The Environmental Specialist 3 has regular in-person and telephone contact with the public and regulated community representatives to explain environmental rules and laws, answer general technical inquiries, respond to complaints, perform inspections or investigations and to gain cooperation in achieving compliance. They regularly talk with Department staff, other governmental agencies, and scientific professionals to exchange information. The Environmental Specialist 3 occasionally contacts local governments to persuade them to accept ideas and take actions to protect the environment, with attorneys and special interest groups to exchange information and explain agency policy and procedures and with the media to represent the Department in matters dealing with the control of pollution and environmental education. The Environmental Specialist 3 receives general supervision from an environmental supervisor who reviews work periodically during informal discussions and staff meetings to assess progress and to establish workload. Work is reviewed upon completion for accomplishment of work plans and to ensure that program goals are met.
Supervisors are available for consultation and advice.
Work assignments are presented, verbally or in writing, by supervisory staff in the form of a problem to be analyzed, an idea or concept to be investigated, or an evaluation that needs to be made. To provide guidelines for problem solving and decision making, the Environmental Specialist 3 uses administrative rules and procedures, State and Federal laws, land use planning goals, and Department policies and procedures as guidelines for completing their work. Some positions in this class may work with flammable, corrosive, reactive, toxic, or noxious materials and be required to use appropriate personal protection or safety equipment. General knowledge of mathematics, including algebra and statistics. General knowledge of the management of natural resources.