Pay Grade: 31E

Context of the Job:

Under limited direction, the Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO) develops and implements environmental health policies, procedures, and systems to monitor, follow up, and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and sound safety and health practices. The ECO performs duties associated with Clean Air Act program management and compliance, Air Permitting and Annual Air Emissions Reporting, TIER II EPCRA reporting, Greenhouse Gas Emission reporting and other environmental compliance initiatives to assure compliance with federal, state and local regulations to achieve the optimal control or reduction of the hazards and exposures which are detrimental to people and/ or property. 

Employee plans and arranges own tasks; direction is infrequently provided by supervisor; must be able to apply standard policy or procedure to routine problems or duties without benefit of specific guidelines; determines actions to be taken without immediate direction of supervisor in all but unusual cases; creates new procedures for resolving non-routine matters having a high to moderate potential for generating conflict. University policy, government regulations, institutional precedents, professional standards and accepted practices govern independent action. Incumbent routinely interacts with students, staff, faculty, administrators, and regulatory agencies, and functions as an internal consultant to all levels of the University in matters of environmental issues. Failure to perform tasks satisfactorily can result in liability, property damage, injury or fatality, regulatory noncompliance, and fine, imprisonment or both. 

This position is designated Essential Personnel for specific University operations.

Major Responsibilities:

• Develops, implements, and monitors comprehensive Clean Air Act compliance programs for all campuses; reviews and evaluates permit requirements on new facilities and renovation projects; develops and keeps detailed records of Authority-to-Construct Permits, source registrations, and permit modifications. 

• Manages underground storage tank and aboveground storage tank compliance programs, ensuring accurate monitoring and leak detection and regulatory reporting.  

• Develops, implements and maintains the Workplace Chemical List and TIER II reporting programs as required by the State of Delaware Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know regulations. 

• Serves as primary liaison with the State of Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) for air quality and storage tank programs.  Serves as the point of contact and accompanies personnel from regulatory agencies on visits and/or inspections as it relates to emissions. Completes required reports and makes notification to regulatory authorities. 

• Coordinates all University environmental licenses and permit payments. 

• Serves as the primary contact for and responds to reports of leaks, spills, and any other releases of potential environmental pollutants; investigates and ensures appropriate corrective action. 

• Maintains Injury and Illness reporting database in cooperation with Safety Officer.

• Supervises Environmental Health and Safety Specialist. 

• May perform testing on air emissions sources such as stack sampling and opacity testing. 

• Inspects all University facilities to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements; makes recommendations to minimize potential environmental pollution; conducts related training and educational programs. 

• Consults with administration, faculty, staff and students concerning environmental related issues. Provides training and information on a variety of environmental subjects. Represents the Department and University at public hearings, professional meetings, conferences and other appointed committees. Makes recommendations that will help maintain University compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations and codes that will achieve the optimal control or reduction of hazards and exposures as well as maintain budgetary constraints.

• Provides Point of Contact for all third-party access to non-University owned equipment on University Building roofs.

• Serves as the backup for the development, implementation and maintenance of stormwater discharge programs. Assists with developing, implementing and monitoring Clean Water Act compliance programs, including well water sampling, emission control testing, and data collection. 

• Serves as the backup to the Safety Officer as needed in general and construction safety programs.  Assists in Occupational Health Training as needed.

• Acts as Department contact and representative for off-hour environmental, hazardous waste, and occupational health incidents and serves as a member of the department emergency response team.

• Conducts laboratory and shop safety inspections.  Performs lab ventilation certifications.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with five years of directly responsible job-related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Working knowledge of applicable regulations and standards such as EPA, NFPA, OSHA and ANSI is preferred. Professional Engineer license is preferred.

• Advanced knowledge of environmental science and engineering, including environmental chemistry, measurement technologies, pollution controls and equipment, and environmental management. 

• Experience working in an academic research environment preferred. 

• Skill in evaluating building and renovation/remodel construction permit requirements for compliance with the Clean Air Act. 

• Skill in evaluating existing facilities and building renovation construction permit requirements for compliance with the Clean Water Act. 

• Ability to develop, implement and enforce safety programs and protocols. Knowledge of federal, state and local safety regulations, protocols, and/or procedures. 

• Must be certified as EPA Reference Method 9 Visible Emissions Evaluator or capable of obtaining such certification within 6 months of hire.

• Skill in performing various environmental emissions tests. 

• Skill conducting water sampling and emission control testing in compliance with the Clean Water Act. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government. Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel. 

• Intermediate computing skills and experience with database and spreadsheet software. 

• Knowledge of storage tank safety regulations. 

• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.

• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a background check.  

• Must be able to pass hazmat physical examination in order to qualify the individual for emergency response involving all levels of respiratory protection.  

• Requires the use of personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials.  With or without assistance, requires the ability to exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly; without assistance must be able to lift 50 pounds and maneuver 55-gallon drums weighing up to 600 pounds. 

• Must be able to ascend and descend ladders, walk and stand for long periods of time, walk on uneven surfaces, be able to work above and below ground level, work in cramped or confined spaces and work outside in various environmental conditions which include but are not limited to cold temperatures, hot temperatures, windy conditions and inclement weather.  

• Must have a valid driver’s license in order to maneuver throughout Newark and Wilmington campuses and other UD locations when operationally necessary. 

• Must have access to reliable private means of transportation and preferably live within 30-minute travel time to the University for emergency response purposes.