Industrial Pretreatment Inspector

City of Flagstaff; Flagstaff (AZ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Flagstaff is seeking an Industrial Pretreatment Inspector to support and enforce water and wastewater codes. The role performs field inspections, sampling, compliance evaluations, and outreach across pretreatment, backflow, cross-connection, and FOG programs.

The ideal candidate has knowledge of wastewater systems, regulatory compliance, and sampling techniques, and can work independently in diverse environments while maintaining records and adhering to federal, state, and local

Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required; two years water/sewer utility experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher may substitute for full-time experience.
• Experience in inspections, plan review, industrial waste, cross-connection programs, or sampling is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Inspect industrial and commercial facilities to ensure compliance with ordinances and permit requirements for non-residential waste.
• Inspect cross-connection controls and backflow prevention to protect drinking water integrity.
• Monitor construction projects for backflow devices, grease interceptors, waste disposal, and water use.
• Perform field tests and sampling at permitted industries and treatment facilities.
• Maintain accurate records in files and software databases related to FOG, pretreatment, and backflows.
• Engage in public outreach about cross-connection, pretreatment, and FOG programs.

Skills

Customer service

Field inspections

Regulatory compliance

Sampling techniques

Record keeping

Public outreach

Education

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Bachelor’s degree substitute for experience

Tools

Gas detection equipment

Backflow testing devices

Software databases for FOG/pretreatment

Job description

The City of Flagstaff is seeking an Industrial Pretreatment Inspector to support and enforce the City’s water and wastewater codes. This role performs a variety of technical field and office duties, including inspections, sampling, compliance evaluations, and customer outreach across industrial pretreatment, backflow prevention, cross-connection control, and FOG programs. The ideal candidate brings specialized knowledge of wastewater systems, regulatory compliance, and sampling techniques, and is comfortable working independently in diverse and sometimes hazardous environments while maintaining accurate records and ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.

• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers
• Inspects industrial and commercial operations such as restaurants, laundries, gas stations, and manufacturers to ensure compliance with ordinances and permit requirements governing the discharge of non-residential waste
• Inspects commercial operations for proper cross connection controls and backflow prevention to ensure the integrity of the city's drinking water
• Inspects and monitors various construction projects for compliance with backflow prevention devices, grease interceptors, proper waste disposals, and water usage
• Field verifies correct installations for backflows and interceptors for certificate of occupancy process
• Inspects the dimensions, operations, and maintenance of floor drains, sand, grease, and lint traps, settling tanks, clarifiers, neutralizing tanks, grease removal equipment, and other equipment used in the treatment, disposal, and control of industrial and commercial liquid waste
• Inspects restaurants and interceptors for food service industry, including assuring compliance of interceptors for the city approved Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) manual
• Engages in public outreach related to the cross-connection program, industrial pretreatment program and Fats, Oils and Grease programs to customers
• Attends staff meetings regularly to maintain consistent enforcement procedures and policy updates
• Conducts field tests and sampling events at permitted industries, treatment plants, and other commercial entities to ensure non-contamination of the city's wastewater collection and treatment systems, including pH, flow volumes, alkalinity, maintenance of sampling equipment, proper chain of custody handling, etc.
• Responsible for the proper and accurate record keeping of activities, files, and software databases for FOG, pretreatment, and backflows relating to local & federal code compliance and enforcement
• Uses gas detection equipment to determine oxygen content and whether potentially explosive gases may be present in confined spaces or sewers
• Works with industrial and commercial representatives in reviewing technical and regulatory issues regarding noncompliance
• Issues warning letters, under the authority of the council approved Enforcement Response Plan to address noncompliance issues that have an immediate impact to the city’s water distribution system, city wastewater collection system and FOG program
• Oversees plans and actions taken by industries and businesses to achieve and/or maintain compliance with local, state, or federal limits
• In conjunction with the Industrial Pretreatment Supervisor, reviews field inspection reports and monitors data to determine if further compliance action against industry is warranted and whether referral to the City Attorney, state, or federal agency is necessary
• Evaluates the need for industrial and commercial discharge wastewater pretreatment permits, and enforces the provisions of such permits
• Performs backflow testing and minor repairs to Water Services owned backflow devices
• Acts as a backup backflow tester for Water Distribution temporary meter and backflow setups
• Works with Wastewater Collection crews to investigate sewer blockages, grease build-up and similar issues
• Reviews plans for new developments or tenant improvements with respect to pre-treatment and cross-connection control compliance, as assigned by the Industrial Pretreatment Supervisor
• Attends workshops, certification courses, and technical group meetings for continuing education and networking with other inspectors
• Safely operates a city vehicle in the performance of business-related activities and assigned duties
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Two (2) years of water or sewer utility experience
• Two (2) years of experience in any of the following area: general inspections, plan review, industrial waste, hazardous waste, cross connection programs, stormwater inspections, laboratory work, flow monitoring or sampling
• A valid driver’s license
• A bachelor's degree or higher in a related field, such as Public Health, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Water Management, or Environmental Engineering, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the full-time experience requirements. Minimum requirements such as driver's license may not be substituted and are required at time of hire.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Experience directly relating to a significant industrial user inspection, backflow prevention, cross connection control, Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) and ground water quality control programs
• Grade 2 Wastewater Collection, Wastewater Treatment, or Water Distribution Operator Certifications by Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
• Cross-Connection Specialist certification

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity.
• Must possess, or obtain upon employment, a valid Arizona driver’s license.
• Must obtain AWWA, ABPA, or ASSE certification as a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester within one year of employment.
• Must obtain a Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment, Water Distribution or Wastewater Collections by Arizona Department of Environmental Quality within one (1) year of hire
• Ability and willingness to be available for on-call weekend, holiday, and evening work as dictated by work projects and staffing requirements

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and positive work environment. We offer competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and the chance to work with a committed team making a difference in our community. Located in the beautiful mountain town of Flagstaff, AZ, you’ll enjoy a unique quality of life with outdoor recreation, stunning scenery and a welcoming community.

Our total compensation package includes best-in-class benefits and an annual salary of $49,608.00 - $74,422.40, based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Plus:

• Arizona State Retirement System with 100% Match
• Employees are members of Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) with a mandatory contribution rate of approximately 12%
• Deferred Compensation Options
• Up to 4% Annual Pay for Performance Increase
• Group Insurance including Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• Flexible & Health Savings Accounts
• 13 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Bereavement, Jury Duty
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability and Voluntary Life Insurance
• First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
• Qualified Public Student Loan Forgiveness Employer
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Clinic, Telehealth, Wellness Program & Incentives
• Tobacco Cessation Program
• Employer Assistance Program
• Recognition including Workiversary, Wonderful Outstanding Worker (WOW), On-the-Spot, 7k Award, and City Manager's Excellence Awards
• Employee Discounts: MountainLine Bus Eco Pass, Aquaplex, and Recreation Centers

Please note that Compensation and Benefits are subject to change based on future policy change, budgetary impact, and Council changes.

The City of Flagstaff is looking for team members who are passionate about community, innovation, and quality of life. Come be a part of this cool community and see why the City of Flagstaff is a great place to work!