Stormwater Environmental Compliance Inspector

Posting number: 2026-00763

Department: Seattle Public Utilities

Division: Drainage and Wastewater Line of Business

Job classification: Civil Engineering Specialist, Associate

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Utilities

Summary

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) Drainage and Wastewater Line of Business is seeking a dedicated Stormwater Environmental Compliance Inspector under the cities job classification (Civil Engineering Specialist, Associate) to join our environmental protection team. This position plays a critical role in safeguarding Seattle's waterways and the Puget Sound by ensuring businesses and property owners comply with stormwater regulations. You'll work directly in the community, providing technical assistance and enforcement support while contributing to the cleanup efforts at the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund site.

As a Stormwater Environmental Compliance Inspector, you'll be on the front lines of environmental protection, conducting field inspections, investigating pollution sources, and responding to water quality emergencies. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on Seattle's environmental health while working with diverse communities and stakeholders throughout the city.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost.

If you feel this may be the perfect job for you, please continue reading ...and APPLY!

About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. 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.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit:

• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan
• Shape Our Water Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring, and promotional opportunities.

Why join us?

We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities.
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment.
• Generous benefits package.
• Free public transportation options.
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions.
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities.

Examples of duties

• Inspect businesses throughout the City to provide technical assistance regarding stormwater best management practices and enforce compliance with the City's Stormwater Code. A major emphasis of the work is the Lower Duwamish Waterway (LOW) Superfund site.
• 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 enforcement actions, and input data into a mobile database.
• Investigate 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.
• Respond to water quality complaints and provide technical assistance to businesses and residents.
• Respond to spills and routinely perform week-long after hours/weekend on-call assignments.
• Coordinate with other City, State and Federal and other agencies on pollutant source control issues.
• Manage consultant contracts and take on sp