Environmental Protection Technician - Jobs in Vancouver, BC

Job Description

Requisition ID: 24597CompanyLocated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.Main Purpose and FunctionThe Environmental Protection Technician position provides a wide range of environmental technical services in support of the City’s environmental protection program, including those pertaining to receiving water and discharge water quality protection. Activities include developing and implementing environmental monitoring programs, maintaining database systems and analyzing results. This position also conducts environmental compliance work, including undertaking environmental inspections, reviewing environmental reports and investigating routine bylaw infractions. Serving as a member of the City’s Environmental Emergency Response team, the Environmental Protection Technician responds to spills and other environmental incidents, taking action to reduce and mitigate environmental impacts and support the City in meeting environmental legislative requirements. This position also responds to environmental inquiries from the public and contributes to overall environmental protection and improvement efforts of the broader Environmental Services team. With minimal supervision when in the field, the Environmental Protection Technician must exercise independent judgment and discretion when enforcing routine by-law infractions and conducting other services, ensuring that safe working practices are always followed and adhered to.Specific Duties and ResponsibilitiesDevelops and delivers environmental monitoring programs to meet specified objectives, including conducting sampling of wastewater, sanitary and combined sewers, storm sewers, and receiving environments.Delivers the City’s auditing program for permitted industrial/commercial wastewater and groundwater discharges, including conducting inspections, maintaining records of sampling activities, entering data into databases, identifying and alerting of violations of applicable requirements, and preparing reports.Performs routine inspections, including of commercial operations (e.g. food sector, fermentation) and erosion and sediment control practices at construction sites, maintains records of inspections activities, prepares reports and conducts corrective action as needed.Conducts and supports environmental investigations, including undertaking research and examining potential pollution sources, conducting sampling, maintaining and analyzing data, developing recommendations, and preparing reports.Responds to public inquiries and routine by-law infraction complaints, including issuing verbal warning as required and supports Environmental Protection Officers address more serious bylaw infractions.Supports environmental permitting activities, including completing routine reviews of environmental compliance reports.Participates on the Environmental Emergency Response team and responds to environmental spills, taking action to mitigate impacts and ensure compliance with governing environmental legislation including but not limited to the Environmental Management Act.Supports environmental policy, program development and planning work, including conducting research and best practices reviews to prevent environmental impacts and improve ecological health.Provides environmental technical guidance to the public, City departments and external agencies.Determines and adheres to safe and efficient sampling procedures in accordance with established standards.Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.QualificationsEducation and Experience:Graduate of a recognized College or Institute of Technology diploma program or University degree program in environmental science, natural resource planning or related discipline. A Bachelor’s degree is an asset.Minimum of 5 years’ experience in environmental industry in a technical capacity preferred, including experience in environmental research, data collection and analysis, environmental sampling and monitoring, and reporting.Registered, or eligible for registration, as a professional with an appropriate professional association (e.g., Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC, College of Applied Biology, Institute of Agrologists) would be considered an asset.Knowledge Skills and Abilities:Knowledge of environmental legislation (federal, provincial, regional and municipal), including working knowledge of the BC Environmental Management Act and related regulations and guidelines/objectives that apply to work performed.Knowledge of environmental issues and challenges, as well as best practices, particularly with respect to the health of aquatic receiving environments. Knowledge of existing sewer systems within the City is an asset.Demonstrated knowledge of environmental sampling practices, techniques and procedures.Ability to develop and implement environmental monitoring and auditing programs, including developing sampling regimes, analyzing and maintaining data, presenting results and developing recommended actions.Ability to identify potential pollutant sources and risks, and to design and conduct investigative studies.Ability to serve on the City’s environmental emergency response team and respond effectively to pollution incidents.Ability to respond to environmental concerns and enforce City environmental requirements in an effective manner.Ability to respond to public inquiries in an effective and diplomatic manner.Ability to work independently and conduct fieldwork in safe and efficient manner.Ability to work in a collaborative, fast paced, team environment.Proficient use of computer applications related to the work, including WORD, Excel and Outlook. Knowledge and experience in the use of POSSE, VanDocs, and PRISM SQL is an asset.Proficient verbal and written communication and presentation skills, including ability to translate technical information into material that can be easily understood by a non-technical audience.Ability to meet transportation requirements.Business Unit/Department: Real Estate & Facilities Mgmt (1100)Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non PksEmployment Type: Regular Full TimePosition Start Date: May, 2021Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-021: $32.25 to $37.97 per hourApplication Close: May, 21, 2021At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, LGBT2Q+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process.Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.To be considered for this exciting and impactful career opportunity with a generous benefits package, please apply on our careers site.Apply hereOrganization: Vancouver (City)Region: Lower MainlandProfessional Categories: Environmental ServicesPosted: May 12, 2021, 3:25 pmExpires: May 21, 2021, 4:30 pmEmployment Type: Full TimeEmployment Length: PermanentEducation Requirement: Bachelor’s degreeJob Experience: 5 years or more