Stormwater Technician

Town of Bluffton (SC); Bluffton (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Bluffton is seeking an environmental/engineering professional to provide technical stormwater support for the MS4 program. Responsibilities include data collection, post-construction inspections, and assisting with regulatory compliance.

Operations span field and office tasks, with coordination among developers, engineers, and public stakeholders to ensure adherence to federal, state, and local stormwater regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, landscape architecture, construction management, or related field with 2 years of related experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• SC CEPSCI certification required within 6 months of hire.
• Certifications such as NSC Defensive Driving, FEMA NIMS IS-100/IS-700 desirable.
• Knowledge of MS4 and sediment control regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the development and implementation of NPDES MS4 permit compliance.
• Perform post-construction BMP inspections and generate inspection reports.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and prepare MS4 program reports.
• Coordinate with developers, engineers, and the public on sediment & erosion control requirements.
• Collect field data, locate stormwater infrastructure with GPS, and integrate data via ArcGIS, Excel or Access.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Field work

Deadline oriented

Data interpretation

Education

Engineering/related degree

Tools

ArcGIS

Excel

Access

Trimble GPS

Job description

The purpose of this position, which combines both field and office work, is to provide technical stormwater support services for the Town of Bluffton (Town) by collecting and interpreting field data; conducting post-construction inspections; assisting with sediment and erosion control inspections; and supporting other MS4 Program compliance activities.

• Assists with the development and implementation of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit compliance for the MS4 Program.
• Performs initial, routine, and follow-up compliance post-construction BMP inspections for all active residential and commercial construction sites under the MS4 purview; generates inspection reports; communicates results including any issues; and ensures compliance with performance standards.
• Responds to citizen inquiries; prepares written reports for the MS4 Program including pertinent information and proposed recommendations.
• Confers with and provides information regarding code requirements for maintenance and sediment and erosion control to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, the public, and other interested parties.
• Assists with creating, reviewing, and updating Division standard operating procedures to assist with MS4 Program development and implementation.
• Develops a program to educate the development community, including developers, engineers, and contractors on sediment & erosion control and/or post-construction maintenance needs; builds and maintains a database of existing developers, engineers, and contractors that have performed activities within the Town under MS4 purview.
• Performs work related to the evaluation of engineering drawings, sediment and erosion control measures/narratives, and corresponding sediment and erosion control inspections to assure compliance with Town, state, and federal regulations.
• Attends various meetings such as pre-application and pre-construction meetings with applicants and the public as required.
• Collects survey data and various field data such as surface-water quality/level/flow measurements; locates stormwater infrastructure utilizing a Trimble GPS; and integrates data with appropriate software including ArcGIS, Excel, Access, or other database formats.
• Participates in the Town’s escalating enforcement process for stormwater regulations, as needed.
• Engages as needed with other agencies having jurisdiction including Beaufort County, Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, and SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate individuals to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of inter-division operations and activities.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; reviews publications and other materials to become and remain current on new principles and practices in assigned areas.
• Performs emergency or disaster-related duties as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, landscape architect, construction management, or a related field; and two (2) years of related work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications

• Valid South Carolina driver’s license. Must have (or obtain within six (6) months of hire) a certification as a South Carolina Certified Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Inspector (CEPSCI); Certifications/training desired: NSC Defensive Driving Certification; FEMA NIMS Training IS-00100 and IS-00700; and SC Certified Post-Construction BMP Inspector.

Special Requirements

None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of all applicable federal, state, and local codes related to work assignments, standard erosion protection practices, and standard sedimentation control practice.
• Knowledge of management practices.
• Knowledge of construction industry practices, methods, operations, and materials regarding stormwater systems.
• Knowledge of Post-Construction BMP practices, methods, operations, and materials regarding stormwater systems.
• Knowledge of the Department’s policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques and methods of inspection.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of the construction trade(s) applicable to specialized area of assignment.
• Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in applying ingenuity and inventiveness in performing tasks.
• Skill in using computers and Department software applications.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and make recommendations on construction plans, construction codes, ordinances, and drawings.
• Ability to effectively and assertively enforce specifications and regulations in a fair and impartial manner.
• Ability to analyze maps, codes, and legal descriptions, and make appropriate judgments on compliance or non-compliance issues.
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

The work is medium work. The employee is frequently required to apply 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The employee is occasionally required to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. In addition, positions in this classification typically require balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, manual dexterity, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, visual acuity to analyze data/work with color or depth perception/determine accuracy or observe facilities/operate motor vehicles or equipment/inspect defects or fabricate parts, and walking.

Duties are performed primarily outdoors under various weather conditions with exposure to fumes, dust, unpleasant odors, allergens such as poison oak, and airborne particles; exposure to chemical, toxic substances, explosives, electrical hazards, bloodborne pathogens, and insects; exposure to vibrations and loud noises (such as traffic and earth-moving equipment); and occasionally working in cramped or high places. These duties potentially require wearing protective gear such as respirators when needed. Work is also performed in a moderately noisy business office with copy machines, phones, and printers along with some light foot traffic.