Stormwater Environmental Compliance Inspector

Position Description Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) Drainage and Wastewater Line of Business is seeking a dedicated Stormwater Environmental Compliance Inspector under the cities job classification (Civil Engineering Specialist, Associate) to join our environmental protection team. This position plays a critical role in safeguarding Seattle's waterways and the Puget Sound by ensuring businesses and property owners comply with stormwater regulations. You'll work directly in the community, providing technical assistance and enforcement support while contributing to the cleanup efforts at the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund site. As a Stormwater Environmental Compliance Inspector, you'll be on the front lines of environmental protection, conducting field inspections, investigating pollution sources, and responding to water quality emergencies. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on Seattle's environmental health while working with diverse communities and stakeholders throughout the city. About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make. For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit: SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) Strategic Business Plan Shape Our Water Plan SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring, and promotional opportunities. Why join us? Hybrid work schedule opportunities. Family-friendly and multicultural work environment. Generous benefits package. Free public transportation options. City pension plan with employer/employee contributions. Growth potential and advancement opportunities. Job Responsibilities Inspect businesses throughout the City to provide technical assistance regarding stormwater best management practices and enforce compliance with the City's Stormwater Code. A major emphasis of the work is the Lower Duwamish Waterway (LOW) Superfund site. Inspect privately owned stormwater flow control and treatment systems to ensure compliance with City maintenance requirements. Communicate with property owners and businesses; write letters, inspection reports, and enforcement actions, and input data into a mobile database. Investigate and identify pollutants entering the City drainage system, both from current home and business activities and other sources. These investigations may involve collecting sediment and stormwater samples to determine pollutant sources, as well as investigation of pollution into the stormwater drainage system during dry weather. Respond to water quality complaints and provide technical assistance to businesses and residents. Respond to spills and routinely perform week-long after hours/weekend on-call assignments. Coordinate with other City, State and Federal and other agencies on pollutant source control issues. Manage consultant contracts and take on special projects as needed. Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Qualifications Education: Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology, or two years of college level coursework in engineering and construction technology. Experience: Requires two years’ civil engineering experience. Experience and Education Equivalency: A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class). Certification/License: Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility. Desired Qualifications Environmental and Regulatory Experience: Experience with stormwater management practices, environmental regulations, water quality standards, field inspections, environmental compliance monitoring, and stormwater treatment systems. Technical and Investigation Skills: Experience with water quality sampling, pollutant source identification, mobile data collection systems, engineering principles related to drainage systems, and spill response procedures. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical report writing and public interaction. Experience providing technical assistance to businesses, explaining complex concepts to diverse audiences, and coordinating with regulatory agencies. Field Work and Project Management: Ability to work independently in various weather conditions, manage contracts and special projects, work flexible hours including on-call assignments, and perform physical field work. Ability to respond to spills within 90 minutes after hours and on weekends when acting as a spill responder. Work Environment / Physical Demands Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment. Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances and work in or near construction sites. May be required to lift over 50 pounds. May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time. Overnight travel may be required. Additional Information Workplace Environment: This position requires four days on-site. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor. It is a requirement that Stormwater Environmental Compliance Inspectors become 40-hour Hazmat certified within the first year of employment in order to fulfil the stormwater spill response duties. The salary range for this position is $53.60 - $62.40 hourly. This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records incompliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SME 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information. Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: #J-18808-Ljbffr Seattle Public Utilities