Environmental Technician

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.

About Decatur Utilities

Decatur Utilities provides electricity, natural gas, water and wastewater services in the greater Decatur, Alabama area to more than 30,000 customers. The more than 190 employees who make up the DU family are dedicated to providing safe, reliable utility services at the lowest possible rate and to meet the needs of our customers.