CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT:

Develops, coordinates, and implements citywide environmental programs including the bulky-item pickup, streamway cleanup, electronics recycling, and advises on drop-off recycling center initiatives and programs, and other duties as assigned. Acts as staff liaison for the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). Keeps abreast of legislative issues concerning environmental issues. Develops and implements other environmental projects in collaboration with the EAC and other city staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coordinates and supervises citywide environmental programs including the bulky-item pickup, streamway cleanup, electronics recycling, and advises on drop-off recycling center initiatives and programs. Works with elected and appointed officials, businesses, volunteer groups, senior staff, staff of other agencies, and citizen groups regarding various environmental initiatives and programs including the city's approach to complying with the county's Solid Waste Management Plan. Ensures program compliance with Governing Body's objectives. Develops programs goals and objectives, specifies contract details per city specifications, audits program for participation and compliance with city contract, and attends to day-to-day operation and administration of programs.

Acts as staff liaison on Environmental Advisory Council. Prepares agenda and arranges for speakers. Attends monthly meetings, assures meeting notices are published and staff minutes are taken and transcribed in a timely manner, prepares and delivers oral and written reports. Answers council's questions.

Prepares and presents reports to Governing Body and City Council Committees as directed,

 to inform them of current environmental issues and status of citywide programs. Reviews popular and technical journals. Discusses issues with officials in other jurisdictions as directed. Prepares and presents written or oral reports as required. Follows up on problems and concerns.

Researches, develops and implements special projects for Governing Body as directed. Conducts literature and database searches and summarizes information. Discusses issues with city staff and attends meetings.

Researches, develops, and implements internal special projects such as the bulky-item pickup, stream way cleanup and Christmas tree collection. Develops publicity plans and materials.

Acts as resource for residents seeking information on environmental topics. Assists residents in resolving solid waste/curbside recycling collection concerns. Attends public meetings and provides written or oral information as needed.

Assists Public Works to act as a back-up to investigate and document pollution-related issues in the City's stormwater system.

Assists the Grants Program staff to perform environmental reviews, as required by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program grants

Coordinates initiatives to educate the public on environmental issues, especially measures individuals can take to help protect the environment such as mulching, composting, and participating in curbside recycling, using the drop-off recycling center, and recycling of electronics.

Stays abreast of pending state legislation affecting environmental issues. Researches pending state legislation and develops and presents testimony to legislative committees as directed. Attends meetings and special sessions related to environmental issues.

Responds to requests for information regarding environmental records requests. Presents reports to Governing Body and responds to questions and comments. Prepares grant applications, cost estimates and request for proposal. Reviews proposals, negotiates contract, plans event, recruits volunteers and actively supervises event.

Participates in emergency management operations for the City, as requested. Carries out and/or performs other duties as assigned.

The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with which interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

The employee must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, or related field or additional equivalent experience. Within 12 months of hire, must acquire/maintain Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) credential and successfully complete acceptable National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) training to perform environmental reviews (40 CFR 1500) in general and HUD's (24 CFR 58).

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum two years of experience in the field of environmental programs, recycling program management, and business report preparation, or equivalent level of experience.

Minimum one year experience with event/project planning, soliciting and managing volunteers, use of a personal computer, and public presentations; or an equivalent level of experience.

SKILLS:

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Good listening skills

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to read and comprehend city, state and federal regulations affecting environmental issues

Ability to analyze complex problems and recommend possible solutions

Ability to exercise diplomacy and judgment when dealing with the public, city officials and co-workers

Ability to compose information handouts, speeches, and written reports

Alpha and numeric recognition

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to make and receive phone calls

Ability to make oral presentations to an individual or group

Ability to visually inspect solid waste vehicles

Ability to travel locally and out of state

Ability to sit and be attentive for extended periods of time during meetings, hearings and other informational sessions

Hand and eye coordination adequate to input computer

Ability to distinguish colors

Ability to work outdoors

Ability to operate city vehicles

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect):

None

The preceding 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, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.