SUMMARY – The Environmental Engineer administers all environmental codes for compliance with Federal, State and Local regulations, as well as implementing actions outlined in the Maryland Coastal Bays Comprehensive Management Plan. Reviews all building permit applications and implements standards and guidelines for new construction. Reports to the Director of Planning and Community Development.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
Establish and implement procedures for review, approval and inspection of storm water management plans, Critical Area compliance and landscaping for single family, multifamily and commercial properties in order to comply with Federal, State and Town regulations.
Provide expert review and comment on land development applications, participate in Technical Review Committee meetings, and complete inspection and approval steps for all related building permits including bonding for deferred site work.
Respond to drainage complaints, water quality issues or tree / landscape management issues throughout Ocean City and provide technical advice for corrective measures or coordinate with other Town departments to resolve.
Establish and update a database for all stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs), calculate pollutant load removal for each measure and overall results by sub-watershed. Complete regular inspections of all BMPs.
Implement all applicable actions outlined in the Maryland Coastal Bays Program Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP). Actions include design and construction of stormwater retrofits, public education and outreach, volunteer clean-ups, participation with grant opportunities and programs.
Initiate and manage community environmental programs such as rain gardens, native plant / pollinator gardens, residential composting, Dune Patrol volunteers, Litter Free OC campaign, Ocean City Reef Foundation.
Provide staff support for the Coastal Resources Advisory Committee (Green Team). Conduct research and report to management and City Council on any topic that impacts Ocean City regarding environmental issues. Propose Town Code amendments as needed.
Implement creditable actions, and complete required updates for the Sustainable Maryland Certified Community designation in Ocean City.
Apply for and administer grants and designated fees for environmental programs and projects.
SPECIALIZED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
Data Responsibility
Gather, organize, analyze and review data for implementation of stormwater, critical area compliance and landscaping ordinances. This includes all stormwater calculations to determine runoff hydrology, water quality volume and storage requirements along with all data needed to review site coverage and stormwater calculations, to calculate requirement for the Critical Area and landscaping ordinances. All this data is incorporated into a GIS database that is used to calculate a pollutant load reduction. Also work with Excel spreadsheets to create forms that calculate engineering formulas to determine compliance requirements.
Public Outreach
Explain concepts, procedures and protocol to individuals regarding environmental programs and compliance requirements. Point of contact for all environmental education and outreach programs as well as environmental/stormwater management complaints. Provide training for interns working on environmental projects and experience with standard operating procedures for the department and position.
Program Management
Environmental programs collect fee-in-lieu payment for projects that do not meet certain performance criteria in the Town Code. These dedicated funds must be expended on stormwater, environmental or habitat programs and projects. Grant cost-share and rebate programs utilize these funds as well.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES – This position functions as a single subject matter expert and resource for other City staff and departments. Limited supervisory responsibility may include management of part-time or intern staff for completion of specific tasks such as inventory and inspection of stormwater management facilities, organization of volunteers for community clean-up events, and coordination with other department staff to assist with construction project permit compliance.
QUALIFICATIONS - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the specialized skills, experience and professional qualifications required for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Mandatory Requirements – Environmental Engineer must have a sound understanding of the Clean Water Act and how it impacts the State and Town environmental codes and ordinances, including the stormwater management ordinance, sediment control program, National Pollutant Elimination System and Total Maximum Daily Load program and protocols. Must also have substantial knowledge of hydrology and hydraulic calculations for stormwater management and experience with environmental design/best management practices. Experience with computer software for civil engineering applications, spreadsheet and database management, including GIS applications is desired. Environmental Engineer must have demonstrated skills and experience in providing subject matter expertise; construction plan review and field inspections; communicating ideas clearly and concisely; and developing and sustaining positive working relationships with property owners, seasonal visitors, and the business community; working with allied non-profit organizations and volunteers on special projects.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Minimum completion of Associates or Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, environmental studies or a related field, and 5 to 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provided the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret building codes and regulations, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and other governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to complete hydraulic and hydrologic calculations and formulas required to evaluate stormwater management design solutions. Experience with spreadsheet and database formulas, and ability complete geometric area and dimension calculations may be required for construction plan review and analysis.
REASONING/TIME MANAGEMENT ABILITY Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Demonstrated skill in handling multiple tasks and priorities, within limited time constraints. Experience with providing expert, well considered decision making.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Valid driver's license. Engineering in training, Professional Engineer or another related licensure is preferred. Position title may be modified and adapted for a successful candidate.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations governing building and inspection programs as related to all areas of building construction; and ability to read and interpret building and engineering plans and specifications. Understanding of coastal construction and shallow depth to water table best management practices preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here 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 qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Regular site visits to active construction sites may be required. Use of engineering and survey equipment to collect and analyze data may be required.
EEO
Veterans encouraged to apply.