WATER RESOURCES PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Job Summary

Assists in administering water protection, wastewater pretreatment, and pollution prevention programs related to storm drain and sewer systems.

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Representative Duties

Inspects pretreatment systems, businesses, and other facilities for compliance with applicable federal, State, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to wastewater, stormwater, sewer system, and pollution prevention program regulations and discharge permit requirements.

Collects, tests, and analyzes waste effluents; inspects and samples sewer, storm drain, and pretreatment devices, including sewer and storm drain discharge lines; tests atmospheric gases in sanitary sewer systems; reviews and verifies the efficacy of proposed pollution control systems; may oversee sampling activities conducted by contractors.

Gathers, organizes, and maintains data for the preparation of reports regarding environmental compliance inspections and wastewater pretreatment programs to local, State, and federal agencies.

Assists in evaluating and preparing local and federal compliance monitoring reports, such as solvent and spill management plans, pollution prevention plans, stormwater, and pretreatment reports, baseline monitoring reports, and sample results to ensure compliance with local and federal regulations.

Researches rules, regulations, and other information pertaining to the reduction of water pollution related to wastewater and urban runoff programs.

Assists in developing policies related to environmental compliance and water resources pollution prevention programs; assists in evaluating and monitoring the effectiveness of established programs.

Informs and distributes educational literature to local businesses, residents, City employees, and the general public regarding best practices to reduce urban runoff water pollution and support pollution prevention efforts.

Responds to and investigates illegal discharges to sewers, streets, and storm drains, including complaints regarding sewer stoppages, water pollution, and damage to public property by improper waste disposal practices.

Enters and certifies sanitary overflow reports into the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQs).

Participates in requests for proposal for construction services and bid processes; ensures contractor compliance with City specifications, policies, and procedures, and service quality.

Provides support for City construction projects, including monitoring progress and evaluating and approving invoices and payments.

Reports violations of regulations and City ordinances and assists in collecting samples as evidence for legal proceedings.

Serves as a witness in court cases involving industrial waste disposal practices, as required.

Provides information and assistance to City staff regarding waste disposal requirements and solutions in order to ensure the health and safety of the general public.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:
Principles of physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry
Applicable federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to wastewater pretreatment, stormwater, urban runoff, pollution prevention, and water quality remediation
Instrumental analytical methods and their application to environmental analyses
Sample collection techniques and chain of custody protocols
Principles and practices of wastewater pretreatment processes
Principles and practices of bid and request for proposal processes
Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures related to the work
Statistical research techniques and procedures
Principles and procedures of record keeping
Principles of customer service

Ability to:
Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions
Administer contracts and oversee the performance of contractors, consultants, and vendors
Prepare clear and concise written and oral reports and recommendations
Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities
Read and interpret chemical reports and related technical documents
Perform mathematical and statistical calculations
Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed
Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Work with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Minimum Qualifications:

Option A:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, biology, chemistry, engineering, earth or environmental science, or a related field.

Experience: Two years recent, paid work experience performing inspection, analysis, compliance, and monitoring activities in a wastewater pretreatment, stormwater, pollution prevention, and/or water quality/remediation program.

Option B:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.

Experience: Four years recent, paid work experience performing inspection, analysis, compliance, and monitoring activities in a wastewater pretreatment, stormwater, pollution prevention, and/or water quality/remediation program

Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license to be maintained throughout employment.

Possession of an Environmental Compliance Inspector Grade I Certificate issued from the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) to be obtained within six months from date of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Field work is regularly performed outdoors in the field requiring exposure to variable weather conditions, dirt, soil, slippery surfaces, sewer discharge, chemicals, odors, and unsanitary conditions. Safety equipment is provided. Physical demands include walking, reaching, bending, carrying and lifting heavy objects. May be required to climb stairs and fire escape stairs inside and outside of buildings. Work includes visiting City facilities and other work locations and attending off-site meetings. Administrative work may be performed in a home or office environment at the discretion of the supervisor and may require sitting for prolonged periods of time and using a computer keyboard, mouse, and screen. May be required to work evenings and/or weekends.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:
Applicants must submit a completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

If you would like for your education to be considered, you must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being evaluated without the education being considered.

Selection Process:
All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:

• Training and Experience Evaluation
  
• Oral Interview
  

If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

Background Investigation:
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement:

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three workdays prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 10/30/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of Santa Monica

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