Environmental Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Under direction of the Manager of Environmental Services, the Environmental Specialist takes ownership of environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives across VIA facilities and operations. This position plays a key role in planning, implementing, and continuously improving VIA's Environmental Management Plan and ensuring adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Maintains close contact with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), San Antonio Water System (SAWS), San Antonio River Authority (SARA), and the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to improve the program of protecting VIA's commitment to environmental stewardship. Responsible for developing and implementing a waste minimization plan that will focus on a source of reduction of recycling activities that will reduce either the volume or the toxicity of hazardous waste generated. Responsible for maintaining all records and reports to include, Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC), Multisector Stormwater (SWPPP) Permit, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Air Permit by Rule, Petroleum Storage Tank, Industrial Waste Management, Tier II, Sludge Discharge Control Plan. Other required duties include working with the VIA Safety Department to maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and implementing/maintain HAZWOPER, HAZCOM, Blood Borne Pathogens Program procedures. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Lead and implement VIA's environmental compliance programs and initiatives with minimal supervision. Prepares environmental reports and maintains environmental records and files to include Safety Data Sheets. Performs environmental risk assessments, audits, and research to abate environmental impact and monitors environmental related projects. Provides training of new and current VIA employees on environmental compliance activities to include associated issues and good housekeeping. Monitors/inspects underground storage tanks, sumps, flumes, separators, wastewater treatment systems, and related equipment. Reports any malfunction to the appropriate department Contacts Division heads, supervisors and/or employees regarding environmental issues as they relate to VIA facility compliance. Monitors the organization's off-site shipments of hazardous waste with haulers and disposers. Collect and reconcile all waste manifests for the organization. Required to sign waste manifests as deemed necessary. Maintains contact and reports regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal agencies. Inspect waste handling disposal facilities to ensure that proper procedures are followed. Responsible for the development and implementation of pollution prevention programs. Develops and implements waste minimization plan. Investigates non-compliance reports and citations issued. Performs routine inspections of all of VIA owned facilities. Foster a culture of accountability and environmental excellence throughout all levels of the organization. Coordinate closely with internal departments to ensure environmental goals align with operational objectives. Responsible for participating in contingency plans and responding to accidents involving environmental and hazardous waste issues. Shares duties with the Manager as VIA's 24-hour on call First Responder Site Leader regarding all critical environmental issues such as large spills, injury, etc. May be required to respond both verbally and in writing to media requests through VIA's proper response representatives on environmental related inquiries. This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences or related field and 2 years' experience in environmental oversight. Experience may be substituted in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis up to four years. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in facility operations, waste management, or transit systems is preferred. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: environmental techniques and practices. Strong knowledge of environmental practices, hazardous waste handling, and relevant regulatory frameworks. Proficiency in Ability maintaining complex records and compiling reports. Ability to maintain good working relationships with employees, the public and outside agencies. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and be able to use effective technical writing skills. Must have the ability to perform phases of analytical work. Must have a good driving record, a valid driver's license and have access to private transportation. Must be ambulatory to perform duties associated with this position throughout the VIA property. Must have ability to read and comprehend complex materials such as reports, references, manuals, federal regulations, city regulations, state regulations and instructions. Ability to operate office equipment. Must have mathematical skills to perform basic calculations. Must be able to maintain good work attendance. Safety Accountability Statement: - Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers. - Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security. - Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department. - Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used. Must comply with and support all applicable VIA EEO Policies and Procedures. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach, and occasionally lift 5-25 pounds of objects, such as files, equipment and supplies, and books. WORK ENVIRONMENTS: Work within normal office and facility environment. Work within normal shop and yard facility environment. Work involves being around moving machinery and exposure to dust, fumes, gases, noises and extremes in temperature/humidity. Work hours may vary. Work involves multiple deadlines and multiple priorities. VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

Created: 2026-03-04