COMPLIANCE OFFICER/WETLAND SPECIALIST

Job Summary

To administer and enforce county and state ordinances and to administer and enforce the state Wetland Conservation Act.

Supervision Received 

Employees working in this job class work under general direction and are usually in charge of an organizational unit. They plan and carry out assignments with considerable independence, and have some latitude in developing procedures and methods. They report to a superior by occasional conferences to discuss work progress or problems requiring upper advisement.  

Supervision Exercised

No formal supervisory authority.  

Essential Functions 

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance is an essential requirement of this position.

1. Administers and enforces the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). Involves performing field determinations of wetland issues on properties, and providing guidance to landowners and contractors on the correct follow-up procedures. Addresses wetland violations in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources and Soil and Water Conservation District. Guides landowners and contractors through application process for wetland banks, replacement applications and wetland exemptions. Approves all wetland delineations. Coordinates Technical Evaluation Panel meetings, uses recommendation for formal decision. Monitors approved wetland banks, replacements and exemptions for compliance.

2. Administers and enforces county and state ordinances, including but not limited to: General Zoning, Shoreland, Individual Sewage Treatment System, Mining, Subdivision, Land Application of Septage, Mississippi Headwaters, Floodplain, and Solid Waste. Responds and investigates complaints of potential violations from the public and related state and local agencies. Resolves violations through compliance and restoration, and if unsuccessful, issues citations and follows through with court/legal proceedings.

3. Receives and issues or rejects permits for building and zoning. Answers questions from the general public that relate to issuing permits and rules and regulations of Aitkin County Ordinances. Performs inspections of individual sewage treatment systems and reviews related soil and design information for permit compliance with Aitkin County Ordinances.

4. Assists the Environmental Services Director with solid and hazardous waste enforcement and other duties as assigned.  

5. Provides consultative services in relation to planning and zoning, environmental health and solid waste problems, representing the department favorably in public by participating in meetings and conferences, providing planning services, and handling potential sensitive complains, inquiries and emergencies.  

6. Consults with local officials and the general public to explain and interpret zoning ordinances, environmental protections regulations, and construction requirements.

7. Attends seminars and workshops as needed to keep informed and up to date on state regulations and rule changes as it pertains to planning and zoning, environmental health, groundwater protections, surface water protection, solid waste, hazardous waste, wetland conservation, and shoreland management.

8. Attends training and meetings as needed.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, Natural Science or a related field, plus two (2) years experience in Planning and Zoning, Environmental Health, or Wetland Delineation, or administration of these programs; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must possess, or obtain within one (1) year of hire, a Certified ISTS Designer/Inspector license issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Must be willing to work flexible hours when necessary, including occasional evenings for meetings and occasional weekends. 

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks, pre-employment physical, and a criminal background check will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:  

1. County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices. 

2. Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations relevant to the work performed in this position, including land use, zoning, wetland, solid waste, pollution control and wetlands. 

3. Soils, plants and hydrology as it pertains to wetland delineations, and soils as it pertains to septic installations.  

4. Methods, techniques, and principles and practices of building inspection, zoning, septic systems and wetland delineation.  

5. Basic bacteriology, chemistry and geology as they appy to pollution control and environmental sanitation.

Skill in:

1. Public relations, communication, and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

2. Typing skill sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.

3. Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently. 

4. Organizing and prioritizing work.

5. Computer skills sufficient to efficiently retrieve and update information.

Ability to:

1. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat others with respect, honesty, and consideration. 

2. Demonstrate a high degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently.

3. Read and interpret plans, specifications, and blue prints to compare them with construction in progress and construction regulations.  

4. Exercise independent judgment, initiative and discretion in operating methods and procedures.  

5. Conduct thorough investigative work from start to conclusion. 

6. Interpret and enforce regulations with tact, firmness and impartiality.  

7. Establish and maintain effective working relations with county personnel, local officials, state and federal agencies, the community and the general public.  

8. Negotiate and resolve disputed issues.  

9. Deal with the public on a daily basis in a pleasant, polite and tactful manner.  

Language Skills 

High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills 

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common 

fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Skills 

High Skills – Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software.   

County Payroll Software, E-time, Webfusion, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, and other job-related software.

 

Ability to Travel

Regular travel is required three to four times per week within the county. Occasional travel is also required for trainings and meetings out of Aitkin County. 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, design, problem solving, project management, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, leadership, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, and initiative.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The position requires outdoor work and indoor work. Outdoor work in and around septic system installation sites, old dumps, and areas where solid waste are found. The employee is required to operate office equipment, lift and transport light equipment including but not limited to, auger, probes, levers, transit, sewer manhole covers that may involve lifting up to 50 pounds.

Indoor work will be performed in an office setting using various office machinery and equipment, assisting the public at the counter, processing and writing reports.

Equipment and Tools

Computer, copier, fax, telephone, printer, shredder, hand tools, laser levels, measuring and metering devices, county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).

Physical Activities/Requirements

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

05/13/2014

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Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism