Environmental Compliance Inspector (Senior Civil Engineering Specialist)

City of Seattle; Washington; Hybrid; Full time

Job summary

The City of Seattle is seeking a dynamic Environmental Compliance Inspector to oversee the Wastewater Source Control program. This crucial role involves leading inspections, managing compliance data, and collaborating with stakeholders to safeguard public health and the environment. Candidates should have a strong background in civil engineering, regulatory enforcement, and analytical skills. The position offers a hybrid work schedule and comprehensive city benefits aimed at promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Hybrid work schedule opportunities

Generous benefits package

Free public transportation options

City pension plan with contributions

Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Qualifications

• Four years of civil engineering experience required.
• Experience with FOG inspection programs and industrial waste management preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead FOG inspection program across 5,500 establishments.
• Analyze inspection data for trends and system vulnerabilities.
• Ensure compliance with Seattle Side Sewer Code.

Skills

Analytical skills

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership capabilities

Communication skills

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology

Tools

GIS mapping

Database management

Job description

Seattle Public Utilities seeks a dynamic Environmental Compliance Inspector (Senior Civil Engineering Specialist) to lead our vital Wastewater Source Control program. This position protects Seattle's critical infrastructure by overseeing Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) inspections across 5,500 food service establishments and building effective partnerships with King County's Industrial Waste Program.

The Team Lead transforms compliance data into actionable insights, spots emerging risks before they become problems, and implements innovative solutions to keep our city's wastewater flowing smoothly. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring Seattle meets its Wastewater Consent Decree obligations while safeguarding both public health and environmental quality.

This impactful position combines analytical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and leadership capabilities to protect Seattle's essential infrastructure and advance our commitment to environmental stewardship and urban sustainability.

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), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits toOur City ValuesandRace and Social Justiceas 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. 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 public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Program Leadership

• Lead FOG inspection program for 5,500 food service establishments across Seattle
• Assign inspections based on priority, track deadlines, and coordinate team activities
• Maintain inspection databases and develop SOGs, reports, and training materials
• Ensure timely completion of inspections to meet Wastewater Consent Decree requirements

Data Analysis

• Analyze inspection data to identify trends, high-risk establishments, and system vulnerabilities
• Provide data-driven recommendations for workload balancing and resource allocation
• Implement process improvements and utilize GIS/database tools for mapping problem areas
• Generate performance metrics and reports for management decision-making

Regulatory Enforcement

• Enforce Seattle Side Sewer Code (SMC 21.16) for FOG-related violations
• Prepare enforcement documentation, collaborate with legal counsel on case files
• Issue correction notices, assess penalties, and track corrective actions for compliance
• Serve as technical expert on FOG regulations for businesses and internal teams

Stakeholder Relations

• Partner with King County's Industrial Waste Program on joint compliance initiatives
• Communicate technical requirements to business owners and industry groups
• Represent SPU at industry meetings, community forums, and regulatory discussions
• Build collaborative relationships with internal/external partners and develop educational materials

Emergency Response

• Serve as 24/7 on-call responder to spills
• Function as incident commander during spills impacting DWW assets
• Direct clean-up operations, mobilize resources, and document incidents

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of 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.Education:An Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology OR two (2) years of college-level coursework in engineering and construction technology (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent backgroundrequiredto perform the work of the class).

Experience:Four (4) years of civil engineering experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with FOG inspection programs and industrial waste management
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to wastewater management
• Demonstrated leadership experience in environmental compliance
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret complex data and create actionable reports
• Proficiency in database management and data analysis software
• Experience in enforcement actions and legal proceedings related to environmental compliance
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders including business owners and regulatory agencies
• Experience with GIS mapping and spatial analysis of infrastructure systems

Workplace Schedule/Environment:

• This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule.Starting January 2, 2025, City employees will have the option to work remotely two days a week.Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
• Work is performed both in an office environment and in a public setting.

Application Requirement(s):

1. A complete NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line application

1. Supplemental questionnaire responses

1. Attached Resume & Cover Letter describing your skills and experience in relation to this position.

~Candidates submitting an incomplete Application Packages will NOT be considered~

Note: Candidates selected to interview will be required to complete an assessment.

The salary range for this position is$60.61 - $67.91hourly.

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records incompliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SME 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Benefits:The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, 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/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

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 Erika Monroe at [e-mail].

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