STORMWATER INSPECTOR

Description

The City of Palo Alto's Environmental Services Group has an exciting opportunity for a Stormwater Inspector!

Are you looking for a job that gets you out in the field and away from a desk?

Do you want a position that makes a difference in protecting our environment?

Do you desire a position that allows you to work independently and manage your own workplan?

Would you like to have a schedule where you are off every other Friday?

The position of STORMWATER INSPECTOR works with businesses from high-tech corporations to independently-owned auto service facilities to ensure appropriate best management practices are in place to keep pollutants and trash onsite and out of the City's sanitary sewer and storm drain systems. This is done primarily through regular inspections and education and outreach. This position will support the Stormwater/Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) team in conducting other types of inspections of trash capture devices, food facilities and construction sites, among others.

The STORMWATER INSPECTOR should have the communication skills to engage and gain cooperation with all levels of the public including building contractors, business owners, and employees at various staffing levels. The ability to build rapport and foster buy-in and compliance will be key to this position's success. The successful applicant will demonstrate the maturity and work ethic to independently manage a workplan to continuously adjust inspection priorities as well as the attention to detail to maintain a database with notice dates and enforcement data. This position provides an exciting opportunity to begin an in-demand and well-compensated career path.

The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• an AA or BA in water technology, environmental science or a related science AND
• 2 - 5 years experience in the water pollution field or industrial operations (additional years of experience may substitute for education) AND
• experience in applying or enforcing municipal codes
• experience with field inspections and sampling
• a confident yet comfortable demeanor in interactions with parties who are defensive, evasive or lacking responsiveness
• the ability to engage responsible parties to build rapport and encourage cooperation
• familiarity with construction plan and review
• the ability to write clear and concise regulatory reports and enforcement letters
• work experience with Excel of beginner to intermediate level of difficulty
• the maturity and organization skills to plan and schedule work to meet deadlines, to make adaptations to plans when needed, and to follow through with assigned tasks
• initiative to take on tasks without direction and to support the team and supervisor when possible

Position Overview

Click here to see a full job description: Industrial Waste Inspector (Stormwater Inspector)

The Environmental Services Division o versees climate adaptation and sustainability programs; operates the Regional Water Quality Control Plant; manages watershed protection and pollution prevention programs; manages the City’s Zero Waste program for recycling, compost, landfill, hazardous waste; maintains and monitors the City’s closed landfill. The Stormwater Inspector, u nder the supervision of the Stormwater Compliance Manager, will participate in the enforcement of the City's stormwater and FOG ordinance and regulations. A basic knowledge of stormwater management and pollution prevention, water quality best management practices (BMPs), equipment used in pollution monitoring, and techniques and methods used in sampling, detecting and monitoring waste discharges is desirable. The employee must be able to learn, understand and interpret applicable codes, laws, ordinances and rules. This position is required to collect valid samples and perform field chemical tests, write reports and perform arithmetical calculations, and deal with the public with courtesy and tact. Responsibilities may include oversight of stormwater BMPs, inspection of trash capture devices, construction projects, response to illicit discharges, and miscellaneous support for the Stormwater Compliance Program as needed.

After completion of an onboarding and training period with a satisfactory or better evaluation, this position will be eligible for the City's Remote Work program which allows up to two days per week to be worked remotely. The position also has the option to works a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.

The Selection Process:
Applicants will receive recruitment status notifications via email.
The typical screening process for this position may include a virtual interview, skills tests and panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.

Recruitment Timeline:
Minimum Qualifications Review: Ongoing
Expected last day to apply: March 30, 2025 but may close sooner if enough qualified applicants are found. Applicants should apply as soon as possible to ensure consideration.
Interviews: April

Essential Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conducts inspections and ensures appropriate best management practices (BMPs) are in place. Documents inspection activities in inspection software. Educates business owners and employees and other members of the public about water quality protection and BMP implementation.
  
• Applies knowledge of effects of land use impacts, business operations, and construction in determining appropriate BMPs and issuing enforcement actions.
  
• Samples industrial waste, obtaining grab or composite samples, delivers samples to laboratory, performs chemical field tests and field measurements of industrial wastewater flows.
  
  
• Assists in enforcement of Stormwater and FOG ordinances and applicable rules and regulations; may issue correction and enforcement orders.
  
  
• Communicates objectives of the Stormwater and FOG programs and the requirements of state and local regulations and elicits the cooperation of responsible parties to ensure compliance.
  

Related Functions:

• Acts as a public relations agent providing information and assistance to businesses, residents, and other members of the public.
  
  
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

• Equivalent to possession of an Associate of Arts degree in water technology, engineering or related science. AND
• Two years experience in the water pollution field or industrial processes.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to become certified as a backflow prevention device tester.

Supplemental Information

The City of is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current

employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

This position is represented by the Service Employee International Union (SEIU).

For more details visit our Careers Page, by clicking HERE.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.

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• City of Palo Alto

• 650-329-2376

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