Environmental Specialist

Department: Facilities

Classification: Environmental Specialist I

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

About the Department:

George Mason University Facilities and Campus Operations ensures a quality physical environment supporting the mission of the University. We will be the technical and business experts of choice with the total trust and confidence of our students, faculty, and staff.

About the Position: 

Are you ready to settle into a new opportunity for 2025 on a beautiful college campus with 677 acres of wooded land? Then start a new career as a state employee of Virginia. We’ve got the work. We have a great team. Now, we need an additional team member to contribute to our busy environment. We want someone who is reliable, takes pride in their work, and will make a noticeable contribution to the educational facilities at George Mason. Your manager can trust that you will get the job done.

So, what’s in it for you?

Great benefits for you…

• Lots of leave, including paid annual leave, paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid two-week winter break (please note – the break employees often receive during the holiday season is not regularly guaranteed and is subject to annual approval);
• Tuition exemption and professional development;
• Commuter Choice Transit Benefit, which includes a vanpool subsidy;
• Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Plan;
• Patriot Perks discounts to restaurants, events, and more;
• Company provided uniforms, tools, and equipment.

For you and your family…

• Health/dental/vision benefits; and
• Tuition dependent benefit (restrictions apply).

We think it’s a good opportunity. Here's what the job looks like....  

Responsibilities: 

The Land Development division, a team within Facilities, seeks to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations. The department reviews, approves, permits, and inspects all horizontal/civil construction. It develops, manages, and implements the University Erosion and Stormwater Program. In addition, it is responsible for all land records, surveys, and mapping. Finally, until otherwise appointed in the future, this division will oversee all engineering task orders including term contracts, contracts for 3rd party review (including structural/geotechnical), etc.

The Environmental Specialist implements the University Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), and the Erosion and Stormwater Programs. This includes implementation of the Stormwater Program and Water Quality Testing. Secondarily, this position acts as the liaison and supports the Project Engineer on construction projects that consist of mostly utility work.

Assists the Project Manager with the University Stormwater Program:

• Assists in the implementation of the MS4 Program; 
• Maintains the Stormwater Management Master Plan. Inspects BMPs, LIDs, and storm sewer system for deficiencies;
• Ensures the Stormwater Management Plan is maintained up to date; deficiencies are highlighted and tracked and recommended improvements are well thought out; and
• Ensures the Stormwater Program is implemented including inspections and Water Quality testing.

Assists the Project Manager with the Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Program:

• Reviews, and approves ESC plans for capital and non-capital construction. Inspects installation and maintenance of E&S controls;
• Directs revision of plans as required by field inspections. Prepares inspection reports and reviews reports prepared by others;
• Conducts timely, comprehensive reviews of ESC designs and documents;
• Reviews Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for completeness;
• Ensures Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) permits are attained when required;
• Conducts site inspections as required by regulations;
• Communicates with Project Managers and Contractors on E&S issues; and
• Adheres to ESC compliance.

Plan Review: 

• With the guidance of the Project Manager, reviews construction documents to ensure compliance with applicable environmental and land use regulations, as well as sustainable and logical practices;
• Identifies design issues and makes recommendations to address short-comings;
• Participates with the Architect/Engineer (A/E) and Project Manager in resolution of major items not in compliance;
• Participates in and reviews various engineering studies including transportation and land development;
• Resolves minor issues without impact to project schedule; addresses major issues with the Project Manager and Director when identified with suggestions for correction or remediation;
• Under supervision, ensures plan review and permitting does not cause delays to the construction schedule; and
• Under supervision, ensures sustainable land use is routinely incorporated into contract documents.

Landscape Management:

• Acts as liaison for landscaping discussions.

Project Management:

• Assists Project Managers, on assigned projects, during planning and construction phases.

Environmental and Geotechnical:

• Updates a master map to visually identify areas where geotechnical investigations have been conducted and areas that are covered by approved EIRs. 

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Experience with land development, environmental compliance inspection, stormwater management, or related field;
• ESC Combined Administrator Certification, SWM Combined Administrator and Responsible Land Disturber Certification (should be completed within one year of hire); and
• Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Previous experience in a university environment; and
• Experience with AutoCAD and GIS.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Environmental Specialist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a resume.

Posting Open Date:  February 10, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  February 24, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes