1. Stays apprised of all federal and state regulations concerning plant operations and safety including, but not limited to, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), National Electrical Code (NEC), and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
2. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of federal, state, and local environmental regulations to ensure facilities are in compliance
3. Evaluates permits, licenses, applications, maps, constructions plans, and records to ensure compliance with applicable requirements
4. Evaluates facilities for compliance with environmental laws, rules, and regulations
5. Effectively communicates monitoring and corrective action recommendations and regulatory enforcement actions to ensure compliance
6. Initiates proper enforcement actions depending on the type of violation

1. Ensures all data and evidence collected during an inspection are thoroughly recorded, accurate, clear, and organized
2. Records all relevant data observed in an investigation in a clear and thorough manner
3. Understands different sampling and testing techniques and uses them when appropriate
4. Collects samples on-site in accordance with established procedures
5. Coordinates with the analytical laboratory to ensure proper sampling equipment, techniques, and preservation of the samples
6. Collects discrete or composite samples to determine pollutants and discharge source
7. Conducts necessary testing to determine source and type of emissions or discharge and pollutants through analysis of the facility and the permit requirements
8. Collects photographic evidence using digital images best practices
9. Analyzes and evaluates laboratory data and other reports
10. Uses scientific protocols and methods to aid in investigations

1. Demonstrates an understanding of what procedures are required for effective compliance or enforcement inspections or for responding to complaints
2. Determines which sites and violation reports to investigate, and coordinates compliance and enforcement activities with the appropriate government agencies
3. Reviews permits and becomes familiar with facility’s reporting and record keeping requirements
4. Completes a records review prior to inspection of a facility’s compliance history, mandated reports, facility records, and operating logs
5. Demonstrates understanding of the types of reports a facility must maintain, and ensures that reports have been accurately completed and filed
6. Conducts opening meetings with facility staff to explain the purpose and scope of the inspection, establishes and builds on relationships with staff, gives a safety overview, and conducts a facility walkthrough to understand operations
7. Records observations of equipment and facility operations
8. Interviews and gathers information using proper interview techniques to obtain information from business and property owners, developers, city staff, and other relevant sources
9. Conducts an on-site records review of facility records that aren’t reported to compliance monitoring agency
10. Determines the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issues written notices of violation per regulations
11. Conducts a closing meeting to discuss findings with facility representatives and identify potential noncompliance issues and corrective actions
12. Demonstrates understanding of when and how to withdraw appropriately from the site visit

1. Prepares comprehensive written, oral, graphic, or tabular reports following an investigation in a timely and thorough manner
2. Ensures all information in a report is true and verifiable by providing relevant documentation
3. Demonstrates an understanding of the types of information that must be included in the report
4. Writes reports that provide a complete and clear overview of the situation including relevant background information, compliance history, inspection summary, records reviews, items of concern, and supporting documentation in an objective, factual, and precise manner
5. Demonstrates strong analytical skills and a logical thought process throughout the report
6. Cites relevant regulations and permits to demonstrate how a facility is or is not in compliance
7. Provides evidence showing how a facility is not in compliance
8. Explains corrective actions needed to ensure compliance
9. Prepares special authorizations, standard operating procedures, inspection reports, field investigation reports, and other routine and technical reports and documents as assigned

1. Reviews relevant information and uses individual judgment when appropriate to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards
2. Determines the nature of code violations and actions to be taken
3. Determines noncompliance enforcement action necessary based on the results of the inspection
4. Demonstrates understanding of the different levels of severity of noncompliance and how to respond
5. Reports violations of compliance or regulatory standards to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate or required
6. Issues verbal and written notices of violation
7. Ensures the regulated facility or entity understands how they’re in noncompliance and what the next steps are
8. Works with the regulated facility or entity to find a solution for noncompliance when possible
9. Keeps detailed records of noncompliance history, evidence, and follow-up actions
10. Monitors follow-up actions in cases where violations were found, and reviews ongoing compliance monitoring reports
11. Assists in the development of comprehensive plans tailored to help facilities meet environmental compliance objectives
12. Prepares testimony for administrative hearings or in court proceedings concerning site findings and investigations or the conditions under which a citation was issued

