Join Our Team as the Environmental Specialist
Are you passionate about protecting the environment and ensuring clean, sustainable communities? EPCOR is seeking an enthusiastic professional to support our Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Program. This role is vital in keeping our water systems safe and efficient while making a positive impact in our service areas.
In this position, you will monitor compliance by investigating odor issues and inspecting grease traps and interceptors at food service facilities to ensure they meet standards. You will also conduct pretreatment inspections at businesses with industrial wastewater discharges, contributing to public health and environmental safety. Your work will involve collaborating with local businesses to promote compliance and exploring solutions that benefit both operations and the community.
Joining EPCOR means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility. You’ll enjoy a supportive work environment where your contributions make a meaningful difference, along with opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic industry.
If you're ready to take on a fulfilling role that blends technical expertise, environmental advocacy, and community impact, we encourage you to apply today!
What you’d be responsible for:
•Regularly inspect food service facility’s grease traps/interceptors for compliance with ECPORs Rule 10 and FOG Program.
•Conducts commercial and industrial user evaluations concerning the type of industrial wastes discharged into the sanitary sewer.
•Collects, preserves, documents and submits wastewater samples to the laboratory for analysis.
•Assist with the CMOM program and training.
•Works independently using sound judgement to maintain effective working relationships with representatives of industrial and commercial facilities.
•Conveys information on regulations and Rule 10 requirements to industrial and commercial businesses concerning the use of the sewer system and discharge limitations.
•Investigates reported discharge of pollutants into the sanitary sewer in order to locate the source(s).
•Travels to discharging facilities to conduct inspections, collect samples, or monitor plant discharges.
•Compiles field notes and records data/information necessary to prepare reports.
•Performs maintenance on job related equipment and ensures instrumentation, vehicles, work/laboratory area are cleaned and in good working order.
•Maintains and updates inspection, sampling and IPP databases regularly.
•Other duties as assigned by the pretreatment supervisor.
What’s required to be successful:
•Associates or Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Biology, Chemistry, Water Related Sciences or Engineering preferred, or a high school diploma or equivalent.
•Four years’ experience in wastewater collections or treatment may substitute for a degree.
•Minimum of Two (2) years of work experience conducting pretreatment inspections (including commercial food/restaurant), surveillance monitoring and field analysis is preferred. Four years of experience working in the wastewater field may substitute.
•Must possess or be able to obtain ADEQ Collections Operator 1 and Wastewater Treatment Operator 1 certification within twelve months of hire. All candidates must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Class D driver license and have good driving record.
•Experience in working with sampling and analytical equipment required to conduct inspections and sampling preferred.
•Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and written.
•Excellent quantitative, analytical, and problem solving skills as well as strong time management and organization skills.
•Ability to understand and interpret regulatory rules and policies.
•Knowledge of wastewater sampling collection, preservation and field analysis using manual, mechanical and electronic sampling equipment.
•Knowledge and understanding of equipment and operations of wastewater collection systems and treatment plants is preferred.
•Basic knowledge of chemistry and biology a plus.
•Understanding the dangers of working in hazardous environments, including working in or near traffic.
•Computer proficiency with intermediate to advanced knowledge of Word and Excel.
Travel Requirements
Some overnight travel required; less than 20%.Other important facts about this job
As an EPCOR employee, you will enjoy a variety of benefits such as a competitive salary, an incentive award program, an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision and other insurance coverage, retirement plan with substantial company contribution, generous
Time-off schedules, training opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and certification support. We’ve been voted as a Best Places to Work employer and we value the safety of each of our team members through our robust safety training and celebration of safety milestones.
Headquartered in Glendale, EPCOR USA owns, operates and builds water, wastewater and natural gas infrastructure and is among the largest private water utilities in the Southwest. EPCOR USA is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities Inc. We invest in and look after our communities and the environment. We’re proud of the work we do and the people we hire to do it. Please note the following information:
•A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age and legally entitled to work in the United States. (A copy of a valid work permit may be required.)
•If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required. Some EPCOR positions require an enhanced level of background assessment, which is dictated by law. These positions require advanced criminal record checks that must also be conducted from time to time after commencement of employment.
•A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise will be used as a part of the selection criterion.
•To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required.