Environmental Compliance Inspector

Job Description:

Environmental Compliance Inspector

Description

Position Description

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW:

Thank you for your interest in our Environmental Compliance Inspector position. We look forward to the opportunity to consider you as an applicant.

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 70,693 located in the heart of California's Central Valley. The organization, staffed with 389 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.

We are currently recruiting to fill one immediate vacancy and an eligible list will also be established to fill future vacancies in this classification for a period of up to six months.

To be considered for this outstanding career opportunity applicants must submit a detailed application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills.

In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to respond to the supplemental questions associated with the application. Responses to the supplemental questions will be used to help us evaluate applicants’ qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application or in lieu of detailed responses to the supplemental questions.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under general supervision, performs environmental compliance inspections and tests of industrial and commercial waste disposal systems to ensure compliance with ordinance and permit requirements; performs standard field and laboratory chemical and biological procedures on wastewater samples; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor. May provide technical and functional direction to lower-level staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single position class in that is responsible for providing inspections of commercial and industrial facilities. Responsibilities include performing inspecting commercial and industrial waste disposal systems, performing standardized tests on wastewater samples, and attending to issues in a timely manner. This class is distinguished from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III in that the latter primarily performs wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance, in addition to duties related to the pretreatment program.

Examples of Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Inspects, monitors, and conducts sampling at various commercial and industrial sites, including inspecting new and existing industry, restaurants, auto body shops, and contaminated projects for compliance with wastewater discharge regulations, evaluating environmental risks associated with industrial processes and activities, and preparing, setting, programming, and retrieving samples from automatic samplers for small and large industries.
• Inspects pretreatment facilities and processes of industrial and commercial processes of industrial and commercial establishments for compliance with wastewater discharge ordinance and permit conditions.
• Inspects industrial and commercial businesses for compliance with storm runoff and pollution prevention requirements.
• Educates dischargers as to what is required to meet set limits; interprets ordinances and Federal and State regulations to dischargers.
• Manages the city’s Fats, Oil and Grease program, and the Liquid Waste Hauler program.
• Collects wastewater samples from industrial and commercial users and performs well-defined chemical and biological tests in the labor field to determine if governmental and process control requirements are met.
• Prepares accurate records and reports for management and regulatory agencies; maintains files and records.
• Provides input and assistance in the preparation of a variety of manual and computerized written, oral, tabular, and graphic reports; updates filed inspection records; and tabulates, calculates and prepares data for sewer service charges.
• Organizes, maintains, and documents all required information for enforcement of City code as directed by the federal requirements; analyzes data by comparing test results to requirements.
• Investigates and traces sources of illegal industrial wastes entering the City's wastewater collection system.
• Reads meters at commercial and industrial sites to determine flow for sewer billings; prepares monthly information for billing industries that use City facilities.
• Responds to public inquiries on wastewater services, billing, and other problem areas.
• May maintain and repair sampling and monitoring equipment.
• Enters data into and retrieves data from an automated data control system.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Answers inquiries from citizens regarding work performed; takes visitors on facility tour and explains operating procedures; maintains accurate records of work performed.
• Responds to complaints and answers questions from public or escalates to supervisor, as necessary.
• Responds to operations, maintenance, and repair emergency situations as required.
• Maintains records and logs of daily activities; prepares reports as necessary.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and programs for the City's industrial wastewater pretreatment program, the industrial waste inspection function, and related programs and projects.
• Practices and techniques related to wastewater and/or hazardous materials sampling, sample handling, and standard analysis methods.
• Practices and techniques of performing industrial facility and process inspections related to areas of assignment.
• Principles, practices, and terminology of industrial and commercial wastewater source control.
• Standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.
• Basic scientific principles (chemistry, biology, physics), with special emphasis on wastewater chemistry and chemistry encountered in industrial processes.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines relevant to assigned duties.
• Basic equipment troubleshooting principles and practices.
• Basic knowledge of pumps, mechanical equipment, flow meters, alarm systems, chemical feed systems, etc.
• Basic record keeping practices.
• Basic and advanced arithmetic and statistical techniques.
• Safe work methods and safety practices pertaining to the work, including the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
• Chain-of-custody procedures and documentation.
• Safe driving rules and practices.
• Basic computer software related to work.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Perform in-depth inspections of industrial and commercial users.
• Conduct standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.
• Follow chain-of-custody procedures and documentation.
• Read a variety of gauges, charts, and meters, record data accurately and make appropriate process adjustments.
• Interpret, apply, and explain basic laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Use and maintain the tools and equipment of the work skillfully and safely.
• Handle hazardous chemicals in a safe manner.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Safely and effectively use and operate tools and equipment required for the work.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Research, analyze, and summarize data, and prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
• Maintain both manual and automated logs, records, reports, and charts.
• Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Qualifications / Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by college level coursework in chemistry, biology, wastewater treatment, or a related field and three (3) years of responsible experience in wastewater treatment or laboratory experience.

LICENSE & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license.
• Within twelve (12) months of the date of entry into the position, must obtain a Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association. The ability to obtain the Grade II-IV Environmental Compliance Inspector Certificates is highly desirable.
• Within twelve (12) months of the date of entry into the position, must obtain a Grade I Entry Level Lab Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association.
• Within twenty-four (24) months of the date of entry into the position, must obtain a Grade II Laboratory Analyst Lab Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in standard wastewater treatment laboratory and related facilities and industrial and commercial sites; operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to identify chemical and biological solvents and substances; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Employees primarily work indoors but frequently walk within industrial and commercial sites to take samples. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to handle laboratory equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work partially indoors and partially outdoors and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, chemicals, and hazardous physical substances, odors, and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62)to new PERSmembers beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERSmembers with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55formula with single highest year.
  
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
  
• Life insurance -$20,000 coverage.
  
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
  
• 12 days sick leave per year.
  
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
  
• Flexible benefit program - IRSSection 125 Plan.
  
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
  
  

Closing Date/Time: 9/22/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$54,454.32 - $66,189.48 Annually