SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under direction, performs a variety of complex and difficult technical work in support of the City’s industrial waste and pretreatment inspection programs including the inspection and monitoring of industrial and commercial facilities to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and permit conditions regarding industrial pretreatment, storm water discharge, and pollution prevention requirements; maintains a variety of records, files, and related documents; and provides lead supervision and training to other staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level class in the Environmental Compliance Inspector series with primary responsibility for inspecting and monitoring industrial and commercial facilities. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series and serve as lead worker for an assigned group of employees. Employees at this level may be assigned specialized functions and are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Leads, plans, trains, and reviews the work of staff responsible for performing a full range of technical work in support of the City’s industrial waste and pretreatment inspection programs; ensures the timely and accurate completion of work activities.
• Provides instruction and training to assigned employees in their areas of work including related methods, procedures, and techniques; provides training in sampling and inspection techniques and procedures as well as in related ordnances and codes.
• Verifies the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications; ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures; supervises the use, care, and operation of equipment; ensures adherence to best management practices; ensures cleanliness of work area and tools.
• Performs the full range of duties involved in the implementation and enforcement of federal, state, and local environmental regulations related to the City’s industrial waste and pretreatment inspection programs.
• Inspects commercial and industrial establishments for compliance with state, federal, and local environmental regulations related to industrial waste and pretreatment.
• Reviews and evaluates permit applications, discharge reports, facility modifications, and pretreatment systems.
• Provides information, advises, and responds to inquiries from business owners and operators, other governmental agency staff, and the public concerning environmental compliance regulations, requirements, and policies.
• Determines sampling locations and methods; collects representative samples of wastewater from industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional sources, various interceptors, and storm drains; utilizes appropriate containers and preservation methods; performs field and laboratory tests on samples collected; observes and records field conditions, flow meter readings, field test results, and other data relevant to sampling conditions and complete documentation.
• Initiates appropriate enforcement action after identifying noncompliance with local, state, or federal requirements; prepares and issues written notices of requirements and violations of regulation; researches compliance history of facilities; participates in enforcement hearings and monitors follow-up action.
• Evaluates local and federal compliance monitoring reports including spill management plans, pollution prevention plans, self-monitoring reports, slug discharge prevention plan, and storm water pollution prevention plans.
• Investigates and traces sources of illegal waste discharges entering into the wastewater collection system; responds to and coordinates call-outs; provides technical assistance and guidance; observes, monitors, and evaluates conditions; initiates appropriate responses.
• Plans and participates in pollution prevention program projects including commercial business regulation, development of best management practices, and public outreach.
• Supervises and participates in a variety of record keeping and reporting functions; prepares and maintains a variety of records, files, and related documents; prepares a variety of periodic and special reports including monthly operation reports and reports to state and federal agencies; advises management of significant data or information related of the work of the unit.
• Prepares manuals and reports including those that summarize requirements and regulations.
• Operates and calibrates a variety of simple laboratory, sampling, and related equipment including pH meters, flow meter, atmosphere monitor, conductivity and other various meters, chlorine residual/free chlorine sampler, and automatic sampling devices as assigned; repairs and replaces necessary part or assemblies; orders necessary supplies and parts; ensures sampling equipment is operating properly and set­up is adequate.
• Ensures adequate spill response kits are available for each departmental vehicle; orders new materials as necessary.
• Provides courteous customer service; responds to requests for information; investigates complaints.
• Responds to emergency sanitary sewer overflows and odor complaints.
• Coordinates work activities and services with other City departments and work groups; works in conjunction with the Building Division on new facilities and tenant improvements; works with the Fire Department on compliance issues and hazardous waste issues; works with the Code Enforcement unit to bring commercial, industrial, and residential facilities into compliance.
• Assists storm water management staff to implement decisions made in regards to storm water N.P.D.E.S. permit requirements and tracking techniques.
• Researches and maintains current knowledge of pertinent information and developments in the environmental compliance functional areas; evaluates and implements state, federal, or local requirements necessary to maintain approved pretreatment program.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of industrial waste and pretreatment inspection programs.
• Principles of lead supervision and training.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations including uniform plumbing codes related to sanitary sewer connections and those related to industrial waste and storm water discharge standards.
• EPA industrial waste/pretreatment operation principles.
• Methods and techniques of testing industrial waste generating processes.
• Sanitary sewer conveyance systems.
• Mechanical function of grease removal equipment.
• Wastewater treatment processes and technology.
• Methods and techniques of inspection and sampling.
• Principles and practices used in hazardous material handling and response.
• Principles and practices of record keeping and basic report preparation.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices associated with area of work assignment including safety principles and practices related to waste collection traps and industrial waste inspection.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Operational characteristics of equipment and tools used in work activities including field analysis equipment for water quality sampling.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers.

