Inspector- Stormwater Compliance

This position is responsible for inspecting public and private construction sites and properties to ensure compliance with stormwater management regulations, plans, specifications, and Stormwater Utility program requirements. Enforces code violations, responds to citizen complaints and customer inquiries, and conducts field verification, site testing, and documentation to confirm the proper installation and maintenance of stormwater infrastructure, the accuracy of impervious-surface information, and compliance with approved Stormwater Utility credits.

• Inspects private construction sites (active and post-construction) for stormwater compliance, records activities in EnerGov, enforces construction codes, and prepares documentation for litigation.
• Conducts emergency inspections and reviews plans to identify non-compliance, certifies plans, and responds to complaints.
• Explains and interprets construction codes to stakeholders, prepares and maintains technical reports, and provides recommendations for compliance issues and corrective actions.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on environmental compliance and activities.
• Serves as a contact with internal and external partners to resolve problems, procures services or materials for environmental programs, and liaises with third-party vendors and governmental agencies.
• Coordinates inspections of MS4 structures and inspects commercial and industrial sites for environmental compliance.
• Responds to spills and citizen complaints, prepares maps, assists with updating layers, and performs data analysis using GIS software.
• Prepares and draws new and existing Stormwater Management Units (SWMU), collects GPS data, and creates utility maps.
• Assists in the development of GIS user requirements and maintains the SWMU database.
• Reviews and approves plans, construction, and repair activities, design criteria, and parameters for civil engineering projects related to stormwater management and drainage improvement.
• Coordinates with outside contractors to communicate information and resolve conflicts.
• Inspects commercial properties to enforce city codes and ordinances related to stormwater features, provides information to property owners, issues courtesy notices and court summons, prepares case folders, and testifies in court.
• Conducts field and desktop reviews to verify the amount, type, location, and classification of impervious surfaces used to calculate Stormwater Utility fees.
• Compares site conditions with aerial imagery, GIS data, parcel records, site plans, surveys, and other available documentation; records measurements and findings; and recommends corrections to property and billing records when discrepancies are identified.
• Reviews and supports the evaluation of Stormwater Utility credit applications.
• Conducts initial, follow-up, renewal, and complaint-based inspections to verify the presence, condition, operation, maintenance, and continued eligibility of stormwater best management practices, drainage controls, education programs, or other approved credit measures.
• Documents Stormwater Utility inspections with photographs, measurements, field notes, maps, and supporting records; prepares written findings and recommendations regarding the approval, denial, adjustment, renewal, suspension, or revocation of credits in accordance with the adopted credit manual and program procedures.
• Coordinates with Stormwater Utility, GIS, engineering, billing, customer service, property owners, applicants, consultants, and other City staff to resolve impervious-surface discrepancies and credit-application issues.
• Explains inspection procedures, measurement methods, documentation requirements, corrective actions, and appeal or reconsideration processes.
• Conducts field inspections to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, standards, approved project plans, Stormwater Utility requirements, and credit conditions.
• Documents inspection results, maintains detailed records, and prepares reports to support enforcement, approvals, fee adjustments, credit determinations, or corrective actions.
• Collaborates with contractors, property owners, developers, engineers, or internal departments to resolve issues and ensure regulatory and program compliance.
• Interprets and applies codes, technical specifications, permits, construction or system plans, Stormwater Utility policies, and credit-manual requirements to support inspections and enforcement or eligibility decisions.
• Responds to citizen complaints, customer inquiries, service requests, or emergencies by conducting inspections, assessing risks or discrepancies, and recommending or enforcing corrective actions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requires a High School Diploma or GED and three years of experience in building construction, construction technology, engineering, stormwater management, code enforcement, utility inspection, or a related field.

Requires additional specialized training and certification for the assigned department within one (1) year of employment.

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Knowledge of stormwater management principles, drainage infrastructure, erosion and sediment control practices, and municipal stormwater regulations.

Knowledge of Stormwater Utility fee methodologies, impervious-surface classifications, credit-program requirements, and inspection and documentation practices.

Knowledge of survey equipment, field measurement techniques, aerial imagery, parcel data, maps, site plans, and GIS applications.

Knowledge of city infrastructure, codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge of computers, mobile field technology, databases, digital photography, and other modern office equipment.

Skill in reviewing plans, maps, applications, property records, and technical documentation for completeness and accuracy.

Skill in conducting field inspections, collecting measurements and evidence, documenting findings, and preparing clear technical reports and recommendations.

Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.

Skill in public and interpersonal relations, including explaining technical or billing-related information to property owners and applicants.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Minimum Standards

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Stormwater Management CIP Division Director or assigned manager, engineer, or program administrator. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include city policies and procedures; city specifications; city codes and ordinances; the Stormwater Utility Credit Manual and program procedures; OSHA regulations; and applicable EPD, EPA, engineering, environmental, and inspection standards. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied regulatory, technical, and utility inspection duties. Considerable analytical ability is needed to select, evaluate, compare, and interpret field observations, measurements, maps, plans, imagery, property records, applications, and data from several sources; interpretation of guidelines, policies, and procedures is required.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to inspect stormwater infrastructure, development activities, impervious surfaces, and properties participating in the Stormwater Utility credit program. Daily actions or services affect individual customers, property owners, applicants, contractors, and the public. Successful performance contributes to regulatory compliance, accurate and equitable Stormwater Utility fee administration, proper application of credits, and effective management of the City’s stormwater system.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Outside and inside contacts are made to carry out organizational programs or to communicate with officials and stakeholders on matters requiring cooperation, explanation, persuasion, conflict resolution, or enforcement of laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, contractors, engineers, consultants, property owners, applicants, customers, and members of the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, conduct inspections, explain requirements and findings, provide services, resolve problems, obtain compliance, and support fee or credit determinations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, stooping, climbing, or traversing uneven terrain. The employee occasionally uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and distinguishes between shades of color. This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office, at department facilities, on construction sites, and outdoors at residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. The work requires the use of protective devices, such as masks, goggles, safety vests, hard hats, or gloves. One or more disagreeable elements, including dust, heat, fumes, cold, noise, vibration, insects, traffic, or wetness, may be regularly present. The work may include exposure to construction hazards, open drainage systems, uneven terrain, and other situations requiring adherence to established safety practices.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.