1. Maintains records and reports of permits, inspections, violations and sampling activities in information systems or databases
2. Maintains documentation of compliance activities, such as complaints received or investigation outcomes
3. Prepares regulatory or compliance documentation
4. Enters data and notes from an investigation in database in a timely manner
5. Demonstrates proficient computer use in an office setting to include word processing and spreadsheets
6. Demonstrates strong working knowledge of technology to analyze and collect data, including GIS systems and databases
7. Uses computers and computer systems to program, set up functions, enter data, or process information

1. Communicates clearly, effectively, and respectfully in multiple environments both orally and in writing
2. Informs and educates government officials and staff, business owners, community groups and the general public of environmental regulations and obligations
3. Explains environmental regulations to members of business community and educates general public on environmental responsibility and other forms of public outreach
4. Establishes and maintains working relationships with government personnel, business associates, industry and the general public
5. Provides technical expertise to government officials and staff and the public to address compliance issues
6. Handles a diverse set of comments and complaints in a polite, professional and diplomatic manner
7. Responds to questions and inquiries in a manner appropriate to the technical level of the audience
8. Informs individuals and groups of pollution control regulations and inspection findings, and explains how problems can be corrected
9. Communicates with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources
10. Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintains them over time

1. Learns and observes proper safety precautions, rules, regulations, and practices so that unsafe conditions can be recognized, and proper safety protocols implemented
2. Exhibits knowledge of and ensures compliance with all applicable safety regulations
3. Independently identifies and corrects safety hazards
4. Participates in regular safety training, safety topic meetings and task training
5. Understands and has awareness of on-site hazards, and implements relevant safety protocol to mitigate hazards
6. Demonstrates understanding of required personal protection equipment including but not limited to ear plugs, safe shoes, vests, eye protection, Tyvek suits, respirators and hard hats
7. Verifies that hazardous materials and hazardous waste are handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with regulations
8. Demonstrates understanding of hazardous materials and hazardous waste management and applies principles from HAZMAT training

1. Stays abreast of changes in regulations on the local, state and federal level
2. Stays up to date on continuing education requirements including required annual contact hours
3. Receives any necessary training and completes requirements to obtain certifications
4. Pursues additional professional education as needed
5. Pursues membership with relevant professional organizations
6. Regularly attends industry events and conferences

Sample learning objectives Explain the mission of the employer’s organization. Describe the organizational structure of the employer’s organization. Explain the chain of command in the employer’s organization and the steps an employee should take to report concerns about practices or behaviors in the workplace or to share ideas about how to improve processes or efficiencies. Describe the employer’s policies for workplace conduct and ethics. Explain the employer’s policies regarding medical leave and vacation. Clarify the apprenticeship program’s requirements and the apprentice’s role in the organization’s business activities.

Sample learning objectives Explain the use of numbers, exponents, and mathematical symbols. Solve simple mathematical equations. Solve and graph linear and quadratic equations. Solve and graph polynomial and rational equations and functions. Solve and graph exponential and logarithmic equations. Solve multivariable systems of linear equations and inequalities. Demonstrate proficiency in matrix operations, properties, determinants, and their application in solving equations. Solve two-variable equations.

