Environmental Technician

Department: Water Resources

Location: Main Office

Description

Under general supervision, performs inspections, sampling, monitoring and reporting of industrial, commercial and domestic wastewater collection systems, private on-site wastewater treatment facilities, grease interceptors and sand/oil interceptors; ensures compliance with Federal, State and local discharge regulations; and performs other related duties as required.

Key Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned to ensure excellence in customer service.

• Inspects, samples, monitors, reports and assists with the enforcement of the sewer use ordinance and pretreatment regulations.
• Identifies and inspects industrial, commercial and food service facilities for compliance with the sewer use ordinance and pretreatment regulations.
• Maintains and enters information into the pretreatment information management system.
• Collects and compiles data, generates reports and maintains files for audits, samples and inspections.
• Responds to complaints regarding commercial, industrial, food service facility and other wastewater discharges; initiates follow-up inspections and prepares draft enforcement recommendations.
• Contacts customers to discuss sampling results and/or problems; handles customer requests (internal & external) in person, by telephone and may use specialized equipment in investigating requests and resolving complaints.
• Investigates and traces sources of illegal discharges and sewer odor complaints entering the wastewater collection system.
• Assists with the implementation, enforcement and continued development of the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Program, as required.
• Inspects grease interceptors, verifies grease interceptor clean out and hauling records and issues grease interceptor inspection reports.
• Assists with the education of customers, septage & grease waste haulers and grease equipment manufacturers with regard to the Decatur Utilities’ FOG Program.
• Assists with the resolution of conflicts as necessary during the enforcement of the sewer use ordinance and pretreatment regulations.
• Establishes effective working relationships with public, local industries, local businesses and other city departments and public agencies.
• Audits customer owned wastewater meters to ensure compliance with Decatur Utilities’ Wastewater Metering Procedures.
• Researches and keeps current on pertinent information and development in environmental compliance and all regulatory changes pertaining to wastewater systems.
• Maintains and updates system records and drawings using computers or manually.
• Must comply with all Decatur Utilities safety policies and procedures and facility established safety policies and procedures when interacting with customers.
  
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Educational Requirements

• Associate's degree or equivalent in an environmental related field from accredited college, university or technical school.

Experience Requirements

• One to three years of experience preferred in wastewater sample collection, pretreatment programs, and FOG (fats, oils & grease) sample collection/inspection.

Other Requirements

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common utility and technical journals, federal regulations, safety manuals and documents.
• Ability to prepare business reports and correspondence.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, customers, mid-level representatives of government agencies, contractors, developers, product representatives and other professional contacts in the community.
• Ability to use computers for internal and external communications, word processing, database tracking and spreadsheet applications. Must be proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to apply certain mathematical concepts to perform mass-balance calculations and make various volumetric/mass conversions using units of gallons per day (gpd), millions of gallons per day (mgd), and concentrations of mg/L, ug/L and lbs/day.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to read technical standards such as the Code of Federal Register, American Water Works Standards, ADEM regulations for wastewater and interpret codes for utility compliance.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk and hear.
• Required to regularly lift up to 50 lbs and use various hand tools to complete work (removing manhole and grease interceptor lids, sampling equipment, instruments, containers, iced coolers, etc.)
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Valid Alabama Driver's License, Standard First Aid/CPR, Blood Borne Pathogens and Customer Relations Training.
• Available to work scheduled and unscheduled times to accommodate work demands and emergency situations, including evenings and weekends, available to attend training to enhance job knowledge; subject to Non-DOT drug and alcohol testing program; maintain neat and professional appearance for meeting public; punctual in attendance.