Environmental Compliance Specialist

Description

The City of Davis Public Works Utilities and Operations Department is seeking a knowledgeable and collaborative Environmental Compliance Specialist to join the Environmental Resources Division team. The City is a regional leader in stewardship of environmental resources, with a team comprised of people who are passionate about the work they do for our community. The ideal candidate for this position has experience with the development and implementation of wastewater pretreatment programs, and is comfortable with providing outreach and education to the community and discussing difficult topics including violations and compliance requirements.
The pretreatment program Environmental Compliance Specialist is responsible for a broad scope of responsibilities. This position conducts enforcement activities and performs responsible inspection work involved in controlling water pollution through enforcement of Federal, State and Local water pollution codes as well as industrial pretreatment program laws, rules, and regulations. This role also works with the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) management plan. The ideal candidate will have current experience in the pretreatment field or related environmental regulatory compliance programs conducting inspections, writing reports, reviewing industrial reports and laboratory data, issuing violation notices, conducting industrial wastewater sampling, maintaining equipment, and performing related work and tasks as required.
Tentative Recruiting Timeline:
First Round Interviews - May 1, 2024

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Observes, inspects, monitors, and evaluates the following as applicable to area of specialty: customer discharge conditions, stormwater quality, water waste or solid waste system contamination, and other water waste or solid waste-related issues; management of pests using biological, cultural, mechanical, physical, and chemical controls emphasizing the least toxic approach; identifies noncompliance with Federal, State, and local requirements; notifies system users of requirements and violations of agency regulations and initiates appropriate responses consistent with policies, procedures, practices, and guidelines.
• Assists in developing and implementing enforcement response plans related to environmental programs; prepares and disseminates enforcement letters; issues and tracks payment of fines and fees.
• Explains requirements and may make oral presentations for eliminating pollution associated with environmental regulations, municipal codes, ordinances, pollution prevention plans, program non-compliance, and policies to environmental program customers, City staff, private businesses, industrial site managers, agents of schools, and the general public.
• Assists with the outreach and education campaigns, including: informational brochures, pamphlets, and posters; supports website development and maintenance to publicize and promote educational programs; attends public outreach events representing the City.
• Determines appropriate sampling methods and locations; performs field work as required; collects representative samples of water, wastewater, or stormwater from industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional sources from water, wastewater, and storm drain systems.
• Assists in special studies requiring technical expertise within area of specialty such as: development of local limits, sewer flow monitoring, chemical mass balance analysis, effect of discharge on sewer and treatment system and possibility of pass through, feasibility of process enhancements, and water reclamation, assessment of regulatory impacts, discharge prohibition and pollution prevention ordinance modifications, research of least-toxic or less toxic methods for pest management, service charges, and development of best management practices.
• Evaluates data used to determine annual program revenue requirements, wastewater, water, solid waste and storm drain system service charges, and industrial discharge fees, including calculation of production-based and alternative discharge limits; assists in development of program budgets and fiscal reports.
• Initiates establishment of protocols and guidelines for records maintenance; updates and maintains records including inspection files, records, and logs.
• Performs plan checks and provides comments for development review of new projects, municipal improvement projects, and other construction projects for wastewater pretreatment controls, stormwater pollution prevention control measures, or other environmental programs.
• May plan and implement training and education of the general public, developers, schools, businesses, and City staff on area of expertise or general environmental awareness; participates in public education programs including workshops and presentations to citizen groups and contractors; assist owner-builders in developing and implementing source control programs to reduce pollutants and manage waste.
• Responds to and initiates contact with environmental program customers providing detailed information on a variety of complex topics in a clear, succinct manner; works with customers to identify and resolve environmental problems within area of specialty or violations of applicable permits, ordinances, and regulations; provides technical assistance and guidance to users and/or City staff.
• Investigates and traces the source of illicit and illegal waste discharges entering the sewer collection, storm drainage, or solid waste systems; maintains records of investigations and actions taken, sharing technical and/or specialized information with staff; responds to calls for investigation; writes letters to discharge violators; participates and testifies in enforcement hearings and legal proceedings.
• Participates and coordinates with City's hazardous waste response team and Fire Department, county environmental management, and other environmental agency representatives.
• Reviews and evaluates compliance monitoring reports, spill prevention control, and countermeasure plans, stormwater pollution prevention plans, erosion and sediment control plans, self-monitoring reports, sampling reports for compliance, and pest management reports; prepares a variety of periodic and special reports.
• Assists in review and evaluation of complex permit applications, discharge reports, facility modifications, and pretreatment systems; prepares permits for issuance; researches compliance history of facilities and dischargers.
• Writes staff reports, memos, technical reports, publications, and proposed regulations and ordinances; assists in the development of materials required to modify ordinances.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Conducts field monitoring and collects composite and grab samples of stormwater and wastewater from a variety of categorical and non-categorical wastewater dischargers, institutional establishments, commercial facilities including restaurants, and industrial processes.
• Conducts field screening and testing at stormwater detention basins, drainage channels, receiving waters, and Davis Wetlands stormwater cells to measure performance and ensure compliance with the City's non-point source pollution control programs; verifies user classifications; writes reports and chronologies.
• Sends samples to laboratory for analysis; analyzes reports regarding samples tested by labs; determines if actions are needed to change a given industrial agency’s waste processing.
• Review business license applications and tenant improvement plans to ensure they are meeting relevant pre-treatment standards.
• Works with restaurants to ensure they are complying with Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOG) regulations.
• Responds to water waste and water use issues received from the public, investigates and substantiates reports of water waste, water quality, and coordinates with others as needed to address identified issues.
• Reviews and evaluates stormwater pollution prevention plans, erosion and sediment control plans, and performs site inspections to ensure compliance.