Sample learning objectives Explain the system of nomenclature used to describe plants, animals, microbes, fungi, etc. and identify the Latin names of key species. Explain the interactions between living and non-living entities and the types of obligatory or reliant relationships that exist between these entities (such as symbiotic, commensule). Discuss the basic structure of plants and their role in the production of energy and oxygen. Explain the key components of the Kreb’s cycle. Discuss the scientific structure of the animal kingdom and theories of evolution within the animal kingdom, including the “survival of the fittest” theory proposed by Charles Darwin. Explain the process of ontogeny and phylogeny. Explain the chemical structure of water, the elements of the water cycle and factors that impact the supply, availability, and cleanliness of water. Explain the chemical structure of biological molecules, elements of the carbon cycle, and factors that impact the production and utilization of carbon. Differentiate between vertebrates and invertebrates. Explain the basic structure and mechanisms of reproduction among plants, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and prions. Explain basic anatomical structures of living organisms, including plants, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and prions. Explain the various types of defense mechanisms used by different species to protect against predators. Differentiate between ectothermic and endothermic temperature regulation and list different species that rely on each for survival. Explain the mechanisms for respiration among different species. Define and explain the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and the process of DNA replication. Explain the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. List, define, and identify the structure and function of key cellular components. Explain the hierarchy between atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. Explain the processes of transcription and translation. Explain the structure of chromosomes, the mechanism by which chromosomes are transferred during reproduction, and common chromosomal anomalies.

Sample learning objectives Perform basic unit conversions and explain their importance in clinical medicine. Describe the electronic structure of atoms and the influence of that structure on chemical properties and chemical reactions. Demonstrate the ability to locate elements on the Periodic Table, and to determine from that table information such as molecular weight and mass number. Describe the properties of atoms, molecules, and each state of matter (solid, liquid, gas). Write and balance chemical equations, indicating the relative quantities of reactants and products. Describe the energy and speed of chemical reactions. Explain the difference between acids and bases, the basic chemistry of acids and bases, and methods for neutralizing acids and bases. Calculate pH, explain buffer behavior, and perform acid–base titrations. Explain molecular interactions and chemical reactions that take place in the body. Demonstrate the ability to use adductive and deductive reasoning, to design a proper experiment with proper controls, and to collect data and analyze it. Demonstrate the ability to abide by laboratory safety principles and techniques. Differentiate between inorganic and organic molecules. Describe bonding models for simply inorganic and organic molecules in order to predict structures and important bonding parameters. Define a mole; explain molality and molarity. Explain stoichiometry and its use to determine the proportions in which elements or compounds react with each other. State the gas laws and explain how they govern the physical and chemical behavior of gasses. Describe the structure and properties of organic biomolecules, including proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, and lipids. Describe how to carry out organic reactions. Demonstrate the ability to properly make and store solutions, including when scaling up or down from a standardized formula. Demonstrate the ability to perform a chemical distillation, extraction, and crystallization.

