Job Details

Pretreatment Engineering Specialist

As one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is building a city of the future through innovation, sustainable development, excellent leadership and effectively working with an engaged community. Our growth is guided by our core values of livability, sustainability and resiliency, innovation, and equity and inclusion, and we accomplish our work through collaboration, innovation, compassion and empowerment. If who we are speaks to you, and if you're the type of person who is interested in joining a team invested in ensuring the community receive meaningful, excellent utility services then the City of Vancouver may be for you. We're currently recruiting for a Pretreatment Engineering Specialist. This role is responsible for implementing and enforcing a delegated industrial pretreatment program to prevent harmful pollutants from entering the municipal sewer system, and to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wastewater regulations. This role involves inspecting industries and businesses, writing, reviewing discharge permits and fact sheets, and reviewing monitoring data and reports. The Engineering Specialist coordinates with industries and businesses to promote best management practices and resolves noncompliance issues through education or enforcement actions. The position requires collaboration with regulatory agencies and other utility departments to maintain program effectiveness and protect public health and the environment. This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the OPEIU union. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm. Open until filled.

Essential Functions:

• Developing and issuing industrial wastewater discharge permits that comply with federal, state, and local pretreatment regulations.
• Regular inspections of industrial and commercial facilities are conducted to verify compliance with pretreatment requirements and permit conditions.
• Identify violations and implement appropriate enforcement responses.
• Provide technical support to industrial users and internal staff.
• Develop and promote best management practices.
• Review self-monitoring reports, analytical lab results, and other technical submissions.
• Stay up to date on regulatory, technical, and program initiatives.
• Perform review and analysis of industrial pretreatment systems.
• Perform periodic environmental surveys.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

Experience and Education:

• Four (4) years of experience working in an industrial pretreatment program or related field.
• Equivalent to an associate's degree in environmental science, engineering, chemistry or related field is required, but a bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Beginner skills in PowerPoint and Access.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Possession of a valid drivers license.
• Ability to obtain a Pretreatment Facility Inspection certificate from California State University (correspondence course) within one year of hire.

Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of municipal wastewater treatment processes and the principles of industrial wastewater pretreatment.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks, including the Clean Water Act, EPA regulations, state and local ordinances, and NPDES program requirements.
• Knowledge of industrial discharge permits, pollutant monitoring and sampling protocols, and effluent limitations.
• Familiarity with water quality standards, wastewater management, and pollution control technologies.
• Knowledge of organic, inorganic, analytical, environmental, and water pollution chemistry.
• Principles and practices of environmental protection.
• Research, analysis, and problem-solving methods.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws that pertain to a delegated industrial pretreatment program.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
• Use of personal computers and basic software.

Abilities:

• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively in regulation focused environment.
• Implement policies, procedures, and strategies that ensure compliance with environmental regulations and best practices.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data, identify concerns, and implement corrective measures.
• Provide clear, concise, and effective guidance to industrial users in a professional manner.
• Build and maintain relationships with local industries, municipal officials, and regulatory agencies to promote effective compliance with pretreatment standards.
• Manage sensitive and sometimes controversial issues with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for preparing reports, attending meetings, and interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
• Plan, prioritize, and execute multiple tasks, ensuring deadlines are met and resources are utilized effectively.
• Exercise sound judgment in relation to overall management goals and objectives.
• Work independently with limited supervision.
• Perform complex technical work in a variety of environments.
• Observe and evaluate trends, analyze and synthesize data.
• Use interpersonal skills effectively in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner.
• Interpret complex regulations and apply them to program elements.
• Read, analyze, interpret and explain technical procedures and governmental regulations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, business correspondence, and other regulatory documentation.
• Assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures for monitoring and program implementation.
• Implement environmental programs and procedures including enforcement response plans.
• Review and interpret complex environmental and engineering reports.
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software.
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver's Operating Principles.
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees.
• Always provide a high level of customer service.
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work.
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others.
• Consistently provide quality service.
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance.
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check and a basic criminal background check.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you'll consider joining us on the journey!

The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans' preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-###-#### or email ...@cityofvancouver.us