District legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. Expert knowledge of grant and contracting procedures sufficient to monitor program grants and contracts and to prepare grant applications, contracts, agreements, work plans, and reports. Superior ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing to a variety of audiences, including local, state, regional, and federal agency officials; technical staff; and organizations and individuals regarding the development, implementation, and enforcement of the District’s laws protecting human health and the environment.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION

None.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT

Work is in a controlled environment and requires following basic safety precautions.

PROMOTION POTENTIAL

None.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS

This position is a non-union, Management Supervisory Service position.