Environmental Compliance Inspector

Seattle Public Utilities; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & sick leave

Medical, dental, vision benefits

City pension plan

Job summary

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an Environmental Compliance Inspector to enforce city codes, investigate sewer issues, and educate businesses and residents on wastewater controls. The role supports protecting Seattle’s wastewater infrastructure and public health.

You'll work in a hybrid schedule, using GIS data, inspections, and enforcement actions to prevent system failures. Must have a Civil Engineering background, an associate degree, and a WA driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Two years of Civil Engineering experience.
• Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or equivalent.
• Current Washington State driver's license.
• Knowledge of wastewater systems and environmental regulations.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and enforcement procedures.

Responsibilities

• Collect and organize GIS data, inspection results, and program data for monitoring and reporting.
• Maintain program databases with data entry and quality checks; provide basic troubleshooting for software.
• Conduct site visits to ensure FOG program compliance and educate facilities on requirements.
• Prepare enforcement letters, assess penalties, and track corrective actions.
• Educate businesses and residents on wastewater source control and pollution prevention.
• Investigate private sewer issues, including dye tests when needed.
• Analyze sewer segments with history of overflows and grease-related issues.
• On-call shifts as needed to respond to spills and incidents.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

GIS/data analysis

Strong communication

Independent work

Education

Associate degree in Civil Engineering Technology

Two years of college coursework in engineering/ construction technology

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is looking for a motivated, detail-driven Environmental Compliance Inspector, under the city of Seattle job classification of (Civil Engineer, Specialist Associate), to join our team and help safeguard Seattle’s communities and environment. In this role, you’ll make a real impact by protecting our wastewater infrastructure, supporting sustainable practices, and helping local businesses and residents understand how they can contribute to a cleaner, healthier city.

In this role, you will use your engineering mindset to:

• Assess and enforce compliance with the City’s Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) program to protect pipe integrity and prevent system failures.
• Investigate sewer-related issues, applying problem-solving and analytical skills to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct outreach to businesses and residents, helping them understand how small changes can prevent costly infrastructure damage.
• Respond to environmental incidents to safeguard public health and minimize impacts on wastewater and stormwater systems.

About Seattle Public Utilities

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. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU)

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations(Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business 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?

We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, organizing, and interpreting GIS data, inspection results, and other program data sets to support program monitoring, metric tracking, and reporting.
• Assist with the managing and maintenance of program databases, including routine data entry, data quality checks, and generating summary reports. Provide basic technical troubleshooting for Microsoft Office, mobile inspection tools, and related software used by the program.
• Conduct site visits/inspections of food service establishments to ensure compliance with city codes associated with the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) program and educate facilities on these requirements and best management practices.
• Prepare enforcement letters, assess penalties, and track corrective actions associated with non-compliant wastewater discharges. Evidence and records must be gathered, generated, and maintained in a manner suitable for legal actions and court cases.
• Conduct education and outreach activities to businesses and residents to inform the public about topics pertaining to wastewater source control and pollution prevention.
• Respond to and investigate reports of leaking or broken private side sewers. Investigation’s includes site visits, speaking with homeowners, conducting dye tests at private residences to determine necessary action to ensure compliance with applicable city, state, and federal codes.
• Investigate and analyze sewer line segments with a history of sanitary sewer overflows and/or frequent maintenance which is the result of grease laden wastewater discharges to the sewer system.
• Periodic on call shifts as 24/7 responder to spills and act as incident commander, mobilizing resources and directing and coordinating clean-up efforts involving DWW assets.

Qualifications

Experience:

Two years of Civil Engineering experience.

Education:

An Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or two years of college level coursework in engineering and construction technology.

Experience/Education Equivalency

A combination of education/experience/training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.

License, Certification And Other Requirements

• Current Washington State driver's license.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Most work takes place in an office setting, but occasional field visits to residences, businesses, new development projects and other job site locations may be required.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of wastewater systems and environmental regulations.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and enforcement procedures.
• Proficiency with GIS and data analysis tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently in field settings.

Workplace Environment/Telework Expectations

• This position requires 3 days of office and general working hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
• Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

The full salary range for this position is $53.60 - $62.40 per hour.

Benefits

• The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holidays, 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: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Zach Brown at [e-mail].

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.

Website http://www.seattle.gov/jobs