Environmental Officer – Stormwater and Wastewater Compliance

13-Oct-2022

Campus Services

60252BR

Job Summary

This position provides technical and operational support for the University’s EH&S programs to minimize risks and ensure compliance with EH&S laws and regulations.  Primary responsibilities include developing and implementing programs to comply with water quality regulations such as stormwater, wastewater and spill prevention.  This individual will also play a pivotal role in university climate resiliency initiatives.  May also support other environmental programs as part of a multi-disciplinary team.  Strong expertise in environmental permitting, regulatory requirements and program management is required.  Assists with permit renewals (e.g. wastewater, NPDES), procedures, program metrics, compliance reports training programs, audit tools and customer reports.  Supports the development and implementation of facility-specific environmental management programs.  Conducts periodic training for management and staff.  Participates in cross-functional project teams to provide EH&S services to University customers.  Responds to emergencies and participates in 24-hour rotational on-call program.

Position Description

Develops compliance program requirements and documentation, measurement criteria and program metrics to assess program performance with a focus on climate resiliency planning as well as stormwater and wastewater regulatory compliance.

Provide support for the daily implementation of EHS programs including air compliance, GHG, RCRA, DOT, EPCRA, asbestos, wastewater, NPDES, SPCC and Storage Tank compliance management programs for the University as assigned.

Works with school ESCOs, facilities managers, designated safety officers (DSOs) and sustainability managers to develop and document school-specific management plans to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

Develops and implements systems for tracking school compliance progress including area inspections and gap assessments.

Supports announced and unannounced regulatory inspections and compiles reports and plans in support of regulatory required filings and requests. May assist with other environmental programs through inspections, O&M manual updates and training, development of job hazard analysis, staffing plans, and technical support during system upgrades or renovations as applicable.

Develops and maintains environmental databases, compliance plans, procedures, factsheets and other documentation and including compiling and reporting out on water quality data to use in measuring progress toward university compliance and sustainability goals.

Works within the EHS IT roadmap to document requirements for and implement intuitive and accessible processes and tools for clients to access Web-based EH&S resources to view compliance status and data related to water quality and compliance. Works with the Office for Sustainability (OFS) to measure and report on the scope 3 emissions impact of wastewater operations.

Assists with the development of site-specific environmental management programs, documentation, technical specifications and audit programs.

Communicates regulatory impacts to personnel in the University community via direct training programs, direct consultations, webpage documentation, compliance summaries, factsheets and other means.

Delivers various field-related, non-routine support activities as applicable including emergency response, inspections/assessments, data gathering/verification, hazard assessments, job safety assessments and field IH/safety monitoring. Conducts investigations and analyses of problem areas, develops corrective action plans for review.

Develops compliance documentation, reports and EHS management system tools including computer based tools, compliance calendars, roles/responsibility matrices, etc.

Supports the Facilities Safety Committee initiatives providing presentations on EHSEM programs or other support, as needed.  Assists designated schools/departments with committee projects/initiatives.

Participates with various EHS projects and teams, as needed.

Assists in the development, delivery and maintenance of training programs, records, databases, and other documentation.

Monitors and participates in regulatory rulemaking and industry trends with the potential to impact university compliance operations. Utilizes a collaborative process to identify and build support for solutions to emerging issues. Proactively identifies best practices to track and achieve water quality and climate resiliency goals. Works with stakeholders to implement program improvements to improve user understanding and adoption.

May act as a primary point of contact for university vendors that provide compliance services for  related environmental programs.

Basic Qualifications

• BS or BA in environmental engineering, environmental science, or related field and 5 years’ relevant work or equivalent combination of education/military/work experience.  

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Progress demonstrated towards obtaining a professional certification (e.g. CSP/CHMM/CIH/PE, etc.) is preferred.
• Proven ability to successfully manage complex programs; demonstration of the skills necessary to successfully initiate, plan, execute and close complex projects and effectively lead project teams that include senior management staff.  Must have excellent behavioral competencies such as a strong customer service and organization skills, an attention to detail and accountability, a bias for action, a high level of integrity, diplomacy, advocacy, self-confidence, and resourcefulness.
• Possess a strong working knowledge of federal, state and local occupational health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Skilled in implementing and assessing environmental health and safety compliance programs.  A strong focus on EH&S program implementation for diverse clients.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including training program delivery.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced operations environment, handling multiple assignments for independent operating units. 

Physical Requirements

Must have sufficient mobility, dexterity, and endurance to perform emergency response activities and field visits. Must be capable of using personal protective equipment and monitoring equipment be able to access any area of the University to perform designated work functions including but not limited to inspections, job safety assessments, and emergency response.

Working Conditions

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ . 

Additional Information

Technology Skills Required

Must be proficient in the use of technology and computers including Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.  Must be proficient in database management. 

Special Requirements                                                                    

Participates in the EHS Emergency Response Program on a rotating basis as a cross-trained EHS Responder.  Will be required to carry a cell phone and occasionally respond to emergencies during non business hours.

On Campus Requirements                                                            

This position is based out of a Boston area campus (Cambridge, Allston, Longwood) and will need to be on site between 2 and 5 days per week.   Periodic travel between campuses in the greater Boston area is expected with occasional need to visit satellite campuses including but not limited to Southborough, and Petersham Massachusetts.

Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel

Pre-Employment Screening:       DMV, Drug Testing, Education, Identity, Employment

Location

USA – MA – Cambridge

Job Code

396057 Environmental Health & Safety

Sub-Unit

Environmental Health & Safety

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Drug Testing, Education, Employment, Identity, License/Cert.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.