Fog Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DESCRIPTION The City of Hanford is seeking a detail-oriented Environmental Compliance Analyst to join the Utilities & Engineering Department - Wastewater Division. This position plays a key role in protecting public health and water quality by performing process control monitoring, regulatory sampling, compliance inspections, and technical analysis to ensure the City's wastewater treatment facility and pretreatment program comply with local, state, and federal environmental regulations. Working both in the field and at the treatment facility, the Environmental Compliance Analyst contributes to the efficient operation of essential public infrastructure while helping preserve our community's environmental resources.

Under general direction, this position performs in-plant process control and regulatory sampling. Inspects industrial, light industrial, multi-type commercial, and food service businesses to determine compliance with city, state, and federal requirements, ordinances, and regulations related to the operation of the city's wastewater treatment facility and pretreatment program. This position assists with maintaining in-plant and pretreatment program documentation and databases.

Work is performed under established federal, state, and local laws, regulations, departmental policies, procedures, and technical standards while exercising independent judgment in carrying out assigned inspections, sampling, testing, and compliance monitoring activities. EXAMPLE OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Perform and interpret chemical, biochemical, biological, bacteriological, and physical analyses of samples related to the treatment and quality control of wastewater influent and effluent, following standard procedures and guidelines. Collect, transport, prepare, and preserve samples at various sites throughout the treatment plant and industrial sites.

Prepare samples for analysis by commercial laboratories; ensure that test results are reviewed and reported. Analyze and interpret laboratory results and communicate those results to the WWTP manager. Set up, calibrate, operate, and perform minor maintenance and repair to various laboratory instruments and equipment.

Assemble and record test data; prepare draft charts, graphs, and written reports. Clean and maintain laboratory and field equipment. Maintain quality control and quality assurance and follow safe work procedures.

Maintain accurate records of work performed and analysis results. Communicate with treatment plant staff regarding analysis results. Prepare standard chemical solutions and reagents; dispose of outdated materials safely; clean glassware and equipment; and ensure that the laboratory is maintained in a clean and orderly condition.

Assist in maintaining an inventory of laboratory supplies, chemicals, and equipment. Perform sample analysis on hauled waste companies to ensure compliance with local limits before discharge. Inspect and monitor a variety of commercial and industrial businesses to ensure compliance with city, state, and federal regulatory requirements regarding the composition and quantity of discharges to the wastewater collection system.

Prepare court-admissible documentation of all inspection and monitoring activities. Collect field samples using proper procedures for sampling, sample handling, chain-of-custody requirements, and laboratory or field analyses. Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot equipment, including pH meters, conductivity meters, composite samplers, flow meters, and other instrumentation as required.

Prepare reports of industrial user activities required by federal, state, and local regulatory agencies for supervisory review, as appropriate. Troubleshoot problems in sanitary and storm sewer collection systems. Inspect manual, automatic, and in-ground grease interceptors at restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other food preparation establishments.

Document inspection activities include filing, completing forms/checklists, and entering information into the computer database. Prepare for inspections by scheduling visits, reviewing existing documentation, mapping locations, planning routes, researching codes, reviewing ordinances, reviewing blueprints, etc. Prepare draft enforcement notices for supervisory review; track compliance progress reports and findings to supervisor.

Interact and communicate with various groups, individuals, store managers, and members of the general public, educating them about the City's FOG program and appropriate best management practices (BMPs). Identify new owners/operators within the City service area subject to the applicable City codes. Investigate FOG-related complaints.

Distribute and conduct education and outreach to businesses, clients, property owners, managers, and residents. Operate a vehicle and a variety of equipment, tools, and software. Clean and maintain field inspection equipment.

Enter data into and retrieve data from an automated data control system. Provide new employees in the same or similar positions with needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain tasks. Answer the phone as needed.

Maintain computerized records and logs of daily activities; prepare reports as necessary. Sampling and reporting for the storm collection system (MS4) and NPDES permitting. Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and related sciences pertaining to water/wastewater treatment and environmental science. Principles of mathematics and statistics used for laboratory and field calculations. Manufacturing processes as sources of industrial waste and their effects on wastewater treatment processes.

Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, , ordinances, and permit requirements applicable to wastewater pretreatment and environmental compliance. Modern office methods, including computer applications and keyboard skills. Safe work practices.

Chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of water and wastewater. Principles, practices, equipment, and materials required for the chemical, biochemical, biological, bacteriological, and physical analysis of sampling water and wastewater. Sampling techniques and related statistical analysis techniques.

Laboratory and treatment plant safety procedures and equipment. Basic principles of water and wastewater treatment and distribution/disposal. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Technical report writing practices and procedures. Principles and procedures of record keeping. Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.

Computer applications related to the job duties. Safe driving rules and practices. English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone. Ability to: Exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Prepare clear and concise records, reports, correspondence and other written materials. Communicate effectively in written and oral form. Develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Perform chemical, biochemical, biological, bacteriological, and physical water and wastewater analyses. Analyze the results of such tests and communicate results to plant operations staff. Use and perform calibration and minor maintenance and repair on various laboratory equipment.

Maintain an inventory of supplies and equipment required to perform necessary analyses. Interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. Instruct operating staff in basic laboratory procedures and processes.

Prepare and maintain clear and concise reports and accurate records and files. Utilize computer and related word processing, database, and spreadsheet software and applications. Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.

Operate a motor vehicle safely. Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Organize work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and radio, and in writing. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. Experience and Education Any combination of experience, training, and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Experience: Three years of responsible experience in water/wastewater treatment or laboratory experience.

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by college-level coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field. Preferred Qualifications A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field is desired. Possession of a current Wastewater Operators Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board Office of Operator Certification is desired.

License and Certificate Possession of a valid California driver's license is required if driving is an essential function of the assigned position. Grade 1 Environmental Compliance Inspector issued by the California Water Environment Association within 18 months of hire. Physical Standards Must possess mobility to work in a water and/or wastewater treatment plant laboratory; operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to identify chemical and biological solvents and substances; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone and radio.

Employees work in an office and field setting and frequently walk within treatment plants, industrial sites, and commercial locations to take samples and perform inspections. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to handle laboratory equipment. Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with proper equipment.

Environmental Elements Employees work in an office and field setting. They will occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances, odors, and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors to interpret and enforce departmental policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The application screening will include a competitive review of relevant education, training, and work experience, followed by a written exam and/or an interview before an Oral Board to identify the most qualified candidates. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview, and the screening committee's decision is final. Candidates considered eligible for appointment will be placed on the City's Certified Eligibility List.

Applicants will receive written notification of the results of all phases of the recruitment process leading to the creation of the Eligibility List, if applicable.