Senior Environmental Compliance Inspector

Salary : $93,874.20 - $125,800.44 Annually
Location : City of Escondido, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 03830
Department: Utilities
Division: Wastewater Treatment Reclamation
Opening Date: 10/12/2026
Closing Date: 11/2/2026 5:00 PM Pacific


Summary
If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Senior Environmental Compliance Inspector in our Utilities Department/Wastewater Division. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under direction, performs a variety of complex and difficult technical work in support of the City's Wastewater and Environmental Programs divisions, including sewer and storm water inspections and monitoring of commercial food, automotive, industrial, and commercial facilities; administers the Industrial Waste Pretreatment Program for the Hale Avenue Resource Recovery Facility NPDES permit in accordance with 40 CFR Part 403 regulations, including significant industrial facility inspections, sampling, permit writing, issuing notices of violation and reporting to the Regional Water Quality Control Board and EPA. Performs field inspections and enforcement for the protection of public health and safety in the areas of water quality, pollution control, and overall environmental protection for compliance of the City's wastewater and storm water N.P.D.E.S. permits, municipal code, and EPA guidelines; incorporates public education in daily work; maintains a variety of records, files, and related documents; and provides lead supervision and training to other staff.
Distinguishing characteristics

This is the advanced journey level class in the Environmental Compliance Inspector series with primary responsibility for inspecting and monitoring industrial and commercial facilities. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series and serve as lead worker for an assigned group of employees. Employees at this level may be assigned specialized functions and are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

Key Responsibilities
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Leads, plans, trains, and reviews the work of staff responsible for performing a full range of technical work in support of the City's wastewater pretreatment and storm water inspection programs; ensures the timely and accurate completion of work activities.
Provides instruction and training to assigned employees in their areas of work including related methods, procedures, and techniques; provides training in sampling and inspection techniques and procedures as well as in related ordinances and codes.
Verifies the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications; ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures; supervises the use, care, and operation of equipment; ensures adherence to best management practices; ensures cleanliness of work area and tools.
Performs the full range of duties involved in the implementation and enforcement of federal, state, and local environmental regulations in accordance with the City's wastewater and storm water N.P.D.E.S. permits.
Inspects commercial and industrial establishments for compliance with state, federal, and local environmental regulations related to wastewater and storm water.
Reviews and evaluates permit applications, discharge reports, facility modifications, and pretreatment systems.
Plan checks and reviews blueprints to ensure proper sizing of fixtures and to ensure all required fixtures are connected to pretreatment equipment. Calculates required capacity of grease removal equipment and sand oil clarifiers. Prescribes frequency of preventative maintenance for grease removal equipment and sand oil clarifiers.
Provides information, advises, and responds to inquiries from business owners and operators, other governmental agency staff, and the public concerning environmental compliance regulations, requirements, and policies.
Determines sampling locations and methods; collects representative samples of wastewater or storm water from industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional sources, various interceptors, and storm drains; utilizes appropriate containers and preservation methods; performs field and laboratory tests on samples collected; observes and records field conditions, flow meter readings, field test results, and other data relevant to sampling conditions and complete documentation.
Initiates appropriate enforcement action after identifying noncompliance with local, state, or federal requirements; prepares and issues written notices of correction, notices of requirements, violations of regulation, and administrative citations; researches compliance history of facilities; participates in enforcement hearings and monitors follow-up action.
Evaluates local and federal compliance monitoring reports including spill management plans, pollution prevention plans, self-monitoring reports, slug discharge prevention plan, and storm water pollution prevention plans. Ability to search online databases for publicly available information and environmental data.
Investigates and traces sources of illegal waste discharges entering into the storm water or wastewater collection systems; responds to and coordinates call-outs; provides technical assistance and guidance; observes, monitors, and evaluates conditions; initiates appropriate responses.
Plans and participates in pollution prevention program projects including commercial business regulation, development of best management practices, program planning and reporting, and public outreach.
Supervises and participates in a variety of record keeping and reporting functions; prepares and maintains a variety of records, files, and related documents; prepares a variety of periodic and special reports including monthly operation reports and reports to state and federal agencies; advises management of significant data or information related of the work of the unit.
Prepares manuals and reports including those that summarize requirements and regulations.
Operates and calibrates a variety of simple laboratory, sampling, and related equipment including pH meters, flow meter, atmosphere monitor, conductivity and other various meters, ammonia and chlorine test kits, and automatic sampling devices as assigned; repairs and replaces necessary part or assemblies; orders necessary supplies and parts; ensures sampling equipment is operating properly and set-up is adequate.
Ensures adequate spill response kits are available for each departmental vehicle; orders new materials as necessary.
Provides courteous customer service; responds to requests for information; investigates complaints.
Responds to emergency sanitary sewer overflows and odor complaints.
Coordinates work activities and services with other City departments and work groups; works in conjunction with the Building Division on new facilities and tenant improvements; works with the Fire Department on compliance issues and hazardous waste issues; works with the Code Enforcement unit to bring commercial, industrial, and residential facilities into compliance.
Assists storm water management staff to implement decisions made in regards to storm water N.P.D.E.S. permit requirements and tracking techniques.
Researches and maintains current knowledge of pertinent information and developments in the environmental compliance functional areas; evaluates and implements state, federal, or local requirements necessary to maintain approved pretreatment program.
Assist in structural BMP inspections; assist with dry weather and wet weather storm drain sampling and visual monitoring.
Conducts inspections, service requests, work orders, and investigations in the field using the City's digital asset management system, which includes uploading documents, emails, pictures, and printing reports.
Operates portable office equipment in the field to conduct inspections, service requests, work orders, and investigations.
Oversees San Diego Regional Board permitted groundwater remediation sites, including sewer discharge billing, and toxic or hazardous chemical data review.
Administers the Dental Amalgam Reduction Program to comply with 40CFR Part 441 regulations.
Coordinates meetings with the City of San Diego and Environmental Compliance staff regarding Rancho Bernardo wastewater discharge water quality.
Attends meetings regarding industrial waste discharges and communicates with other agencies including the County of San Diego Hazardous Materials Division, Air Pollution Control District, the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the EPA.
Calculates and submits billing invoices for higher strength wastewater discharges from industrial users.
Performs related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operations, services, and activities of industrial waste and pretreatment inspection programs.
Principles of lead supervision and training.
Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations including Clean Water Act, uniform plumbing codes related to sanitary sewer connections and those related to industrial waste and storm water discharge standards.
EPA industrial waste/pretreatment operation principles.
Methods and techniques of testing industrial waste generating processes.
Sanitary sewer conveyance systems.
Mechanical function of grease removal equipment, sand oil clarifiers, and other relevant equipment.
Wastewater treatment processes and technology.
Methods and techniques of inspection and sampling.
Principles and practices used in hazardous material handling and response.
Structural and non-structural storm water best management practices for existing development and construction projects.
Principles and practices of record keeping and basic report preparation.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices associated with area of work assignment including safety principles and practices related to waste collection traps and industrial waste inspection.
Principles and practices of customer service.
Operational characteristics of equipment and tools used in work activities including field analysis equipment for water quality sampling.
Basic mathematical principles.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers.