Sample learning objectives Discuss the major types of biomes and the disagreement among scientists as to how many different types of biomes exist on earth. Explain the key components of each biome and the challenges different types of biomes are facing as a result of overpopulation, excess carbon production, excess waste production, human behaviors, regulatory insufficiencies or overregulation, naturally occurring changes (such as in weather and climate), resource utilization, and industrialization. Explain how the living and non-living elements of biomes interact, how biomes work toward maintaining equilibrium, and the cases and effects of interruption of that equilibrium. Discuss the factors that determine climate in a specific biome, geographic region, a planet or planetary system. List the natural and man-made factors that affect climate and explain the role of models in determining the relative impact of human and non-human factors on climate. Compare and contrast weather and climate and explain the various factors that determine or influence climate and weather patterns and conditions. Compare and contrast human versus natural disasters and discuss the types and sources of natural disasters that occur in certain climates and geographic regions. Explain the water cycle, the role of aquifers, and the natural sources of water purification that result in clean drinking water. Explain how man-made chemicals and processes can be used to contaminate or purify water. Discuss the main sources of water pollution in rural versus urban areas, in the developed and undeveloped world, and in areas undergoing industrialization, mining, construction, and so on. Explain the processes used to desalinate, purify or decontaminate water and the role of water processing plants in providing safe drinking water. Explain how human, agricultural and industrial wastes are produced, managed and disposed of, and discuss how waste materials positively and negatively influence environmental health and stability. Discuss the process for collecting, treating, and releasing wastewater from residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal facilities and treatment plants. Discuss the role of population growth in resource utilization, production of pollution and consumption of natural resources. Explain the carbon cycle, the role of plants in reducing carbon dioxide, sources of carbon (both naturally occurring, and man-made), and strategies for reducing carbon emissions. Compare and contrast different strategies—technological versus geopolitical—for reducing carbon emissions and explain how much human-related carbon production must be eliminated to compensate for natural carbon releases that cannot be altered by humans. Discuss the economic risks and benefits of carbon taxes, carbon sequestration requirements, and carbon emission limits. Explain the role of forests in preventing erosion, cleaning ground and drinking water, providing food and shelter for animals and other species, and producing oxygen and energy. Discuss the causes and results of deforestation on organic and inorganic systems. Discuss the risks and benefits of forest fires, methods of using controlled burning or deforestation techniques to reduce the risk of unintended fires, and the impact of forest fires on living and non-living components of biomes. Discuss the various sources of energy production (coal, wood and trash-burning, solar, wind, hydrogen, nuclear, etc.), comparing and contrasting the risks and benefits, costs and availability of each. Explain the challenges associated with converting from a carbon-based to a non-carbon-based energy production system and explain what portion of energy production can be produced by sustainable means over the next 10, 50 and 100 years. Discuss the total environmental impact of gasoline and diesel-powered automobiles with those of electric cars, hydrogen-fueled vehicles, and hybrid vehicles. This includes not just carbon utilization in the production of energy or fuel to run the vehicle, but also carbon utilization and other environmental impacts of producing each type of vehicle (including the production of components like batteries) and disposing of used vehicles and vehicle parts. Explain the role of nuclear fission in providing a clean and sustainable source of energy, as well as the risks associated with maintaining and operating nuclear power plants and disposing of nuclear waste. Explain the potential of nuclear fusion to provide clean energy, as well as the decades-long challenges that have prevented this technology from moving forward. Compare and contrast different strategies and mechanisms for managing trash, including recycling. Explain the challenges that have plagued recycling efforts and discuss the proportion of the potentially recyclable waste stream that is not recycled because of limitations of technology, contamination of the waste streams, cost of recycling, and demand for recycled products and materials. Explain the role of government regulations in protecting the environment and cite key pieces of legislation (such as the Clean Air Act) that serve as the basis for federal regulation of activities with environmental impact. Explain how some regulations have been effective in improving human and environmental health, while others have prevented efforts to produce cleaner or more abundant energy, expand access to housing and food, or provide more affordable options for food, housing and energy. Explain the positive and negative economic impacts of environmental protection regulations.

