Environmental Specialist

Basic Function

This position provides environmental support for projects, environmental services, and regulatory compliance. It is responsible for implementing and monitoring environmental related programs for METRO to achieve and maintain compliance with all Federal, State, and Local Laws and Regulations. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Manages the removal, disposal, and documentation for recycling or disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous waste from the bus operating facilities, rail facilities, and support facilities. With oversight and direction from Environmental Services Manager.
• Reviews documentation of Environmental Plans to ensure METRO compliance. The plans include Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3), the Spill Prevention Controls and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan, and the Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) Plan.
• Oversees compliance of six METRO Wastewater Pre-Treatment Plants (WTP) and other related water treatment equipment such as, but not limited to backflow devices, ground water treatment stations, deionizers and cooling towers to ensure full compliance with all Federal, State and City regulations.
• This includes contract management for water quality testing and chemical treatment.
• Provides training to personnel and provides training references for Class C Operator training, documentation training for SWP3, SPCC, WTP, PST plans, etc. 
• Oversees small projects and services that support METRO’s environmental goals and compliance needs.
• Provides environmental compliance support for small projects at METRO. 
• Investigation of spills and leaks at the bus operating facilities, rail facilities, and support facilities. The investigation provides Facility Maintenance with recommendations about future prevention of incidents. 
• Performs environmental risk assessment of equipment to help Facility Maintenance create preventative maintenance programs that are compliant with Federal, State, and Local regulations.
• Works with multiple departments to ensure cooperation to maintain METRO’s environmental compliance.
• Provides sampling of liquids and solids when required as well as the ability to fill out a chain of custody forms.
• Research and monitor laws and ensure METRO is updated and compliant with them.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies Safety Management System (SMS) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
• Pay Range: $63,200 -$82,800

Education Requirement

Bachelor degree in environmental sciences or related degree is required. 

Years & Experience Required

Minimum of 2 years of experience in an environmental field.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; Adobe software; and general office productivity tools. Familiarity with cloud-based applications or GIS is preferred.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment. Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements. We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.