Water Inspector

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality; Salem (VA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks an inspector to perform reviews at facilities under the VPDES permit, including municipal wastewater plants and industrial sites. Responsibilities include evaluating plant operations, lab equipment, and stormwater programs (SWPPP review).

This is a restricted position with a hybrid in-office and telework schedule; candidates must be able to work from the Virginia work location.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment principles and related regulations.
• Strong time management and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Complete water permit inspections including technical, laboratory, and sampling.
• Adhere to Agency Inspection Strategy and SOPs to determine compliance status.
• Assist with related regulatory reviews and enforcement support as needed.

Skills

Wastewater principles

Plant design & operations

Environmental science

Analytical methods

Regulatory compliance

Enforcement procedures

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Databases

Job description

Job Description

This position will perform inspections at facilities covered under a VPDES (Virginia Pollution Discharge Elimination System) Permit. These facilities include municipal wastewater treatment plants, industrial facilities, and others. Inspections include review of wastewater treatment plant operations, review of laboratory equipment, and review of stormwater management programs, including SWPPP review. This position will also perform related duties as assigned, but not limited to, regulatory review, informal enforcement, formal enforcement assistance, and pollution complaint investigations. This is a restricted position. Continued employment is contingent on the availability of grant or non-general funds. Please note this position follows a hybrid work schedule to include both in-office and telework. Candidates must be able to work from the assigned work location in Virginia.

Hiring Range

$59,754 - $84,913

Full Time or Part Time

FULL TIME

Additional Detail

This position will perform inspections at facilities covered under a VPDES (Virginia Pollution Discharge Elimination System) Permit. These facilities include municipal wastewater treatment plants, industrial facilities, and others. Inspections include review of wastewater treatment plant operations, review of laboratory equipment, and review of stormwater management programs, including SWPPP review. This position will also perform related duties as assigned, but not limited to, regulatory review, informal enforcement, formal enforcement assistance, and pollution complaint investigations. This is a restricted position. Continued employment is contingent on the availability of grant or non-general funds. Please note this position follows a hybrid work schedule to include both in-office and telework. Candidates must be able to work from the assigned work location in Virginia.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of this position will be to complete water permit inspections (including technical, laboratory, and sampling), in accordance with the Agency Inspection Strategy and Standard Operating Procedures, in a timely and proficient manner, to determine a source’s compliance status.

Qualifications

• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in wastewater treatment principles; plant design, operation and maintenance; environmental science; water/wastewater chemistry and analytical methods; wastewater sampling procedures and equipment; environmental laws and regulations; enforcement procedures.
• Demonstrated time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate both verbally and in written communications.
• Demonstrated ability in personal computer operation (including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases).
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• A combination of education/course work, training, and experience to demonstrate the equivalent KSA’s listed above.
• This position may require you to operate a state owned or leased vehicle. Therefore, a valid driver's license is required.
• If required as part of job responsibilities, must obtain DCR Nutrient Management Certification within 1 year of employment.

About Us

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the primary environmental permitting agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is responsible for administering laws and regulations related to air quality, water quality, water supply, renewable energy, and land protection. Through the dedication and work of over 800 employees across six regional offices and the Central Office in Richmond, DEQ issues permits, conducts monitoring and inspections, and enforces the law.