Sample learning objectives Define effluent and explain the types of contaminants or pollutants (including thermal pollutants) found in human and industrial wastewater. Discuss the history and significance of EPA Brown Fields in reversing the hazards associated with toxic industrial waste and effluent. Compare and contrast the hazards associated with municipal, agricultural and industrial wastewater, and effective strategies for reducing, managing, and mitigating those hazards. Explain the types of systems used to eliminate hazardous microorganisms from water and wastewater. Discuss the risks and benefits of each and the relative distribution of these systems across the country and around the world. Explain the link between economic development and access to clean and reliable drinking water. Explain the structure and function of a wastewater treatment plant, and strategies for effectively treating wastewater, including during times of surge, such as following rain or snowmelt. Explain the reason that municipal water supply systems add chlorine and fluoride to water, as well as the controversies over the use of both chemicals in treating water. Explain the risks and benefits of relying on bottled water rather than tap water for drinking, cooking and cleaning, including the cost of bottling and transporting bottled water, the contribution of bottles to the waste stream, the cost of purchasing clean water and its impact on economically disadvantaged people, and the negative impact that drinking bottled water has on dental health, especially in children. Discuss the challenges that populations have in accessing safe and reliable drinking water, especially in underdeveloped regions and heavily industrialized regions. Use case studies to explain the sources and results of water contamination, such as the Love Canal case study, the city of Detroit case study, the Camp Lejeune case study, and others. Explain the impact of plastics on the water and food supply and discuss strategies for removing nanoparticles from waste and wastewater effluents. Discuss strategies for identifying, testing, and monitoring wastewater effluent, both from point and non-point sources. Explain the types of biological and chemical analyses that can be done to assess the types and levels of contaminants contained in effluents, and the challenges associated with providing affordable and sufficient effluent testing to fully understand the environmental impact of effluents. Explain low technology methods that can be employed by individuals, community groups, and schools to monitor water quality. List organizations that provide training and support to groups involved in water quality assessment and monitoring. Discuss effective strategies for reducing or eliminating non-point sources of contamination in urban, agricultural, industrial, and undeveloped areas. Discuss the types of chemicals associated with different industrial processes, how those chemicals find their way into ground and drinking water, strategies for eliminating those chemicals from the food supply and drinking water, and the human health impact of exposure (both low-level over a long period of time or high-level exposure following a spill or accidental encounter) to those chemicals. Explain the levels of sensitivity currently available in chemical detection methods (such as spectroscopy or chromatography), and how increasing levels of sensitivity in detection methods both positively and negatively impact human health, consumer habits, regulatory pressure, and economics. Explain the difference between naturally occurring and industrial contaminants and how each impact food and water safety (for example, explain why it is the case that apple juice cannot be completely free of arsenic since arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is absorbed into apple seeds, but in the event of arsenic in industrial effluent, the level of arsenic in some apple juice can exceed FDA limits). Differentiate between the role of science, regulation, and advocacy in establishing environmental safety protocols and requirements. Discuss the negative impact of both under-regulation and overregulation in terms of human health, environmental health, and economic sustainability. Explain the legal process by which regulatory agencies promulgate and enforce various kinds of regulations. Explain the role that citizen groups, individuals, industrial organizations, trade associations, unions, and other groups play in influencing the regulatory process, and the challenges that regulatory agencies have in promulgating regulations that protect human and environmental health while establishing limits that are possible based on currently available technologies and economic realities. Discuss the methods, sampling techniques, chain of custody requirements, and cost of performing water quality assessment, for purposes of general monitoring, regulatory compliance, forensic analysis or sale of a property. Explain which Environmental Protection Agency standards and methods must be employed to perform water quality assessment for each purpose. Explain the potential of terrorist activity associated with the water supply.

Sample learning objectives List the components of air as well as the types of particulate matter and contaminants that negatively impact air quality. Explain the different analytical techniques used to monitor air quality. Differentiate between the types of contaminants found in indoor and outdoor air, and list the common types and sources of air pollution that negatively impact humans, animals, and the environment. Discuss the types of products used in homes and offices that emit toxins in the form of fumes or particulate matter, such as types of paints, carpet, fabrics, and finishes that emit various levels of toxins, and discuss alternatives available to reduce the level of toxins in the air. Explain the limits of air testing and the types of sampling methodologies that must be employed to evaluate and monitor air quality accurately and responsibly. Explain the types of illnesses commonly seen among those exposed to poor air quality in the home, at work or in the environment. Explain the impact that smoking (tobacco, marijuana, herbal products) and vaping have on the individual engaged in the activity, those in proximity of that individual, and the environment in which the activity takes place. Explain the relationship between weather, climate, and air quality. Discuss the basic components of soil, the types of soils that exist on earth, as well as the risks and benefits of each soil type in supporting life, agricultural production, the built environment, or preserving natural habitats. Explain how soil tests are performed, how accurate and reliable soil samples are collected, and how chain of custody is maintained from the point of collection to the point of analysis of soil samples. Discuss the causes and effects of erosion as well as mitigation strategies for reducing erosion in built and natural environments. Discuss the risks and benefits of various agricultural practices for retaining soil and maintaining soil health, such as the use of natural or synthetic fertilizers and strategic crop rotation techniques. Discuss how different types of vegetation grow best in different types of soil. Explain the types of contaminants found in soil in areas where there is significant housing density, high recreational use, industrialization, research and development, and military operations. Explain the sources of those contaminants, methods and limits for detecting them in soil, and strategies for eliminating or containing hazardous contaminants so that they do not find their way into the food or water supply. Explain the potential of terrorist activity with respect to air and soil contamination and strategies employed to prevent or at least detect such activity if and when it occurs.

