STORMWATER FIELD SERVICES TECHNICIAN

Town of Cary; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Cary seeks a Stormwater Field Services Technician to perform field inspections of construction activity and enforce sediment and erosion control ordinances. You will conduct pre-construction meetings, schedule site visits, and produce inspection reports to ensure compliance with water quality standards.

The role requires knowledge of hydrology and erosion control, ability to read engineering plans, and strong communication with contractors and engineers.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of hydrology, erosion and sedimentation control and related stormwater structures.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and drawings.
• Experience or coursework in erosion control and stormwater management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-construction meetings and explain sediment/erosion control criteria to stakeholders.
• Schedule and perform site inspections to verify sediment and erosion measures per plan phases.
• Prepare inspection reports and direct contractors to address issues identified.
• Inspect grading, tree protection, silt fence, outfall, and other features for compliance with codes.
• Communicate with contractors/engineers via phone, email or in person to correct issues and request plan redesigns when needed.
• Recommend corrective measures and conduct meetings to ensure compliance with ordinances.
• Verify proper installation and operation of erosion control measures and stormwater controls.
• Issue notices of ordinance violations and pursue corrective actions within time limits.
• Oversee conversion of sediment control devices to permanent Stormwater Control Measures and finalize SCM approvals.
• Maintain accurate project records and prepare technical reports.

Skills

Hydrology knowledge

Erosion control

Stormwater management

Plan interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Job description

The Cary community's success at maintaining a healthy environment is based on a shared responsibility between our employees and all who live and work in our community. As Cary continues to grow and develop, our Stormwater team remains focused on maintaining high standards for water quality by implementing and enforcing local and state regulations through inspections and education. Working on a team of individuals committed to environmental health, you would be stepping into a role where both your successes and smart failures are celebrated as we learn from each other to improve our culture and constantly evolve for the better.

The Stormwater Field Services Technician will primarily be responsible for performing field inspections of construction activity and the enforcement of Town ordinances related to sediment and erosion control. Our citizens and businesses have high expectations and as a result, we have high standards. We are seeking a candidate passionate about both service and the environment. If you can imagine yourself stepping into a strong team and playing an active role in enhancing our service to the community and our environment, this may be the place for you!

• Conduct and/or participate in pre-construction meetings for new subdivision and commercial site development projects. During meeting outline the sediment and erosion control criteria for the site and answer any related questions from the participants.
• Plan and schedule routine site visits to new development construction sites to inspect and verify sediment and erosion control measures are in place per the plan’s appropriate phase and properly maintained.
• Produce inspection reports for each site visit documenting current activity, direct the contractor to address any issues identified in the inspection. Review previous inspection reports to ground truth directives previously issued to the contractor. Appropriately file reports.
• Site inspections of new development will include but not be limited to grading, tree protection and silt fence, impoundment structures, stabilization and seeding, outfall inspection, other features, and overall compliance with sediment and erosion control ordinances.
• Correspondence with the contractor and/or engineer regularly by phone, email, text and/or in person as it relates to sediment and erosion control on a construction site. Makes in-field corrections to the site by discussion between the contractor or engineer; if necessary, will request redesign of development plan.
• Propose solutions and corrective measures to contractors, engineers, and the general public; conducts meetings as needed to ensure compliance.
• Make decisions as to whether the erosion and sediment control measures illustrated on the approved plan will function as proposed.
• Verify that the erosion control measures and Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) for water quality and quantity control on the approved plan are properly installed and function as designed.
• Issue and defend controversial written notifications of ordinance violations; request corrective measures with time limitations to ensure compliance; levy fines to the violator(s) if necessary.
• Oversee the conversion of a sediment and erosion control device to permanent Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) including determining when, how, and what the device will require for its final conversion.
• Conduct punch list inspections for warranty and final acceptance by town; complete associated paperwork concerning the items needed for final SCM approval and makes controversial decisions regarding certificates of occupancy.
• Inspect private stormwater conveyance to ensure compliance with Town specifications prior to final acceptance.
• Maintain accurate up-to-date records on all projects; prepare technical reports.
• Inspect Town capital improvement and development projects upon request.
• Enforce portions of the Town's erosion control, stormwater management, floodplain, riparian buffer, and watershed protection requirements outlined in Cary’s Land Development Ordinance.
• Conduct single family inspections for silt fence and residential construction entrance (S-100); Issue grading permits and certificates of coverage as needed.
• Conduct single family lot inspections for additions such as patio, rooms, pools, etc. to verify compliance with watershed protection overlay district, riparian buffer, floodplain, impervious surface, and encroachment requirements. Correspond with property owner when issues are identified and work with Division staff to resolve issues.
• Interpret Town of Cary's ordinances to contractors, developers, engineers, HOAs, property managers and property owners.
• Review and interpret floodplain maps.
• Investigate citizen concerns and monitor Cary's ETJ in relationship to drainage, erosion control, water quality, runoff, flooding, and riparian buffers; makes and defends controversial decisions regarding these concerns.
• Perform technical field determinations regarding stream subjectivity triggering buffer regulations.
• Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of erosion control and stormwater, test new erosion control technologies.
• Identify illegal connections to the storm sewer system. Assist various agencies in the tracking of spills and or sources of illegal discharges and dumping.
• Monitor streams during dry and wet weather conditions.
• Maintain field-sampling equipment; evaluate/analyze and manage monitoring-related data.
• Conduct and participate in public outreach activities such as Lazy Daze, Spring Daze and other public presentations.
• Perform other job-related tasks as required.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of hydrology, erosion and sedimentation control and related stormwater structures and devices; thorough knowledge of the practices, methods and equipment applied in landscaping, grading and related construction activities; knowledge of state laws governing erosion control; thorough knowledge of applicable Town ordinances related erosion control; knowledge of state and local ordinances as they relate to stormwater runoff controls, water quality, watershed protection, riparian buffers, and floodplain management; ability to read and interpret engineering plans and drawings; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to interpret ordinances, rules, and regulations; ability to keep and maintain accurate records; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, developers, engineers, property owners and the public; ability to work under adverse weather conditions; ability to work independently; ability to perform basic hydrologic computations; skill in the use of related civil engineering instruments and equipment.

Physical Requirements

Work in this class is generally active and outdoors. An employee in this class must be able to move about freely over rough and undeveloped terrain to monitor erosion control measures on construction sites. Work requires the employee to be exposed to adverse weather conditions. An employee must be able to hear and talk in order to communicate about project issues. An employee also must have the visual acuity necessary to read handwritten and typewritten materials, look at plans, and observe work in the field.

Special Requirements and Preferences

Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from a four-year college with a bachelor's degree in engineering, soil conservation, or related field, and some experience working in erosion and sedimentation control and/or stormwater management.

Certification for Certified Erosion, Sediment and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI), stream determination certification, Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ), Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) preferred.

Conditions of Employment

Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal check, education verification and credit history review) prior to employment. A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required for this position.