Essential Function
Under supervision, performs duties related to various District environmental programs including pretreatment, pollution prevention and stormwater. Performs professional industrial waste permit monitoring, sampling, laboratory analysis, inspection, compliance and enforcement of discharge permits and requirements stipulated by State, Federal and local regulations for mandated wastewater pretreatment and stormwater inspections. Assists with the development, administration, and oversight of the District's environmental programs. Facilitates pollution prevention public education work in conformance with District and regulatory procedures, approved scientific methods and techniques, and verifying compliance with regulatory and code requirements and validating accuracy of completed work.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the entry level classification in the Environmental Compliance Specialist series. Position requires a technical background and is characterized by the ability to learn and apply technical concepts and to effectively represent the District when interacting with customers and the general public. The Environmental Compliance Specialist I performs more routine assignments, such as sampling, pretreatment and stormwater inspections, pollution prevention activities and public education.
Individuals in this class normally advance to higher levels in the Environmental Compliance Specialist series after gaining experience, achieving proficiency, and obtaining appropriate certification to meet the requiremnents for higher-level classificiations.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Laboratory Manager. May receive functional supervision from higher level Environmental Compliance Specialists, other laboratory staff and other managers.
Primary Duties
Inspections and Sampling: Conducts comprehensive site inspections of commercial and industrial customers including wastewater processing, pretreatment and chemical storage and waste handling facilities. Conducts field sampling of wastewater throughout the District's service areas and at specific locations of permit users. Assists in investigating potential emergency spills, potential pollution sources, and illegal discharges. Assists in preparing written incident reports, and documentation. Conducts sampling to characterize domestic sewage and final effluent. Maintains chain of custody records; conducts laboratory analysis and produces reports for transmittal to regulatory agencies. Trains laboratory staff on pretreatment and pollution control program procedures and requirements.
Permit Administration: Researches application of specific industrial waste pretreatment regulations, requirements and permit processing. Assists in preparing and presenting workshops for commercial dischargers on pollution prevention requirements and measures. Assists in developing flow data and information for industrial user self-monitoring activity for transmittal to various users. Logs collection of fees, enforcement actions and compliance records. Prepares evidence and documents supportive to enforcement actions. Logs renewal of permit and enforcement action activity. Assists in the preparation of various reports and correspondence to users, public and governing agencies.
Pretreatment and Pollution Prevention: Drafts operating procedures, schedules, forms and controls for review and use in pollution prevention and industrial discharge permit monitoring. Coordinates specific cases of water quality sampling, inspecting, analyzing, and enforcement activity with other departments and external agencies. Maintains permit files. Provides information and other support to program staff on pollution control and pretreatment subjects. Maintains data and records on program activity and operations. Assists program staff with identifying training and safety needs. Prepares drafts of public information materials on pollution prevention and pre-treatment program requirements and operations. Makes presentations to classrooms, community and business groups on pollution prevention. Participates in District related civic events, and activities of community and professional organizations; attends meetings and makes presentations.
OTHER ASSIGNED DUTIES
General Operations: Participates in the general administrative operations of the department. Assumes responsibility for covering a part of the work assignments of other laboratory and pretreatment personnel during short absences. Responds to inquiries and requests from the public, customers, and outside organizations. Participates in teams engaged with process and customer service improvements. Prepares and presents formal reports and recommendations as appropriate. Participates in District committees and staff functions. Performs other assigned work which is consistent with the responsibilities assigned to the classification and necessary to the operations of the department and the District.
Qualifications
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent combination of education, training and experiences) from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related field; and
EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of professional experience in pretreatment, pollution prevention, environmental laboratory, or wastewater operations.
Knowledge of the following is required to perform the essential function:
- State, Federal and local laws, regulations, and ordinances related to environmental regulations of wastewater treatment, industrial pretreatment and hazard wastes, pollution control and pollution prevention.
- Principles and practices pertaining to wastewater treatment, wastewater and storm water collection systems, and environmental contamination of storm water.
- Principles, practices and functions of laboratory operations, including equipment and apparatus used to monitor and control industrial discharge, wastewater, and stormwater.
