Are you passionate about protecting the environment?
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is looking to hire a temporary Assistant Environmental Compliance Inspector (Civil Engineering Specialist, Assistant) in the Source Control & Pollution Prevention Division of the Drainage & Wastewater Branch. This assistant stormwater inspector will train and work under close support providing technical assistance to property owners, businesses and other agencies, and enforce the City’s Stormwater Code by working directly with our customers.
This position will report to the Stormwater Source Control Manager.

This Long-Term Temporary assignment is approved through December 31, 2022 and includes Medical, Dental and Vision benefits as well as paid vacation, sick leave and holidays.

About Seattle Public Utilities:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility working to make Seattle the best place to live for everyone. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.

SPU commits to Our City Values, Workplace Expectations, and Racial Equity and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We support and hold ourselves accountable by eliminating barriers to access and providing employees with equitable opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

• In collaboration with a 3 person team, inspect businesses throughout the City to provide technical assistance regarding stormwater best management practices. A major emphasis of the work is the Lower Duwamish Waterway (LDW) Superfund site.
• In collaboration with a 2 person team, inspect privately owned stormwater flow control and treatment systems to ensure compliance with City maintenance requirements.
• Communicate with property owners and businesses; write letters, inspection reports, and input data into a mobile tablet-based database.
• Participate in the team that investigates and identify pollutants entering the City drainage system, both from current home and business activities and other sources. These investigations may involve collecting sediment , and stormwater samples to determine pollutant sources, as well as investigation of pollution into the stormwater drainage system during dry weather.
• With the support of the stormwater team, respond to water quality complaints and provide technical assistance to businesses and residents.
• With the support of the stormwater team, respond to spills and other water pollution problems.
• With the support of the stormwater team, manage consultant contracts and take on special projects as needed.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education: Associate degree in Civil Engineering Construction Technology or two years of college level coursework in engineering and construction technology or environmental science, or two years of civil or environmental engineering office or field experience.

Equivalencies: A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background to perform the work required, with emphasis on environmental science.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Knowledge and experience with the interpretation, application, and enforcement of adopted codes, rules, standards, and state/federal regulations, especially regarding stormwater quality.
• Ability to learn and/or experience with database programs, GIS, GPS field equipment, and spreadsheets to enter, analyze, evaluate, and report data.
• Knowledge of environmental chemistry, pollution sources, and pollution control best management practices.
• Knowledge and experience with sampling procedures, protocols, and techniques.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with our customers.
• Communicate effectively and persuasively to a diverse audience (e.g. external agencies, rate payers, and business owners), both verbally and written.
• An awareness and commitment to race and social justice issues, especially the importance of providing equitable services in local government.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a normal City work/office environment and laboratory, as well as in the field.
• Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances, and work in or near construction sites.
• Required to be able to lift over 50 pounds (maintenance hole lids)
• Required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• Ability to negotiate rough, uneven terrain.

License:   At the time of appointment must hold a valid Washington State Driver License.
Certification:   Certification or the ability to be certified in 40 Hour HazWop.
Special Conditions:

• Job offers are contingent on a pre-placement physical and completion of a background check, which includes criminal history; as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.

At Seattle Public Utilities, our job is to protect the area’s quality of life. We pledge to meet community and environmental needs by:

• Maintaining some of the nation’s best drinking water
• Preventing sewer backups, flooding, and landslides
• Helping Seattle residents and businesses be recycling leaders
• Protecting local waterways and the Sound from sewage overflows and polluted stormwater runoff.

We do this while always keeping in mind that we need to spend customers’ money wisely.

We are also making sure that as Seattle grows, it’s even better for future generations. A place where:

• Less garbage is shipped to the landfill
• The drinking water is protected
• Utility infrastructure is well-built and maintained
• And where salmon thrive in healthy waterways.

Seattle is known as a progressive leader in technology, innovation, and the environment.

As an employer, the City of Seattle is a leading local government in environmental stewardship, green building and social justice, making our City what it is today and shaping our future. Our employees play an important role in making this possible.
Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/