Environmental Inspector

City-of-Fort-Lauderdale,-Fl; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Fort Lauderdale is seeking an Environmental Inspector to perform inspections, collect water samples, and enforce environmental permits to protect public water supply and resources. You will coordinate complaints, respond to spill events, and educate the public on city environmental programs.

A strong background in environmental sciences and related field is required, with valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required in engineering, environmental sciences, or related field.
• At least 1 year of experience enforcing regulations or operating water/wastewater/STORM systems or lab work.
• Must obtain Florida driver’s license within 30 days of hire and complete listed certifications within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate complaints in Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Program.
• Conduct inspections to ensure compliance with NPDES, cross-connection, wellfield protection and other environmental regs.
• Sample groundwater and surface water for permit compliance and saltwater intrusion monitoring.
• Inspect construction sites and enforce stormwater permit requirements.
• Explain regulations to owners and occupants of residential and commercial properties.

Skills

Public interaction

Inspection experience

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Associate degree in engineering/env sciences

Job description

This position works on a rotation schedule. Selected candidate must have the ability to work a flexible schedule.

Conducts environmental inspections, ground/surface water sampling, investigations to prevent pollution and protect the public water supply and environmental resources consistent with local, state and federal regulations; and ensures compliance with environmental permits. Acts as a liaison to the public on environmental permitting and compliance issues.

In accordance with Article 24 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Teamsters Local Union 769, for posting purposes this open-competitive job posting shall be considered as a simultaneous internal and external posting (it is open to both internal City employees and external applicants).

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Coordinates complaints received in the Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Program
• Conducts inspections and investigations to determine compliance with the Industrial Pretreatment and the Cross-Connection Control Program, Wellfield Protection, and other environmental regulations as required by local, state and/or federal regulations
• Samples groundwater and surface water for permit compliance and to monitor saltwater intrusion
• Inspects construction sites and enforces National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements
• Enforces regulations governing illegal and illicit discharge of the stormwater system
• Inspects and provides follow ups for Surface Water Management Licenses on City-owned properties
• Investigates flooding complaints
• Works closely with other City departments and/or regulatory agencies in the investigation, audit, and enforcement of rules, ordinances and regulations
• Responds to spill cleanups, illegal discharges, illegal connections to the water system, abandoned drums, grease trap inspections, etc.
• Reads and interprets engineering drawings, blueprints, and maps
• Provides written reports, photo documentation, historical research, asset investigation and archiving
• Explains and interprets regulations to owners and occupants of residential and commercial establishment
• Attends outreach events to educate the public on City programs/ environmental issues and pollution prevention
• May be required to work overtime evenings or weekends
• Performs related work as required

Minimum Job Requirements

1. Must possess an Associate's Degree in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
2. Must demonstrate at least one (1) year of experience in a position involving extensive public contact dealing with the enforcement of City, county, state, federal or local regulations or ordinances; or experience with the operation or inspection of water or wastewater systems, or stormwater management systems; or experience in analytic or quality control laboratory work.
3. Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job-related field, may substitute on a year-for-year basis of the required experience or education.
4. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid State of Florida driver’s license within 30 days of hire.
5. The following certificates are required to be obtained within one (1) year of employment:
   1. Backflow Certification for Inspection and Maintenance
   2. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) - 40 hour
   3. Florida Stormwater Association Stormwater Operator Level
6. To claim Veterans’ Preference, candidates must attach to the application a copy of military separation papers (DD214) and service-connected disability documentation (if applicable) to meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by Florida Statues. For additional information, please refer to the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. (https://floridavets.org/benefits-services/veterans-preference/)

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who possess the following certification(s):

• Backflow Certification for Inspection and Maintenance
• Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) - 40 hour
• Florida Stormwater Association Stormwater Operator Level

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

The City of Fort Lauderdale receives a high volume of applications, so not every applicant who meets the minimum qualifications will be guaranteed an interview. Candidates are selected for interviews based on how closely their education and work experience match the specific requirements of the position.

Applicants will be subject to an extensive selection and screening process, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written; oral and performance-based testing; skills assessment; interview; employment check, background investigation; medical examination; and drug screen. For Public Safety positions, the process additionally includes polygraph examinations and psychological evaluations. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

All applicants, including current City of Fort Lauderdale employees, need to fully detail their work experience on the employment application. Applicants must ensure that all required documents submitted are in a format that is acceptable, clear, and legible. It is the applicant’s responsibility to update their online profile with accurate personal information, work history, education, and certifications each time they submit a new application. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Veteran’s Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace.