Environmental Compliance Inspector

City of Richmond•Richmond, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Richmond is seeking an organized and motivated professional with a strong background in science, environmental compliance, and safety to join the Public Works Department, Water Resource Recovery Division. The Environmental Compliance Inspector performs inspections, investigations, planning, and organization of regulatory compliance work for the City’s Wastewater Pretreatment and Municipal Stormwater Programs. This role ensures the City's compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental codes and regulations. The most successful candidate will be a detail-oriented environmental professional knowledgeable in wastewater pretreatment and municipal stormwater programs, capable of applying environmental regulations in a practical field setting. They should be comfortable conducting inspections and sampling, evaluating data, identifying violations, and communicating compliance requirements clearly and professionally, working both independently and collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or a related field
One (1) to three (3) years of related experience
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities
Possession of a valid California driver’s license and satisfactory driving record is an ongoing requirement
Knowledge of modern office practices and equipment, including applicable software
Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques related to regulatory inspections, wastewater pretreatment, treatment, and analysis
Knowledge of wastewater and stormwater regulations
Knowledge of sampling and inspection techniques
Knowledge of basic principles of chemistry and bacteriology
Knowledge of safety practices involved in sampling wastewater and stormwater
Skill in organization and time management
Skill in mathematics
Skill in chemistry
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to read and interpret a variety of maps, blueprints, schematics, flow diagrams, meters, dials, and gauges
Ability to present undesirable information to others under difficult circumstances where relations may be strained
Ability to diagnose and make minor repairs on a variety of equipment and instruments using common hand and power tools
Ability to determine volume, content, temperature, and conductivity of industrial waste, stormwater, and illicit discharges

Nice To Haves

Experience in wastewater pretreatment and/or municipal stormwater compliance, including inspections, investigations, sampling, monitoring, and enforcement.
Knowledge of NPDES requirements and applicable wastewater, stormwater, and environmental regulations.
Experience with environmental sampling and proper sample collection, preservation, and documentation procedures.
Possession of a California Water Environment Association - Environmental Compliance Inspector Grade I or Grade II certificate is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Inspects sanitary and storm sewer discharges at industrial, commercial, construction and municipal activity sources, including fats, oils, and grease (FOG), significant industrial users (SIUs), pump stations, corporation yards, illicit discharge screening sites, low-impact development treatment and hydrograph modification systems, City and storm sewers, interceptor systems, and from receiving waters.
Performs routine physical, chemical, biological, and bacteriological tests on samples collected, including field and site tests.
Investigates and traces the sources of illegal waste discharges entering the City’s wastewater and/or stormwater collection systems.
Communicates with facility representatives about violations, enforcement, discharge problems, and waste minimization.
Plans and directs the issuance of violation notices, and makes court appearances, if necessary.
Handles and preserves samples by following standard methods and Environmental Protection Agency regulations, and State Ambient Water Monitoring Program protocols to prevent sample degradation.
Establishes chemical and biological sampling schedules for the purpose of identifying the sources of code violations.
Establishes minimum standards for industrial, commercial, and construction sampling, monitoring, and pretreatment equipment.
Maintains inspection records and associated documents current in database for tracking and reporting purposes.
Enforces the Richmond Municipal Code, source control sections of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System for wastewater and stormwater permits, and other applicable regulations.
Obtains data for the purpose of calculating sanitary and storm water sewer fees for industrial and commercial businesses within Richmond’s city limit.
Coordinates and attends public meetings and outreach events consistent with pollution prevention requirements of wastewater and stormwater permits.
Receives and interprets laboratory data from wastewater, stormwater, and environmental samples.
Applies results to regulatory requirements.
Performs related work as required.