Sample learning objectives List the main pieces of federal legislation from which our current environmental regulatory system has been formed. Explain the role of federal and state regulatory agencies in establishing contaminant limits, monitoring regulatory compliance, and imposing fines and penalties to those in violation of federal and state regulations. List the main components of the Clean Air Act and explain how those components were designed to protect human and environmental health and how they are currently enforced. List the main components of the Clean Water Act and explain how those components were designed to protect human and environmental health and how they are currently enforced. List state and local regulations pertaining to water, air, and soil quality; land use; waste disposal; and waste storage. Explain how companies evaluate point and non-point sources of air, soil and water pollution, the environmental regulations that establish upper limits for contaminant emission, the penalties associated with violations of those regulations, and strategies for reducing, containing and mitigating those emissions. Explain the types of reporting requirements that different types of organizations are required to meet to maintain compliance with the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act or other environmental regulations. Explain the unique challenges that military installations and research laboratories have in meeting the requirements of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act and describe the exemptions that military and research and development installations have received over time in this regard. Explain the unique challenges that crematoria, hospitals, power plants, and manufacturing facilities have in meeting air, water, and soil quality requirements. Explain the regulations that power production companies must meet, depending on whether they rely on coal, wind, nuclear fission, water, the sun or other sources for power production. Discuss the economic, environmental, and social impact of different regulatory regimes and structures in the US and around the world. Explain the ways in which foreign governments work to encourage consistency in environmental regulation and protection, and the challenges of such international efforts given different political, social, and economic realities on the ground. Explain the ramifications of environmental regulatory noncompliance, including fines, criminal penalties, cessation of operations, and so on. Discuss ethical challenges associated with environmental compliance and demonstrate the ability to develop policies, processes, and controls to prevent unethical conduct.

Sample learning objectives Explain the role of field work in environmental science and compliance. Describe the types of field studies conducted by environmental compliance personnel, such as water testing, soil testing, insect analysis, quadrant analysis, mapping, and core sampling. Explain the concepts of quality control and quality assurance in field testing and laboratory analysis and describe techniques used by environmental compliance technicians to maintain quality control and quality assurance. Explain the concepts of accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility, and explain how environmental compliance technicians demonstrate that their assessments meet accepted and regulatory standards. Explain the importance of chain of custody when taking, transporting, and analyzing samples, and demonstrate the ability to maintain and document a sample chain of custody. Demonstrate the ability to properly use various sampling devices such as nets, filtration devices, sieves, core sample devices, test tubes, collection vessels. Demonstrate the ability to properly calibrate, use, maintain, and store field equipment typically used to confirm environmental compliance, such as digital thermometers, pH meters, anemometers, hygrometers, time-lapsed photography equipment, grid marking devices, microscopes, and Secchi disks. Explain the risks associated with fieldwork and protective measures required to ensure personal and environmental safety. Demonstrate the proper and consistent use of personal protective equipment. Explain the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations that apply to those performing field work and/or laboratory analysis and demonstrate compliance with those regulations. Demonstrate the ability to properly log samples and record important metadata relevant to the sample location, time, conditions, and so on. Demonstrate the ability to use proper sample preservation techniques based on the sample being taken and the analysis to be performed (such as use of preservatives and use of refrigeration).