Storm Drain / Wastewater Compliance Inspector / Educator
Oak Harbor Financial Inc
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Job summary
City of Oak Harbor is seeking a Storm Drain/Wastewater Compliance Inspector/Educator to perform field inspections of stormwater and wastewater systems, assist with illicit discharge investigations, and educate the public about environmental regulations. The role requires outdoor work, communication skills, and collaboration with city staff and regulatory agencies.
The position supports spill response, equipment operation, field documentation, and mapping verification, with opportunities to
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED is required.
- Experience in public works, utilities, environmental inspection, wastewater or stormwater is preferred.
- Ability to obtain CESCL within one year and other relevant certifications as needed.
- Valid Washington driver license and clean driving record required.
Responsibilities
- Perform field inspections of stormwater drainage and wastewater systems.
- Assist with illicit discharge investigations and spill response activities.
- Document inspections, BMPs, and maintenance needs with field reports and photos.
- Engage with the public to explain regulatory requirements and provide education.
- Assist in mapping verification, outreach materials, and after‑hours responses as needed.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Join our City of Oak Harbor team to help build a legacy of commitment to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion in our vibrant waterfront community.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
The City of Oak Harbor is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability or any other status protected by law.
Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual
Sick leave accrual is 8 hours per month.
Full‑time employees receive vacation accrual on the following schedule.
- 0 to 5 years - 8 hours/month
- 6 to 10 years - 10 hours/month
- 11 to 15 years - 13.33 hours/month
- 16 to 20 years - 15 hours/month
- 21 plus years - 16.66 hours/ month
The vacation accrual rate for a part‑time employee shall be pro‑rated as a percentage of the full‑time rate.
The City provides eleven (11) paid holidays per year plus two (2) floating holiday of your choice (total of thirteen (13) days).
A choice from three options is provided through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).
- Kaiser $200 Deductible Health Plan,
- Regence High Deductible Health Plan (with a City funded HSA)
- Regence HealthFirst 250 Health Plan.
The City pays 100% of the premium for a full time, regular employee (32 hours or more) and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children.
Part time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for full benefits but must pay for spouse and dependents coverage.
Vision Service Plan - The City provides a paid family vision plan which covers a yearly exam per person and a portion of vision hardware (frames, lenses and contacts) depending upon the use of accepted network providers.
Washington Dental Service/DELTA is preventive, incentive‑based dental coverage provided through Association of Washington Cities, and pays as follows: 70‑100% preventive, 70‑100% basic, and 50% major dental to a maximum of $2000/person/year. Included is an orthodontic rider for children of 50% orthodontic expenses to a maximum of $1000 per child/lifetime. The City pays 100% of the premium for a fulltime, regular employee and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children.
Part time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for full benefits but must pay for spouse and dependents coverage.
Required pension plan for all City employees.
PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) plans 2 or 3 is for all general City employees.
LEOFF (Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters) plan 2 is for safety service employees.
PSERS plan 2 is for Public Safety Service Officers (Corrections Officers).
Employee contribution rates (% of gross income) vary for the plans. The City makes a contribution as well.
The City pays for a $50,000 basic group life insurance policy as well as a long term disability policy for employee only through Standard Insurance Company.
The City of Oak Harbor is committed to promoting employee health and wellness, and offers a Wellness Program with fun and varied activities where regular employees can earn points to qualify for a wellness day off.
Free, professional and confidential counseling is available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) via ComPsych. EAP is available to the employee and their immediate family, including their dependent children and anyone living in their household. Guidance counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to arrange an appointment with a qualified counselor in your area. Visit the EAP page for more information.
- Voluntary Group Life Insurance- in addition to our life insurance policy this is a self‑paid option.
- Deferred Compensation Plan – Mass Mutual or Wash State DCP- in addition to our city offered pension plan, this is a self‑paid option.
- Colonial Life & Disability – This is a self‑paid individual and/or family coverage for Cancer Care, Short Term Disability, Life, Accident, Critical Illness and more
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)- Pre‑Tax deductions (IRS 125 Flexible Spending Account) for unreimbursed medical expenses and/or dependent day care
- Health Savings Account (HSA)- Funded by the City, $3,500 individual, $7,000 family per year. Must be on the Regence High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?
- Yes
- No
Do you have a valid Washington State Driver's License?
- Yes
- No
Do you currently hold a certification in flagging, CPR, or Industrial First Aid Certification? If not, will you be willing to obtain certifications within the first six months of hire?
- Flagging Certification
- CPR Certification
- Industrial First Aid
- I don't have any of the certifications, but am willing to obtain them with in the first six months
- No, I don't have have certifications
How many years of experience do you have in Public Works, utilities, construction, environmental inspection, wastewater, stormwater, or related field?
- 0-1 years
- 1-2 years
- 2-3 years
- 3+ years
How many years of experience do you have in customer service, public education, community outreach, or related position that involve direct interaction with the public, effective communication of information, resolution of concerns, and the development and maintenance of professional working relationships.
- 0-1 year
- 1-2 year
- 2-3 years
- 3+ years
Do you have Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) or willing to obtain within one year of hire
- Yes. I have a CESCL
- I don't have any of the certifications, but am willing to obtain them with in the first year of hire.
- No. I don't have the certificate.
What level is your knowledge of Public Works functions, such as solid waste, wastewater, water and storm water?
- Beginner Level
- Intermediate Level
- Expert Level
- Required Question
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