8.2. SR 06-04-2012•
~~` REQUEST FOR ACTION
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TO ITEM NUMBER
Ma or and Ci Council 8.2
AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY
General Business une 4, 2012 Cal Poxtner, Ci Administrator
ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By
Temporary Environmental Assistant
REVIEWED BY
ACTION REQUESTED
Approve the creation of a Temporary Environmental Assistant position.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Former Environmental Technician Nicki Blake-Bradley resigned her position with the city in late April
for a new job. The position has been under review for the past month to see how best to meet the needs
of the community.
The Environmental Division currently has an intern through St. Cloud State University who recently
graduated with an Environmental Planning Degree. The intern is compensated through a State of
Minnesota grant. The grant position runs concurrently with the college semester and funding will be
soon completed.
With the full-time staff vacancy, the division's workload increasing due to seasonal needs, and ongoing
contract negotiations, staff has requested to create a temporary seasonal position and fill it for the
remainder of the year. The position would be funded with the unexpended salary and benefit money
budgeted for the now-vacant technician position.
The vacant technician position will remain under review until we have a better feel for the division's needs
resulting from our MPCA stormwater permit and the pending consideration of a stormwater utility fee.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The temporary position would be funded in 2012 with a portion of the unexpended salary and benefits
budgeted for the Environmental Technician position. Funding in 2013 will be considered with the 2013
budget.
ATTACHMENTS
Environmental Assistant Position Description
•
Action Motion by Second by Vote
FOllow Up
C:\Users\jmiller\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.0utlook\GWL3I79K\Env Asst
Staff Report.docx
@ 9 N E R E Iw 8~t`'
AUG.
City of Elk River
Environmental Assistant
1-liver Position Description
Department: Immediate Supervisor:
Communi Develo ment Environmental Administrator
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
Non-Exem t 05/10/12
Positions Supervised:
N/A
Position Summary
The Environmental Assistant provides assistance and reports to the Environmental Administrator
on a variety of environmental-related issues. This position's primary responsibility is to maintain
and improve the quality of the environment as it relates to the health, safety and welfare of the
residents of Elk River. This position performs work to ensure compliance with the City ordinances
and follows up on code violations.
Essential Functions
Coordinates recycling and solid waste programs.
A. Assists with the city's recycling program and organized solid waste collection including
such items as annual hauler licenses, refuse franchise negotiations and disposal contracts.
B. Assists in the development of new landfill abatement programs including business
recycling, clean-up days, school waste management, organics recycling, etc.
C. Develops public information, education materials, programs and promotional materials for
landfill abatement to encourage additional recycling and reuse.
D. Responds to general inquiries and complaints regarding recycling and solid waste issues.
E. Attends continuing education
2. Performs other environmental and safety issues.
A. Assists and acts as back-up to the Environmental Administrator in the administration of
environmental permits such as gravel mining licenses, Elk River Landfill, GRE's Energy
Recovery Project.
B. Assists and acts as back-up to the Environmental Administrator regarding environmental
programs.
C. Coordinates various environmental education efforts within the city.
D. Serves as liaison to regulatory bodies and citizens on environmental issues.
E. Assists in the preparation of ordinances to regulate environmental issues.
F. Provides content information for the City's website.
3. Acts as assistant to the Staff Liaison to the Energy City Commission (ECC)
A. Prepares packets and minutes
B. Conducts tours
C. Updates Social Media and website
D. Quarterly Business education series
E. Coordinates the Energy Expo
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F. Project Conserve
(1) Schedule and present at meetings
(2) Schedule audits
(3) Prepare monthly newsletters
4. Acts as assistant to the Staff Liaison to the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC)
A. Prepares packets and minutes
B. Yearly reports to MHS
C. Attend yearly conference as required by State
D. HPC Initiatives
E. Review of application to Planning Commission and providing recommendations
F. Assist with student projects
Other job duties
A. Maintains and improves GreenStep Cities status
B. Participates in safety training and follows all safety procedures
C. Regular and timely work attendance
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
^ Knowledge of local, state and national laws pertaining to municipal operations.
^ Knowledge of local, state, and national environmental laws.
^ Ability to effectively communicate city policies and procedures to other public agencies and the
general public.
^ Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
^ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city staff and the public.
^ Ability to prepare and manage multiple work programs in an efficient and productive manner.
^ Ability to effectively review and analyze various applications and permits.
^ Ability to work independently and assume responsibilities with minimal direct supervision.
^ Ability to efficiently process proposals to developers, the Boards and Commissioners, and the City
Council.
Minimum Qualifications
^ College degree in an environmental discipline.
^ Six months governmental or professional experience in an environmentally-related field.
Preferred Qualifications
^ More than one-year experience.
"phis P~~sirion Description is n<~t intended to he all-inclusi~-e. Tr is ~~-ithin the ~_;it~r of l~.lk Rig er's discretic>n
to assi~m additional duties and ic~sponsibilities yr retric>~ c duties and respo»sibilities ~lr ani time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employ mcnt.
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Environmental Assistant Position-rachel (2)