• Develops and implements an integrated pest management program to prevent and control pests in City owned parks, trees, planters, public landscaped areas, rights-of-way, open space, drainage channels, wastewater treatment plant, retention/detention ponds, creeks, seasonal waterways, and facilities using a composite of techniques to include physical, chemical, mechanical, cultural, and biological methods.
• Coordinates the IPM Technical Advisory Committee; presents reports to the County Department of Agriculture, City Commissions, City Council, or other groups.
• Provide guidance to City staff and contractors engaged in pest management activities including analysis and diagnosis of pest-related problems, training in application procedure as needed, recommendation of application methods, oversight of functional activity during application as needed, application of treatments, data collection, and reporting with the goal to minimize pesticide use and assure adherence to the City's IPM Policy.
• Ensure all department IPM applicators have pesticide labels and Safety Data Sheets available in their departments for all pesticides used, train staff involved in application of pesticides or other products on safe practices in accordance with the Safety Data Sheets.
• Assist in the establishment and maintenance of citizen outreach programs to assist the community in understanding and implementing IPM practices, and recruit, train, and supervise community volunteers to assist in pesticide free park and greenbelt management.
• Provide expertise, assistance, and training to City staff, contract service providers, and the public about pest biology, the IPM approach, pest management strategies, and toxicology of pesticides.

