Environmental Services Specialist

City of Garden Grove; California (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Garden Grove is seeking an Environmental Services Specialist to perform inspections and enforcement of environmental regulations. The role supports compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and coordinates with emergency responders as needed.

Ideal candidates will have strong attention to detail, data analysis skills, and superb customer service. A Class C California driver’s license and Hazwoper 40 training are required, with availability for on-site work and

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED; two years of enforcement/inspection experience in storm water, water quality, environmental reporting, or hazardous materials.

Responsibilities

• Inspect properties, facilities and businesses for environmental compliance.
• Respond to complaints of prohibited discharges into storm water/sewer systems.
• Enforce storm water, recycling and sanitary codes; issue notices of non-compliance and citations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data gathering & analysis

Customer service

Conflict resolution

Clear communication

Education

High school diploma or GED plus 2 years enforcement/inspection experience

Tools

Hazwoper 40

Job description

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES SPECIALIST

Deadline to apply for this recruitment is Monday, October 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST

The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance and construction of all municipal facilities and equipment and associated infrastructure. This includes streets, sidewalks, parks, public buildings, street trees, flood control channels, traffic signals and City-owned vehicles and equipment. Additionally, the department is responsible for the City\'s water system and managing trash and recycling services.

Under general supervision, the Environmental Services Specialist performs a variety of activities to ensure substantial compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will have experience in implementation of programs designed to monitor, assess, and/or investigate environmental conditions; demonstrate exceptional attention to detail; be able to resolve conflict; gather and analyze data; and provide excellent customer service to all levels of the organization.

We currently have one full-time opening and we anticipate creating an eligibility list from this recruitment that may be used to fill current and future vacancies for this classification.

• Inspect properties, facilities and businesses for federal, state, and local environmental control program compliance, including the review of hazardous material management documents;
• Respond, investigate and report complaints of prohibited discharges into the City\'s storm water drain and sewer system;
• Enforce storm water quality, recycling and sanitary district codes;
• Prepare and issue notices of non-compliance, administrative compliance orders, cease and desist orders and citations, as necessary;
• Assist in civil and criminal investigations, including the collecting, preserving and documenting of evidence and the preparation of case summary reports;
• Inspect properties, facilities, and businesses subject to the grease control ordinance for compliance;
• Prepare and submit federal, state, and local environmental compliance reports;
• Identify properties, facilities, and businesses where a local permit may be appropriate and enforce the provisions of such a permit;
• Maintain records and reports of inspections and surveillance activities;
• Respond to public inquiries; collect and maintain data, including inventories associated with properties, facilities, and businesses with regards to the environmental control program;
• Assist emergency responders in evaluating and determining the need for emergency abatement of conditions posing an imminent danger to public safety and/or the environment;
• Respond to sanitary sewer overflows and hazardous material and chemical spills and mobilize work crews for non-hazardous clean up related to violations of the Orange County National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit and/or City Grease Control Program;
• Report prohibited discharges to include sewage spill incidents to the appropriate federal, state, and local administering agency; and
• Perform other related duties as required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited high school, successful completion of the G.E.D. (General Educational Development) exam, or equivalent and two (2) years of experience conducting industrial, commercial, or residential enforcement or inspections in the areas of storm water, water quality, environmental reporting, or hazardous materials is required.

KNOWLEDGE OF

Federal, state, and local air, water and hazardous waste/materials laws, rules, codes and regulations; methods and techniques of conflict resolution; customer service techniques and principles; the Standard Emergency Management System and Incident Command System; principles and techniques of inspection for above ground or underground tanks, pressure vessels, grease interceptors, oil/water separators, clarifiers, and related hazardous materials systems; the Stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program.

ABILITY TO

Enforce applicable local, state, and federal codes, ordinances, and regulations related to storm water quality, air quality, sanitation, and sewage discharge; gather and evaluate data and evidence; prepare clear and concise reports; operate modern office equipment including computers; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; work cooperatively and effectively with others; work independently; interact well with the general public; and commit to providing quality customer service.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a Class C California driver\'s license and an acceptable driving record in order to operate a City vehicle. An acceptable driving record is one that has three (3) or fewer DMV points issued within the past five (5) years, and no more than one (1) DUI within the past ten (10) years.

Completion of a 40 hour Hazardous Materials First Responder training (Hazwoper 40).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification stand; walk; lift and carry objects weighing up to 24 lbs, and may occasionally may lift up to 50 lbs; stoop, bend and lean; turn and twist; use fingers, both hands and both legs repetitively; use rapid mental/muscular coordination; repetitive twisting or pressure involving wrists or hands; hear normal voice conversation; distinguish shades and colors; see long distances; see small details; operate mobile or motorized equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment described here is representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification work inside, outside, in direct contact with the public, around chemicals, toxic materials, explosive substances, dangerous machinery, and machinery with moving parts.

Applicants will receive communication through email only. Applicants should check their email and spam mail for all notices.

If there are any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].

NEPOTISM POLICY

The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate's application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process may include:

• Oral panel interview - tentatively scheduled for October 20, 2026

Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail] at least one week prior to any test dates.