Storm Drain / Wastewater Compliance Inspector / Educator

City of Oak Harbor; Oak Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Oak Harbor seeks a Storm Drain/Wastewater Compliance Inspector/Educator to support NPDES MS4 permit compliance and wastewater operations. The role emphasizes field inspections, environmental investigations, and public interaction to promote compliance.

Work involves outdoor field activities, documentation, and coordination with City staff and regulatory agencies. Experience in public works, environmental inspection, and customer service is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of English spelling, grammar, and vocabulary.
• Understanding of NPDES/MS4 permit concepts.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and travel to multiple sites.
• Strong communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Basic computer literacy and field data collection experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform field inspections of stormwater and wastewater systems and related infrastructure.
• Assist with illicit discharge investigations and spill response.
• Document inspections with field reports, photographs, and records.
• Educate the public on regulatory requirements and environmental protection.
• Coordinate with City staff, contractors, and agencies to maintain compliance.

Skills

Field inspections

Environmental compliance

Public outreach

Communication

Reading maps/plans

Equipment operation

Driving license

Education

High school diploma/GED or equivalent

Job description

Under general direction of Special Projects and Senior Compliance Inspector, performs primarily field-based work supporting the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit, wastewater collection system operations, and related environmental compliance programs. This position assists with stormwater, wastewater, and environmental field inspections, investigations, maintenance support, and public interaction activities. Work is focused primarily on field operations throughout the City’s storm drain and wastewater systems, with limited office and administrative responsibilities. The Storm Drain/Wastewater Compliance Inspector/Educator supports inspection and compliance activities involving stormwater systems, private wastewater lift stations, illicit discharge investigations, outfall inspections, spill response, catch basin systems, and environmental protection efforts. The position may also assist with septic-related inspections within city limits, mapping verification, and field documentation activities. This position will work closely with city staff, contractors, businesses, property owners, and regulatory agencies to help maintain compliance with City, State, and Federal environmental regulations. The position serves an important public education and customer service function by interpreting technical information, explaining regulatory requirements in understandable terms, and promoting environmental compliance through effective communication, education, and collaborative problem-solving.

Work activities involve multiple skills and may include any or all of the following depending on area of assignment, crew needs, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors:

• Perform field inspections of stormwater drainage systems, wastewater collection systems, outfalls, catch basins, and related infrastructure.
• Assist with illicit discharge detection and elimination investigations.
• Conduct dry weather screening and field observations related to storm water quality concerns.
• Assist with spill response activities and field containment efforts.
• Inspect and document stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) and maintenance needs.
• Perform inspections of grease interceptors, grease traps, oil/water separators, and wastewater-related facilities.
• Assist with private wastewater lift station inspections and operational observations.
• Assist with septic inspection programs within city limits, field recordkeeping, and mapping verification as assigned.
• Operate and maintain field monitoring equipment and assist with water quality sampling activities.
• Respond to public complaints and inquiries regarding spills, drainage concerns, wastewater issues, and illicit discharges.
• Prepare field reports, inspection records, photographs, notices, and related documentation.
• Assist with enforcement documentation and compliance notices under supervision.
• Assist with stormwater and wastewater maintenance operations as needed.
• Assist in emergency response and after-hours callout situations when assigned.
• Assist with the preparation of outreach materials and educational handouts.
• Assist with public education activities related to stormwater pollution prevention and wastewater protection including interpreting and translating technical information, inspection findings, environmental regulations, and compliance requirements into clear, accurate, and easily understood information for individuals with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Address questions, concerns, and disagreements regarding inspection findings and compliance requirements through respectful communication, active listening, sound judgment, and appropriate referral or escalation when necessary.
• Establish and maintain effective, professional, and cooperative working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other City departments, contractors, regulatory agencies, businesses, and members of the public.
• Attend training sessions, safety meetings, and regulatory workshops as required.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Performance Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Knowledge of English, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Knowledge and understanding of the City’s NPDES permit.
• Basic knowledge of stormwater and wastewater systems, and field operations.
• Ability to work independently in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
• Ability to read maps, utility plans, and field inspection documents.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and field data collection systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a variety of audiences, including individuals with limited technical knowledge or familiarity with environmental regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with City officials, employees, intergovernmental agencies and the public in a courteous and helpful manner, sometimes in stressful situations.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered.

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of experience in Public Works, utilities, construction, environmental inspection, wastewater, stormwater, or related field.
• One (1) year of experience in customer service, public education, community outreach, or related position involving direct interaction with the public, effective communication of information, resolution of concerns, and the development and maintenance of professional working relationships.
• Working knowledge of Public Works functions such as solid waste, wastewater, water and storm water.
• Must obtain and maintain a Washington State Department of Transportation certification in flagging, CPR, and Industrial First Aid Certification within six months of hire.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) within one year of hire.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain other certifications in specific areas of work as necessary.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s License and a good driving record.
• Must pass criminal background and driver’s abstract check prior to hire.

Working Environment and Physical Demands

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed outdoors (in all types of weather conditions) throughout the City's storm drain and wastewater collection system locations. Requires travel to a variety of locations. Requires normal visual and hearing acuity, eye/hand coordination, physical endurance, and substantial manual dexterity; the ability to be on one’s feet, ascend stairs/ladders, bend, stoop, and kneel, and move items weighing in excess of 50 pounds.
• Manipulation skills to operate a personal computer, telephone and other equipment.
• Work may be performed in extremely confined places, elevated areas requiring fall restraints, and around dangerous machinery.
• May require the ability to wear and work with respirators and other safety equipment.
• Individuals are exposed to hazardous chemicals, electric hazards, noxious fumes, toxic substances, and a noisy environment.
• Requires a 40-hour work week, including some evenings, weekends, and/or after-hours responses to situations and emergencies, including holidays, to accommodate training of citizens after normal work hours.

Safety Statement

We expect employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and the City’s Accident Prevention Program (APP). This includes, but is not limited to, actively identifying, and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action, emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.