Ability to:

• Lead, organize, and review the work of staff.
• Independently perform the most difficult industrial waste and pretreatment inspection program related duties including the inspection and monitoring of industrial and commercial facilities for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding industrial pretreatment and storm water discharge.
• Review and evaluate reports, permits, and applications.
• Receive, investigate, and resolve internal and external complaints.
• Interpret, explain, and enforce department policies and procedures.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Enforce industrial waste and pretreatment regulations and rules through investigation and identification of non-compliance and seek resolutions.
• Recognize potential violations of industrial waste and storm water discharge standards and pretreatment ordinances.
• Read and interpret blueprints, plans, and maps.
• Plan review new construction for sanitary sewer connections.
• Communicate technical information related to storm water, sanitary sewer, and industrial waste activities.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports of inspection activities.
• Exercise initiative and judgment relative to enforcement activities.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records including computerized records; prepare accurate and complete reports.
• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations.
• Perform mathematical calculations.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Work independently and efficiently to carry out assignments.
• Deal effectively with the public and represent the City in a positive and professional manner.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and supporting applications.
• Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
• Safely drive and skillfully operate and calibrate required laboratory and sampling equipment.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of two years of college level coursework in wastewater technology, chemistry, biology, environmental engineering, or related discipline.

Experience: Two years of responsible experience performing duties comparable to an Environmental Compliance Inspector II in the City of Escondido or comparable industrial waste inspection experience.

License or Certificate - Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license. Possession of, or ability to obtain within a probationary period, a Grade II Environmental Compliance Inspection certificate as issued by the CWEA.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Field setting with travel from site to site. Exposure to extreme noise in manufacturing environment; fumes and odors of process venting; dust from manufacturing; mechanical hazards in operating vehicles; radiation hazards possibly resulting from manufacturing processes or facilities; all types of weather and temperature conditions. Work schedule is 9/80; subject to 24-hour emergency call back and may require working standby duties, overtime, varying hours, weekends and holidays. Work environment is informal, both team and autonomy oriented, having both routine and variable tasks, with variable pace and pressure. Work is performed in the office and laboratory and in the field at manufacturing facilities and commercial and industrial establishments.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in a field setting and operate assigned equipment. FREQUENT walking, standing, sitting, fine-finger dexterity to manipulate computer, operate and calibrate equipment; OCCASIONAL bending and stooping, squatting, pushing/pulling, twisting at waist, upward and downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck; lifting objects weighing up to 10 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 200 yards; lifting objects weighing 11-50 lbs. from below waist to waist level and transporting distances up to 200 yards with or without assistance; grasp and grip to lift and carry equipment; hand and arm strength and foot dexterity to operate automobile or light pickup; INFREQUENT crawling, climbing, reaching at and above shoulder height, kneeling, balancing above ground; lifting objects weighing 11-50 lbs. from chest level to above shoulders, with or without assistance.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to observe manufacturing processes and observe situations in performance of inspections.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Hearing sufficient to hear warning signals in unfamiliar surroundings at industrial and commercial establishments.

Date: October 2004
Johnson & Associates