1

Stormwater Inspector Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Support construction inspection and code compliance staff by providing engineering evaluations and ... Understanding of Western Washington stormwater regulations, Low Impact Development (LID) principles ...

ENGINEER 1 - STORMWATER

Port Orchard, WA · On-site

$86K - $110K/yr

Support construction inspection and code compliance staff by providing engineering evaluations and ... Understanding of Western Washington stormwater regulations, Low Impact Development (LID) principles ...

Vactor Operator

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$22.50 - $28.50/hr

Utilization of stormwater inspection equipment to determine structure compliance * Attaching/removing vactor tubes to/from the boom of the truck * Lifting storm drain grates and putting them back in ...

Observe and inspect installation of underground utilities including stormwater, sanitary sewer, and potable water systems. * Support quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) efforts including ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Stormwater Inspector information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$17

$23

$32

How much do stormwater inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for stormwater inspector in Seattle, WA is $23.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.77 and $26.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by stormwater inspectors in the field?

Stormwater Inspectors often face challenges such as varying weather conditions, navigating complex site layouts, and ensuring compliance with evolving local and federal regulations. They must communicate effectively with construction crews, property owners, and municipal officials to address violations and recommend corrective actions. Additionally, balancing multiple site inspections and thorough documentation can be demanding, but these tasks are essential for maintaining environmental standards and public safety.

What does a stormwater inspector do?

As a stormwater inspector, you conduct preventative maintenance on stormwater facilities. Your responsibilities are to inspect facilities for issues, sample the water, and ensure the facility adheres to all federal compliance codes. Each inspection requires you to fill out a report documenting all of your findings. Other duties of a stormwater inspector include reviewing construction plans, using district software to monitor stormwater conditions, and maintaining positive public relations within your district. You may work on both private and public stormwater facilities, coordinating with your department to perform renovations and preventative maintenance.

What is the difference between Stormwater Inspector vs Environmental Technician?

AspectStormwater InspectorEnvironmental Technician
CertificationsStormwater Pollution Prevention (SWPP), OSHA safetyEnvironmental certifications, OSHA safety
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial facilitiesLaboratories, field sites, offices
Industry UsageConstruction, municipal, industrialEnvironmental consulting, research

Both roles often require environmental safety certifications and involve fieldwork. However, Stormwater Inspectors focus specifically on stormwater compliance at construction sites, while Environmental Technicians have broader environmental testing and analysis duties. The roles are complementary but distinct in scope and responsibilities.

What is a stormwater inspector?

Stormwater Inspectors are professionals responsible for monitoring and evaluating stormwater systems to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. They inspect construction sites, public works, and private properties to check for proper erosion and sediment control, and to prevent pollutants from entering waterways. Their work helps protect water quality by ensuring that stormwater runoff is managed effectively and according to local, state, and federal laws. Stormwater Inspectors often work for government agencies, environmental consulting firms, or private companies involved in construction and land development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a stormwater inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Stormwater Inspector, you need a solid understanding of environmental regulations, stormwater management practices, and inspection procedures, usually supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, inspection reporting systems, and knowledge of local, state, and federal compliance standards is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors work efficiently with contractors, property owners, and regulatory agencies. These abilities ensure thorough inspections, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection in stormwater management projects.
What are popular job titles related to Stormwater Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA? For Stormwater Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Stormwater Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Stormwater Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Stormwater Inspector jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Stormwater Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Stormwater Inspector job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,959 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Stormwater Environmental Compliance Inspector

City of Seattle

Seattle, WA • Hybrid

$53.60 - $62.40/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


City Of Seattle rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Description 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. Job Responsibilities 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 special projects as needed.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Qualifications Education: Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology, or two years of college level coursework in engineering and construction technology.

Experience: Requires two years' civil engineering experience. Experience and Education Equivalency: A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class). Certification/License: Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Desired Qualifications: Environmental and Regulatory Experience: Experience with stormwater management practices, environmental regulations, water quality standards, field inspections, environmental compliance monitoring, and stormwater treatment systems. Technical and Investigation Skills: Experience with water quality sampling, pollutant source identification, mobile data collection systems, engineering principles related to drainage systems, and spill response procedures. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical report writing and public interaction.

Experience providing technical assistance to businesses, explaining complex concepts to diverse audiences, and coordinating with regulatory agencies. Field Work and Project Management: Ability to work independently in various weather conditions, manage contracts and special projects, work flexible hours including on-call assignments, and perform physical field work. Ability to respond to spills within 90 minutes after hours and on weekends when acting as a spill responder.

Work Environment/ Physical Demands: Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment. Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances and work in or near construction sites. May be required to lift over 50 pounds.

May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time. Overnight travel may be required. Additional Information Workplace Environment: This position requires four days on-site.

Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor. It is a requirement that Stormwater Environmental Compliance Inspectors become 40-hour Hazmat certified within the first year of employment in order to fulfil the stormwater spill response duties. How to Apply: In addition to fully completing the online application, please attach your resume and cover letter addressing the Desired Qualifications, and respond to all supplemental questions.

These are required to be considered for this position. Your cover letter should also include your general knowledge and experience related to the position. The salary range for this position is $53.60 - $62.40 hourly

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records incompliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SME 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information. Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Zachary Brown at zach.brown@seattle.gov. Website http://www.seattle.gov/jobs| Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities atwww.seattle.gov/util/and check us out on social media.


What City Of Seattle employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom