Natural Resource Scientist II

~ The mission of the Natural Resource Services is to steward Bernalillo County’s natural resources. We do this by educating the public about protection and conservation of these resources, assisting with prudent development, monitoring, and providing technical input to the county’s policies and projects. ~

This includes permitting and enforcing well and wastewater ordinances, overseeing the county’s water conservation and utility connection efforts, ensuring compliance with our federal storm water quality permit, performing groundwater resources assessment and monitoring, reviewing and inspecting development projects, and participating in water rights proceedings. We also provide public education on water resources, participate in regional and state planning efforts, and provide internal technical consulting on environmental matters to other county departments.

Position Overview

Under general direction of assigned supervisor or Program Managers, Natural Resource Scientist II will provide technical level expertise in support of departmental programs and initiatives. Review and provide formal comments on advanced level permits applications and plans in a public hearing context. Perform detailed natural resource related inspections and investigations, lead public education and outreach events, and lead monitoring, inspection, investigation and enforcement of relevant ordinances.

Responsibilities

• Enforce all applicable laws and regulations governing wells and on-site wastewater systems, water conservation, stormwater discharge, or other natural resource assigned areas.
• Review plans and applications and perform inspections/investigations on private, public and commercial facilities.
• Analyze and authorize permit issuance.
• As directed or as self-determined, direct or conduct detailed on-sight inspections/investigations of permits, complaints and violations regarding water, water conservation, wastewater or sewage systems, illicit and industrial discharges, stormwater discharges, solid waste, or other environmental matters.
• Based on knowledge and practical application of codes and ordinances, resolve or recommend methods for compliance, and determine when further investigation or referral to outside agencies is necessary.
• Recommend, develop, prepare, provide, and present written recommendations and reports to the public, contractors, County management, and various county review boards and commissions.
• Collect, process, store, retrieve, and analyze all forms of Natural Resource Services field, office, and spatial data in both electronic and paper format, maintain records for inspections and investigations, and prepare and submit cases for public hearing and legal actions.
• Prepare and conduct public outreach education on water, wastewater, stormwater or other natural resources issues.
• Implement departmental programs and initiatives.
• Provide front-line customer service, permit issuance, and staffing as needed to support departmental events, programs and initiatives.
• Provide technical support for low income assistance programs.
• Train, supervise and participate in the work of junior staff members.
• Perform other job related duties as required or assigned including cross-departmental programs and initiatives.

Note: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of all employees assigned to this job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in water resources, environmental studies, earth or agricultural sciences, engineering, forestry, biology, wildlife management, archeology or related fields and two (2) years related experience or equivalent. OR any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience; Related education and experience may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.
• Practical knowledge of combination of biology, chemistry, hydrology, water systems, wells, septic systems, storm water drainage, soils, and/or environmental sciences.
• Proficient in water-quality monitoring methodology, field, and laboratory procedures and equipment.
• Ability to utilize GIS/GPS equipment and related software, to efficiently utilize and research County databases, and ability to schedule and report inspections and to track and issue comments and permits though County specific software platforms.
• Ability to maintain objectivity and confidentiality in dealing with a variety of complex and potentially sensitive projects.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, aerial photographs, site plans, engineering drawings, and to design, direct, and implement activities using written protocol and procedure manuals and verbal instruction.
• Possess and maintain at least two, and obtain at least two additional of the following certifications or trainings (or equivalent) within 9 months of employment.
• Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response 24hrs.
• NM Certified Water Sampler Level II or NM Water I or Wastewater I Certified Operator
• National Association of Wastewater Technician or NSF Wastewater Inspector or similar.
• Stormwater Quality Protection or Erosion and Sediment Control or similar.
• Landscape Irrigation Auditor / Water Efficiency Auditor or similar.
• Complete sixteen (16) hours continuing education units related to on-site wastewater and drinking water treatment systems, water conservation, stormwater protection and operations, water or zoning law, or other topics as approved by supervisor and obtained through formal education, webinars, training workshops and conferences.
• Familiarize with process and procedures and attend two each of County Development Review Authority and County Planning Commission hearings.
• Other certification or training as pre-approved by the Natural Resource Services Manager
• Ability to complete the following trainings during the 9-month probationary training:
• FEMA Emergency Management Institute courses:, IS-3 Radiological Emergency Management, IS-5.a Intro to Hazardous Materials, IS-100.b Intro to Incident Command, IS-100.pwb Intro to Incident Command for Public Works, IS-700.a National Incident Management System (NIMS), IS-810 ESF #10 Oil and Hazardous Materials Response, IS-811 ESF #11 Agriculture and Natural Resources,
• Ability to interpret, analyze and communicate both written and oral technical knowledge of Natural Resource Services ordinances and state regulations relating to water, stormwater, and wastewater.
• Must have strong analytical problem solving skills.
• Ability to effectively handle multiple concurrent assignments and activities.
• Ability to interact professionally with the public, management chain, and fellow employees.
• Proficient in English and have the ability to prepare and deliver public outreach presentations.

Working Conditions:

• Major duties are performed 50% indoors and 50% outdoors and the employee will be exposed to extremes of heat, cold and humidity, and dust.
• Outdoor duties may be conducted on both even and uneven surfaces, inclines, hills, ditches, paved or natural surfaces. Work may involve hiking with heavy equipment pack, climbing, entering enclosed spaces such as well houses and spring boxes, working on wet or dry surfaces.
• Indoor duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment on even, carpeted, or tiled surfaces. duties may be performed on either hard or soft surfaces in a professional office environment.
• Performs duties alone or as a member of a team or group.
• Work hazards or potential hazards include exposure to chemicals, animals, bio-hazards, industrial and domestic waste, radiation, burns, lacerations, contusions, falls, intermittent noise, intermittent vibration, electrical and mechanical equipment, , fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, poor ventilation and polluted water, driving a vehicle with trailer.

Equipment, Tools and Materials:

• Computers, environmental monitoring equipment, laboratory equipment, telephone, two-way radio, fax, photocopier, metal probes, shovels, wrenches, ladders, paper forms, chemicals and Material Safety Data Sheets.
• County vehicle is used by employee in traveling from site-to-site throughout the county.
• Safety equipment may include hard hat, rubber boots, gloves, facemask and first aid kit.

Screening and Compliance:

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

• Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination.
• Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
• Employee must possess a valid New Mexico driver's license by employment date and retain a valid New Mexico driver's license while employed in this position.
• Transcripts of coursework must be submitted with application.