Senior Ground Water (Septic) Inspector - Development Services - Public Works Division

Job Posting Opportunity

This is a departmental promotional opportunity. Only current employees of the Hamilton County Development Services Department will be considered for this position.

Under general supervision, leads or conducts the more difficult permitting, inspections, instructions, education and investigations to ensure compliance with ground water protection and safety regulations regarding sanitation and ground water in order to protect the public health from ground water contaminates.

Essential functions may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

Inspection of residential, commercial, institutional, assembly sites for sanitation levels and structural criteria; protects public health by reducing ground water protection violations; improves public safety by ensuring proper installation, safe operation, and disposal of septic waste; and provides public awareness education.

Responsible (with office staff assistance) for application/issuance of permits and collection of fees in a timely manner; reviews proposed subdivision plats with contractors and developers to determine whether proposed lots meet state regulations; reviews facility plans; conducts site visits for new construction; protects public health by ensuring safe disposal of septic waste; reviews required correspondence regarding permit approvals and denials.

Enforces the laws, rules, codes and regulations related to general nuisance complaints; investigates and abates nuisance complaints; issues warnings and/or citations; assists County and City offices with legal actions in Court; provides consultation and training to community groups, and the general public etc. on ground water protection issues.

Writes septic permits; provides information regarding size required for septic systems; inspects septic installations to ensure correctly installed and operational in accordance with state rules and regulations; reviews proposed subdivision plats with contractors and developers to determine whether proposed lots meet state regulations; inspects repaired septic systems; provides assistance in replacement of old systems; works with surveyors in staking out plat lines.

Issues recertification letters to ensure future home buyers will not be purchasing homes with septic problems; investigates complaints to ensure property owners conform to state laws and not endanger other citizens with septic problems; checks water samples from homeowners wells to ensure drinking water meets safe drinking standards; assists, educates and resolves ground water problems; acts as training specialist for Hamilton County; provides educational and training programs for the community.

Researches and interprets records, maps, public records and plats to determine soil types and history of problems related to groundwater or other contaminates; serves on Emergency Operations Commission to monitor emergency training exercises; assists department with groundwater protection inconsistencies statewide to establish a standard in marking violations; assists other inspectors with more difficult cases; completes all required correspondence regarding approvals and denials; performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of federal, state and county laws, rules, regulations, codes and ordinances related to environmental health and safety. Knowledge of inspection and investigation of health and safety issues. Knowledge of universal health and safety precautions rules and regulations. Knowledge of facility, plat, subdivision, and site inspection. Knowledge of customer service/public relations methods and practices. Knowledge of computer hardware, software and peripherals. Knowledge of record keeping and documentation. Knowledge of community program or individualized instruction. Knowledge of groundwater and septic tank installation. Knowledge of simple engineering tools and survey equipment for field and documentation use. Knowledge of tools used for measuring and checking level including laser transit, laser range finder, etc. Skill investigating and enforcing ground water protection laws, codes and ordinances. Skill reviewing and inspecting facilities, plat, subdivision, construction sites and blueprints for permits. Skill meeting with and resolving issues with contractors and subdivision developers. Skill utilizing customer service / public relations techniques when responding to inquiries and complaints. Skill negotiating, mediating and reaching consensus on issues. Skill problem solving issues and providing technical assistance. Skill inspecting new, existing, or remodeled facilities for compliance with health and safety regulations. Skill testing ground/well water samples for possible contamination. Skill utilizing verbal and written communication skills in developing reports and documenting investigations. Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form. Skill ability to make daily route and drive long periods of time. Skill functional/technical competency, technical learning. Skill customer and personal service, critical thinking, judgement and decision making, active listening and learning, complex problem solving, multitasking.

A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, General Science, or other closely related field, and three (3) years of field experience in area of assignment. Must possess a valid driver's license.

Experience with GIS mapping and tools is preferred but not required. Experience with scale drawings, scale rulers, and site drawings is preferred but not required. Experience taking water samples is preferred but not required.

Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level.

Work requires climbing, bending, stooping, lifting and carrying testing equipment and nuisance waste weighing up to 25 pounds during the performance of inspection and/or investigation of construction sites, special events, and facilities, with the potential for exposure to air, and water borne pathogens. Gross body coordination, stamina, static strength with ability to navigate rough terrain both on foot and while driving.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all 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.

Any overtime hours offered in this position are not guaranteed, are an estimate, and are subject to change.

All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance.

All positions within Hamilton County Government may require work on holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.

Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page.