Job Description

Posting number: PW2607-18

Department: Public Works

Job classification: Sustainability Intern

Posting type: Open

Categories: Environmental Services, Public Works, Green-Collar/Environmental

Summary

Performs a variety of field and office assignments in support of the City's Environmental Services Division. Assists with promoting sustainability and recycling through operations at the Recycle Drop-Off Station; stormwater infrastructure mapping and verification; environmental sampling; inspections; and field investigations. Provides support for Environmental Services programs including Vector Control, Stormwater, Industrial Pretreatment, Water Quality Protection, Solid Waste, Recycling, and community events while gaining practical experience in municipal environmental compliance and operations.

Examples of duties

1. Assists with environmental activities, field investigations, and activities related to Stormwater, Industrial Pretreatment, Water Quality Protection, Solid Waste, Recycling, and Vector Control.
2. Assists with maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness of the Recycle Drop-Off Station and Service Center Yard.
3. Assists with locating, marking, verifying, and documenting stormwater inlets, outfalls, and other environmental infrastructure using maps, GPS, GIS, and field observations.
4. Assists with environmental sampling, monitoring, mosquito surveillance, and other field activities in accordance with established procedures.
5. Promotes sustainability and recycling by assisting with operations, maintenance, and public education activities at the City's Recycle Drop-Off Station and community events.
6. Safely operates City vehicles and uses assigned equipment to perform work-related duties.
7. Assists with special projects, research, data analysis, mapping, and other assignments supporting Environmental Services programs.
8. Performs related duties as assigned when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
9. Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.
10. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers, contractors, and others in the course of daily work.

Qualifications

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Ability to follow instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks.
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in use of personal computer including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, e-mail and the internet.
• Must possess and exhibit the skills necessary to operate assigned tools and equipment in a safe and proper manner.
• Must be comfortable working outside comfort zone with a willingness to learn.
• Must be a team player who is able to work in a fast-paced environment with deadlines.
• Ability to provide excellent customer services including a desire to help customers regardless of their circumstance.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Must have the ability to learn additional applications as they are applied to working assignments.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must be pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science majoring in biological sciences or a related field. Current transcripts are required with application.

A working knowledge of mosquitoes and laboratory equipment is preferred.

Candidate must possess the ability to read and interpret various types of maps (GIS familiarity preferred).

Must pass a credit check and Federal/National criminal background check. Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.

Must pass a pre-employment basic physical, drug screen, functional assessment screening (Level 1) Titmus vision screening, and Ishihara vision screening.

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the essential functions of this position, there will be routine and frequent exposure to:

• Bright/dim light
• Dusts and pollen
• Extreme heat and/or cold
• Wet or humid conditions
• Extreme noise levels
• Animals/wildlife
• Vibration
• Fumes and/or noxious odors
• Traffic
• Moving machinery
• Electrical shock
• Heights
• Disease/pathogens
• Toxic/caustic chemicals
• Uneven walking surfaces
• Other extreme hazards not listed above

Safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, hard hats, safety vests, steel-toe boots, back support belts, and seat belts are provided and must be worn as required by department procedures and good safety practices.

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 individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job entails moderate physical labor, which requires strength and agility. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift, shovel, and carry 30 pounds and exert up to 75 pounds of force. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Supplemental information

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.