Environmental Inspector I

Spotsylvania County•Spotsylvania, VA

10d

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Environmental Inspector I performs technical inspections of local construction projects to ensure compliance with County and State codes and regulations concerning erosion control and stormwater maintenance. The role checks construction materials and methods against County, State, and Federal specifications; investigates construction activities; recommends changes when needed; and prepares reports. The employee exercises initiative and independent judgment, using tact, courtesy, firmness, and professionalism when working with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public. This position reports to the Inspection Supervisor – Environmental Codes. The inspector enforces ordinances and regulations related to erosion control, stormwater management, Chesapeake Bay requirements, and other applicable minimum codes. The role reviews plans and construction documents, inspects work and materials, investigates complaints, issues notices of violation, conducts follow-up site visits, and may attend court appearances. The employee maintains records and files, communicates with the public and government agencies, attends residential pre-construction or plan review meetings, and assists with building inspections as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, and one to two years of experience in construction site inspections, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Knowledge of modern construction practices, materials, equipment, and the stages at which construction violations and defects should be observed and corrected.
Knowledge of State and local erosion ordinances and codes, and County geography.
Ability to interpret blueprints, diagrams, specifications, codes, and building regulations.
Ability to extract water samples at construction locations for bacteriological testing.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in applying standards and to deal tactfully and firmly with contractors, property owners, and the public.
Ability to physically maneuver on scaffolds, structural members, and in cramped quarters to conduct inspections.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to compare and judge observable characteristics of data, people, or things against standards.
Ability to communicate information, receive and follow instructions, and read correspondence, reports, architectural drawings, blueprints, inspection slips, and requests.
Ability to prepare correspondence, reports, and logs in prescribed formats.
Ability to apply logical or scientific principles, collect data, establish facts, draw conclusions, and interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form.
Ability to use and interpret codes and engineering, mechanical, and electrical terminology.
Ability to perform arithmetic, percentages, decimals, and basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to communicate respectfully and professionally and adapt to minimal levels of stress.
Physical ability to operate office machinery, two-way radios, hand tools, and a motor vehicle; exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently; walk or stand significantly; inspect dimensions and shapes; coordinate hands and eyes; handle equipment and controls; differentiate colors and shades; and talk and hear.

Nice To Haves

State DEQ Dual Inspector certification in Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater is preferred; otherwise, it must be obtained within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

Inspect construction projects to enforce County ordinances and requirements concerning erosion control, stormwater management, Chesapeake Bay, and related codes and regulations.
Examine construction methods and materials for compliance with applicable codes, regulations, approved plans, and specifications.
Prepare inspection reports and notices of violation.
Review plans, specifications, contract documents, and drawings for code compliance.
Explain codes and regulations to contractors, property owners, architects, engineers, and members of the public.
Investigate complaints and construction activities, conduct follow-up inspections and site visits, and appear in court when required.
Conduct fieldwork, review construction plans, and maintain accurate files and records.
Communicate with the public, contractors, engineers, VDOT, DEQ, and other State and Federal agencies.
Attend residential pre-construction and/or plan review meetings.
Assist with building inspections as needed.
Perform other related duties as required.