• Oversees on-street yard material collection program compliance.
• Investigates complaints regarding solid waste code violations in restaurants and other businesses; documents and takes appropriate enforcement action.
• Periodically reviews the City Code to ensure consistency with applicable Federal and State laws; recommends amendments to the City Code when necessary to account for Federal and State law changes, or when needed to achieve program goals, or as directed by City Council to address changing City priorities.
• Responds to waste contamination reports and other solid waste issues received from the public, investigates and substantiates reports of waste contamination, and coordinates with others as needed to address identified issues.
• Reviews and approves Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plans and Reports; works with contractors on achieving diversion requirements; work cooperatively with the City’s building permits unit.
• Works with restaurants, businesses, and multifamily housing to ensure they are properly managing their solid waste (recycling, organics, cardboard and trash).
• Prepares mandated reports to various agencies.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of developing educational, instructional, and training materials; basic measures to gauge the effectiveness of training and outreach programs.
• Business math and statistical techniques.
• Basic understanding of chemistry and how various materials can impact the public health or environment.
• Public speaking techniques.
• Pertinent safety practices and principles, including traffic control, use of personal protective equipment, chemical hazards, proper handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals, confined space entry procedures, industrial and stormwater environments.
• Federal, State, and local regulations, ordinances, permit requirements, and standards relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Proper methods and procedures for conducting inspections, investigations, and studies.
• Physical, chemical, microbiological, and bacteriological tests applied to water and wastewater.
• Environmental principles and practices related to both point source and non-point source water quality control.
• Principles, practices, and methods of industrial pretreatment and municipal collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater.
• Municipal stormwater program principles, elements, and available resources and non-structural and structural best management practices for pollution prevention and control technologies and techniques.
• Principles of hydraulic, instrumentation, and water and wastewater treatment equipment.
• State and local solid waste and water waste laws.
• State and local building codes related to construction and demolition.
• Local ordinances related to how businesses prepare their solid waste and food disposal.
• Environmental effects of poor solid waste management and urban runoff.
• Local development planning processes.
• Safe vehicle operation and precautions for working around traffic.
• Irrigation practices.
• Proper record keeping methods and procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, media, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures.
• Maintain safety awareness and follow proper safety procedures.
• Learn, interpret, and apply Federal, State, and local regulations, ordinances, permit requirements, and standards governing the implementation of pretreatment, collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater and industrial, municipal, and construction stormwater discharges to surface waters.
• Administer and/or oversee the administration of contracts and/or improvement agreements; review and approve payments and billings for contracted services.
• Draft staff reports and memos and make presentations to the City Council, commissions, departments, and the general public.
• Express the objectives of environmental programs related to assigned area, including preparation of clear and concise reports and correspondence; write ordinances, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Develop and maintain accurate statistical records; prepare clear and concise reports; gather and analyze complex data
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organize work, set priorities, establish attainable goals and objectives, and work on several assignments under time pressure and critical deadlines.
• Assist with the planning, development, coordination, and delivery of public education and business outreach programs; prepare training programs and conduct classroom instruction for community members with diverse backgrounds.
• Supervise temporary positions related to completing program tasks.
• Respond to inquiries and complaints from the public; exercise appropriate judgement in answering questions and releasing information including analyzing and considering consequences of decisions and/or recommendations; remain calm and professional when interacting with emotionally charged members of the public.
• Use analysis, logic, and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems; compile and analyze complex data.
• Provide training where needed to maintain an acute awareness of safety hazards and maintain a safe work environment for self and others.
• Conduct unbiased investigations and reach defendable evidence-based conclusions; maintain investigation records and document actions taken.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Use computer software to retrieve data, compile and create technical reports, graphs and other documents.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental studies, chemistry, biology, resource management, public administration, or a related field.

• Three (3) years of experience developing, promoting, enforcing, or coordinating programs in environmental resource recovery or sustainability, water use, water conservation, solid waste, or a related field.

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands
When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

CITY OF DAVIS
BENEFIT SUMMARY SHEET
PASEA
Leave Time

• 3 Weeks of Vacation Per Year to start (increases with years of service)
• 2 Floating Holidays (added into vacation accrual)
• 13 paid Holidays
• Sick Leave: Accrual of 8 hours per month / 12 days per year.
• Parental Leave - 2 Months Paid Parental Leave Available After 1 Year of Employment.

• 125 Cafeteria Plan.
  • The monthly City contribution for Medical insurance for 2024 is $2,185.97
  • The city contributes the premium for the family rate of the City’s self-funded dental plan
    • 2024 monthly premium for family is $210.00
• Up to $500 Cash-in-lieu Per Month if Opting Out of Medical & Dental
• Option to purchase Vision Insurance

• 30k Employer Paid
• Voluntary/Supplemental Coverage Available for Purchase
  • The new hire guarantee issue amount is $120,000

• CalPERS Pension
  • 2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS Members
  • 2% at 62 for PEPRA Members (membership date of 1/1/2013 or later)
• The City participates in Medicare (1.45% employee deduction).
• The City does not participate in Social Security
• Survivor Benefit
  • The city contracts with the Public Employees Retirement System for the 1959 Survivor Benefit Level Four (4).
    

• Longevity Pay
  • 2.5% at 10 years of service
  • 2.5% at 20 years of service for a maximum of 5%.
• Retiree Health Contribution
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible spending accounts available
• City paid long term disability program
• Access to purchase supplemental benefits including short term disability insurance, accident insurance, and additional life insurance products, etc.
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plans Available, including Roth Options
• City paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Multilingual Pay of 150.00 per month subject to approval and successful certification.
• Bicycle and Computer Loan Programs Available (upon successful completion of probation)