Industrial Investigator (Pretreatment)

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission; Laurel (MD); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC Water) seeks an Industrial Investigator to conduct complex field inspections, monitor industrial discharges, and support enforcement within the Pretreatment program.

The role covers reports, sampling, permit reviews, and coordination with agencies to ensure compliance, with hybrid on-site and telework options after probation.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of industrial waste control and pretreatment programs.
• Familiarity with environmental laws and enforcement procedures.
• Ability to prepare reports and interpret data.

Responsibilities

• Prepares compliance reports under regulations and agreements.
• Performs field inspections and investigations of industrial discharges.
• Issues enforcement actions and violations.
• Collects samples from industries and treatment plants.
• Interacts with agencies and stakeholders to discuss discharge issues.
• Compiles data for technical records and reports.
• Maintains sampling equipment and reviews permits.
• Reviews and issues discharge authorization permits.
• Interprets self-monitoring data and regulatory texts.
• Drives a vehicle for WSSC Water business.
• Reviews wastewater regulations and compliance status.

Skills

Industrial waste control

Environmental regulations

Enforcement

Report writing

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree + relevant coursework

High School diploma + 4+ years experience

Tools

Linko CTS

Visio

Hach FS Data and Insight

ePlan Review (ProjectDox)

GIS Webmap

Adobe Acrobat

CAD

Job description

Performs moderately complex field inspections, investigations, permitting, enforcement, and monitoring of industrial waste discharges and other duties relative to the operations and environmental compliance functions of the Commission’s Industrial Discharge Control (Pretreatment) Program.

Organization Name

Organization Name Regulatory Services

Reports to

Reports to Supervisor, Industrial Investigations

Full or Part Time

Full or Part Time Full Time

If Part Time how many hours per week

Regular or Temporary

Regular or Temporary Regular

Position End Date (if temporary)

5 days a week, 8 hours per day. Hybrid on-site and telework and alternative work schedules may be allowed after probationary period.

Position Location Laurel

Position Summary Information

General Summary

The Industrial Investigator performs complex field inspections, investigations, monitoring of industrial waste discharges, and other duties relative to the operations and compliance functions of WSSC Water’s Industrial Discharge Control (Pretreatment) program.

Essential Functions

• Prepares compliance reports as required under local, state and federal regulations and agreements
• Performs field inspections and investigations related to industrial waste discharges into the Commission’s sewage system to locate possible violations and ensure compliance with pollution control standards and regulations
• Issues enforcement actions including notices of violation, civil citations, and directives to violators of regulations
• Collects samples for monitoring activities from industries, treatment plants, and sewer trunk lines
• Contacts representatives of industrial and commercial organizations, federal and state agencies, and other Commission offices to discuss discharge issues, make recommendations for solutions, and to explain various aspects of the Pollution Control Program
• Compiles and evaluates field and laboratory data for the preparation of technical records and reports
• Performs maintenance, calibration, and cleaning of sampling equipment
• Reviews discharge authorization permit applications for industrial users and waste haulers
• Prepares and issues discharge authorization permits to industrial users and waste haulers
• Reviews and interprets industry self-monitoring data
• Determines industrial user compliance status based on inspections, investigations, sampling, and report reviews
• Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
• Reviews and interprets Federal, state, and local wastewater regulations

Other Functions

• Performs special studies and conducts surveys as necessary
• Prepares correspondence and reports (internal and external) in support of program needs
• Attends court hearings in support of enforcement actions
• Consults with laboratory and data management personnel in regard to sampling, testing, and pollution control information
• Maintains accuracy of database files through updating and creating records
• Reviews design and construction plans for installation of pretreatment technologies
• Serves in the capacity of the supervisor, industrial investigations during supervisor absences
• Performs other related duties as required

Work Environment And Physical Demands

Work is performed in both the field and in an office environment. The Investigator performs duties which may include, but are not limited to, physical exertion, unpredictable work schedules, and responding to high risk incidents. Incumbent may be exposed to seasonal fluctuations in temperatures and various weather conditions.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Good knowledge of the principles and practices of industrial waste control, industrial wastewater treatment processes, and enforcement activities
• Knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing or related to pretreatment, hazardous or toxic waste, and industrial waste sampling
• Ability to enforce pollution control laws, rules and regulations with firmness and impartiality
• Ability to interpret plans of industrial facilities and wastewater treatment facilities
• Ability to perform research and prepare reports
• Ability to deal effectively with government officials, industrial and commercial representatives, consultants, Commission employees, and the general public
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to use sound judgment, problem-solve, take initiative, and be resourceful
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, e.g., Word, Access, & Excel

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree including 2+ years of coursework in chemistry, biology, environmental science, environmental engineering, law enforcement, construction management/design or related field

OR

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 4+ years of industrial investigator (pretreatment) / environmental regulatory compliance / plumbing inspection experience

Additional Requirements

• Possession of a valid driver’s license, with no more than 4 points, and the ability to obtain and maintain a WSSC Water driver’s permit within 90 days of hire or transfer
• Completion of the WSSC Water Financial Disclosure statement within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter

Preferences

• Familiarity with general use computer programs such as Linko CTS , Visio, Hach FS Data and Insight, ePlan Review (ProjectDox), GIS Webmap, Adobe Acrobat, and CAD
• College coursework in technical writing

Salary $87,771 - $149,448

EEO Statement

WSSC Water is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We make employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
Reasonable Accommodations: WSSC Water provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants who require assistance or an accommodation during the application or hiring process should contact us at [e-mail]

Close Date

Close Date 10/27/2026

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Additional Information

All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.
Eligible applicants will be released for consideration after 10/27/2026.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a High School diploma or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Will you, now or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a valid driver's license with no more than 4 points and with no restrictions (except eyeglasses/contact lenses)?
  • Yes
  • No
• Are you an eligible veteran of any branch of the armed forces who has received an honorable discharge or Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Military Service, the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service-connected disability or the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran?
  • Yes
  • No