Ability to:
Lead, organize, and review the work of staff.
Independently perform the most difficult industrial waste and pretreatment inspection program related duties including the inspection and monitoring of industrial and commercial facilities for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding industrial pretreatment and storm water discharge.
Review and evaluate reports, permits, and applications.
Receive, investigate, and resolve internal and external complaints.
Interpret, explain, and enforce department policies and procedures.
Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
Enforce wastewater and stormwater regulations and rules through investigation and identification of non-compliance and seek resolutions.
Recognize potential violations of industrial waste and storm water discharge standards and the City's municipal code.
Read and interpret blueprints, plans, and maps.
Plan review new construction for sanitary sewer connections and pretreatment standards.
Communicate technical information related to storm water, sanitary sewer, and industrial waste activities.
Maintain accurate records and prepare reports of inspection activities.
Exercise initiative and judgment relative to enforcement activities.
Prepare and maintain a variety of records including computerized records; prepare accurate and complete reports.
Interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations.
Perform mathematical calculations.
Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
Work independently and efficiently to carry out assignments.
Deal effectively with the public and represent the City in a positive and professional manner.
Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and supporting applications.
Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
Safely drive and skillfully operate and calibrate required laboratory and sampling equipment.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Lift heavy manhole covers and ascend tall vertical ladders.
Act for the Environmental Compliance Supervisor in his/her absence as assigned.

Minimum Requirements
Must meet one of the following:

Education/Training/Experience:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Supplemental specialized training/coursework in water, storm water, and/or wastewater technology is desirable.

Three years (full-time equivalent) of environmental compliance inspection experience and two years (full-time equivalent) of experience in wastewater technology, chemistry, biology, environmental engineering, or related field.

OR

Two years of college level coursework in wastewater technology, chemistry, biology, environmental engineering, or related discipline.

Three years (full-time equivalent) of environmental compliance inspection experience .

OR

A Bachelor's degree in wastewater technology, chemistry, biology, environmental engineering, or related discipline and two years (full-time equivalent) of environmental compliance inspection experience.
License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid Class C driver's license.

Possession of a Grade II Environmental Compliance Inspector certificate issued by the California Water Environmental Association.

Supplemental Information
NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace.


All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY

The is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.
The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit theand the
01


Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The questions are specific to the position and the information you provide will be reviewed and used to further evaluate your experience and education to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do not answer "see resume" or " see application" as these are not valid answers. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from the information included in the Work Experience and Education sections of your application?

• Yes
• No

02


Please select the level of education that you possess for the position of Senior Environmental Compliance Inspector.

• Less than High School
• High School graduate or equivalent
• Two years, or more, of college level coursework in wastewater technology, chemistry, biology, environmental engineering, or related discipline.
• A Bachelor's degree, or higher, in wastewater technology, chemistry, biology, environmental engineering, or related discipline

03


Please select the level of experience that you possess for the position of Senior Environmental Compliance Inspector.

• None
• 0 to 2 years (full-time equivalent) of environmental compliance inspection experience
• 2 to 3 years (full-time equivalent) of environmental compliance inspection experience
• 3 or more years (full-time equivalent) of environmental compliance inspection experience

04


Do you possess two years (full-time equivalent) of experience in wastewater technology, chemistry, biology, environmental engineering, or related field?

• Yes
• No

05


Please describe the environmental compliance inspection duties you have performed and for which agency.
06


Please describe duties you have performed related to wastewater technology, chemistry, biology, environmental engineering, or related field.
07


Please describe your experience related to industrial wastewater or other environmental inspections and your knowledge and understanding of wastewater pre-treatment operations. Please include the name of employer(s), dates of employment, and duties performed.
08


Please describe your experience related to storm water management, NPDES permit compliance, or other environmental compliance programs. Please include the name of employer(s), dates of employment, and duties performed.
09


Please explain your experience using specialized software or work order management programs, such as Cityworks/Azteca.
10


Do you possess any of the following Environmental Compliance Inspection certifications issued by the California Water Environment Association? please check which certificate(s) you possess and attach a copy to the application.

• Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector certificate
• Grade II Environmental Compliance Inspector certificate
• None

11


Do you possess a valid Class C California driver's license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question