Water Resources Protection Specialist

Assists in administering water protection, wastewater pretreatment, and pollution prevention programs related to storm drain and sewer systems.

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Representative Duties:

Inspects pretreatment systems, businesses, and other facilities for compliance with applicable federal, State, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to wastewater, stormwater, sewer system, and pollution prevention program regulations and discharge permit requirements.

 

Collects, tests, and analyzes waste effluents; inspects and samples sewer, storm drain, and pretreatment devices, including sewer and storm drain discharge lines; tests atmospheric gases in sanitary sewer systems; reviews and verifies the efficacy of proposed pollution control systems; may oversee sampling activities conducted by contractors.

 

Gathers, organizes, and maintains data for the preparation of reports regarding environmental compliance inspections and wastewater pretreatment programs to local, State, and federal agencies. 

 

Assists in evaluating and preparing local and federal compliance monitoring reports, such as solvent and spill management plans, pollution prevention plans, stormwater, and pretreatment reports, baseline monitoring reports, and sample results to ensure compliance with local and federal regulations.

 

Researches rules, regulations, and other information pertaining to the reduction of water pollution related to wastewater and urban runoff programs.

 

Assists in developing policies related to environmental compliance and water resources pollution prevention programs; assists in evaluating and monitoring the effectiveness of established programs.

 

Informs and distributes educational literature to local businesses, residents, City employees, and the general public regarding best practices to reduce urban runoff water pollution and support pollution prevention efforts.

 

Responds to and investigates illegal discharges to sewers, streets, and storm drains, including complaints regarding sewer stoppages, water pollution, and damage to public property by improper waste disposal practices. 

 

Enters and certifies sanitary overflow reports into the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQs).

 

Participates in requests for proposal for construction services and bid processes; ensures contractor compliance with City specifications, policies, and procedures, and service quality.

 

Provides support for City construction projects, including monitoring progress and evaluating and approving invoices and payments.

 

 Reports violations of regulations and City ordinances and assists in collecting samples as evidence for legal proceedings.

 

 Serves as a witness in court cases involving industrial waste disposal practices, as required.

 

Provides information and assistance to City staff regarding waste disposal requirements and solutions in order to ensure the health and safety of the general public.

 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

Knowledge of:

Principles of physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry

Applicable federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to wastewater pretreatment, stormwater, urban runoff, pollution prevention, and water quality remediation

Instrumental analytical methods and their application to environmental analyses

Sample collection techniques and chain of custody protocols

Principles and practices of wastewater pretreatment processes 

Principles and practices of bid and request for proposal processes

Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures related to the work

Statistical research techniques and procedures

Principles and procedures of record keeping

Principles of customer service

 

Ability to:

Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed

Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions

Administer contracts and oversee the performance of contractors, consultants, and vendors

Prepare clear and concise written and oral reports and recommendations 

Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities

Read and interpret chemical reports and related technical documents

Perform mathematical and statistical calculations

Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed

Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Work with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

 

Minimum Qualifications:

Option A:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, biology, chemistry, engineering, earth or environmental science, or a related field. 

Experience: Two years recent, paid work experience performing inspection, analysis, compliance, and monitoring activities in a wastewater pretreatment, stormwater, pollution prevention, and/or water quality/remediation program. 

Option B:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.

Experience: Four years recent, paid work experience performing inspection, analysis, compliance, and monitoring activities in a wastewater pretreatment, stormwater, pollution prevention, and/or water quality/remediation program

 

 

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license to be maintained throughout employment. 

 

Possession of an Environmental Compliance Inspector Grade I Certificate issued from the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) to be obtained within six months from date of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Field work is regularly performed outdoors in the field requiring exposure to variable weather conditions, dirt, soil, slippery surfaces, sewer discharge, chemicals, odors, and unsanitary conditions. Safety equipment is provided. Physical demands include walking, reaching, bending, carrying and lifting heavy objects. May be required to climb stairs and fire escape stairs inside and outside of buildings. Work includes visiting City facilities and other work locations and attending off-site meetings. Administrative work may be performed in a home or office environment at the discretion of the supervisor and may require sitting for prolonged periods of time and using a computer keyboard, mouse, and screen. May be required to work evenings and/or weekends.