W/R ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEM PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Job Summary:
The W/R Environmental System Protection Specialist is responsible for compliance and enforcement of the pretreatment, cross connection control, and bulk water/temporary hydrant use programs in the Water Resources Division. Duties include monitoring commercial, industrial, residential, and bulk water accounts for compliance with regulations and permits; conducting field inspections and investigations; performing routine field sampling of water and wastewater; evaluating results for compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations; recommending operational and installation changes; completing written reports; providing information to the public on environmental regulations and engineering issues; using a computer database to generate periodic reports on compliance rates; investigating reports of ordinance violations; responding to complaints; reviewing plans for proposed construction projects; providing technical assistance to architects, engineers, and plumbers; testing and repairing backflow prevention assemblies; and driving and operating vehicles in performing work assignments. The position operates under general supervision and is subject to on-call 24-hour availability.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Adheres to safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Monitors commercial, industrial, residential, and bulk water accounts for compliance with regulations and permits.
• Conducts field inspections and investigations for compliance with regulations.
• Performs routine field sampling of water and wastewater.
• Evaluates results of inspections and sample collection for compliance with regulations.
• Recommends operational and installation changes.
• Completes written reports.
• Provides information to the public on environmental regulations and engineering issues.
• Uses a computer database to generate periodic reports on compliance rates.
• Investigates reports of ordinance violations.
• Responds to complaints.
• Reviews plans for proposed construction projects.
• Provides technical assistance to architects, engineers, and plumbers.
• Tests and repairs backflow prevention assemblies.
• Drives and operates vehicles in performing work assignments.
• Performs related work as required.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Good knowledge of safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Good knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and equipment used in wastewater treatment, collection systems, water treatment, distribution systems, basic plumbing, cross connection control, and pretreatment.
• Knowledge of State, Federal, and local environmental regulations including Pretreatment, NC Plumbing codes, Cross Connection Control Ordinance, and the Sewer Use Ordinance.
• Good knowledge of backflow assemblies’ operation and application.
• Skilled in using tools, equipment, and materials utilized in installation, inspection, repair, and testing of backflow prevention devices.
• Skilled in sample collection methods, techniques, and holding times.
• Skilled in use of various water quality test equipment.
• Skilled in operating computers and applicable software.
• Ability to read and interpret site maps and blueprints.
• Ability to compile, input, maintain, and retrieve data.
• Ability to generate and maintain reports and records.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with engineers, architects, plumbers, the general public, and all levels of employees.

Education and Experience:

• Associates Degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field and one year of pretreatment, cross connection control, or related experience; OR
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and coursework in reading blueprints, schematics, and architectural drawings, and a minimum of five years of experience working in/for a utility distribution system or in piping system installations, with administrative support responsibilities; OR
• An equivalent combination of ed