- Wastewater and stormwater inspection methods and sampling techniques and contamination standards under Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols.
- Basic principles of chemistry and chemical analysis.
- Safety procedures and practices in hazardous environments.
- Basic arithmetic including fractions, decmials, proportions, and metric measures; and statistical principles and applications.
Ability to do the following is required to perform the essential function:
- Perform environmental compliance investigation, inspection, and enforcement activities.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data, reaching valid conclusions.
- Perform mathematical, statistical, geometric and algebraic calculations common to water quality control laboratory analysis.
- Perform chemical laboratory analyses.
- Read and interpret mechanical drawings and flow diagrams.
- Read, interpret and apply specific provisions of laws, regulations, policies, and professional laboratory practices regarding environmental inspections and compliance with pretreatment systems and storm water regulations.
- Record and summarize data and information and produce regulatory and other technical reports and enforcement actions.
- Maintain accurate and complete records of tests and analyses.
- Evaluate, plan and establish a sequence of action for work progress.
- Work independently and solve problems within general guidelines.
- Provide verbal and written information to a wide variety of people.
- Effectively represent the District in interactions with the public and with private sector individuals, firms and agencies with respect to environmental compliance issues.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Exhibit a high customer service priority.
- Read, write and clearly speak the English language.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Articulate diverse points of view and work to resolve tense and controversial situations to the mutual satisfaction of both the District and the client.
- Operate a variety of office and technical equipment and computers, including those used for environmental inspections and investigations.
- Operate safety devices and equipment and apply proper safety procedures in hazardous environments.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Must possess the physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the class.
Mobility: occasional performance of manual labor; frequent walking, standing, bending, climbing, kneeling, twisting and squatting; ascending and descending ladders and stairs:
- Tolerate physical presence at heights of up to 75 feet on outdoor catwalks and exterior walkways of large structures.
- Occasionally reach overhead and/or ascend and descend 2-step ladder or stool in the performance of job duties, including but not limited to accessing or retrieving files, paperwork or binders and related items from upper shelves and storage areas.
- Periodic kneeling, bending and/or stooping in the performance of job duties, including but not limited to the retrieval or placement of documents, files and/or boxes on and off lower shelves, drawers or ground level.
Lifting:
- Routinely lift and move objects such as manhole covers, sampling devices and accessories, sample jugs, laboratory and field equipment, each weighing between ten (10) to fifty (50) pounds.
- Occasionally lift up to 75 pounds.
Vision: constant use of overall vision.
Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.
Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions.
Emotional/Psychological: frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone.
Environmental: frequent exposure to noise; frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances. Occasionally enter and leave confined spaces.
- Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments with some exposure to year-round weather conditions. Work may include exposure to loud equipment and machinery.
- Position may require occasional overtime and rotating weekend work.
- Must be responsive to operational emergencies.
Required Licenses, Certifications and Registrations
- A valid California State Class C license must be maintained at all times. Continued maintenance of valid driver's license in compliance with established District vehicle operations standards, and the ability to be insured for the operation of a vehicle/District vehicle in accordance with the terms and conditions of the District's insurance program are conditions of continued employment.
- A current Pretreatment Facility Inspection Certification issued by the California State University Sacramento Water Program is required or must be obtained within one (1) year of appointment.
- A valid California Water Environmental Association (CWEA) Grade I Laboratory Analyst certification is required or must be obtained prior to the completion of the probationary period.
- A valid California Water Environmental Association (CWEA) Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector certification is required or must be obtained within one (1) year of appointment.
Failure to obtain and maintain the required certifications may result in termination of employment.
Employment Conditions
Fair Labor Standards Act Classification: Non-Exempt, classification qualifies for overtime compensation in accordance with federal and state wage and hour laws
Collective Bargaining Representation Unit: Professional and Technical Representation Unit, PEU Local One
Job Specifications Approved by: Board of Directors on 06/25/1997
Appointment and Removal Authority: General Manager
Amended & Approved by: General Manager on 08/29/2018