PRETREATMENT PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, inspects and monitors industrial and commercial wastewater sources for compliance with Federal, State and local discharge regulations; inspects pretreatment facilities, grease traps and interceptors; collects samples, and operates and maintains sampling equipment; and performs other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this classification are responsible for the inspection of commercial establishments and industries that are required to be in compliance with the County's Pretreatment and Source Control Programs. This position is distinguished from the higher classification of Environmental Programs Coordinator in that the latter is the supervisory classification, with responsibility for administration of the Pretreatment and Source Control Programs. This position is distinguished from the lower classification of Engineering Aide in that the former is responsible for solving complex chemical or biological problems related to pretreatment systems and works with a greater degree of independence.

TYPICAL TASKS

Meets with industrial and commercial representatives to facilitate the development and improvement of pretreatment systems; inspects and monitors local industries and commercial establishments for compliance with local, State and Federal wastewater discharge requirements related to hazardous materials and wastes; investigates new sources of potential pollutant discharge; issues on-site corrective notices to industries and commercial establishments; gathers evidence for administrative and legal actions; monitors the storage of hazardous and toxic wastes to insure that untreated wastes do not enter the wastewater stream and to insure that incompatible chemicals are not stored in a hazardous manner; analyzes laboratory data and interprets results of inspection and sampling activities; prepares reports of violations or unusual test results for supervisor's review; maintains field logs; calibrates and maintains sampling and metering equipment; uses a computer to develop spreadsheets and forms and to perform word processing.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

  Working knowledge of:

• The principles of pretreatment facilities and pretreatment facility inspection;
• The principles of the chemical and physical characteristics of organic and inorganic wastes;
• The principles of chemistry, engineering, biology, hydrology, and water quality management;
• Federal, State and local statutes, regulations, legislative and regulatory processes and programs, and responsibilities related to hazardous and toxic waste management and wastewater discharges;
• The methods of storing, handling, recovering, disposing, and recycling of hazardous, toxic, and industrial wastes into the wastewater stream;
• The principles and practices of hazardous, toxic and industrial waste safety;

  Some knowledge of:

• Sampling procedures used to produce results that may be used as evidence in a court of law.

Ability to:

• Inspect and monitor facilities discharging toxic, hazardous and industrial wastes;
• Communicate persuasively and tactfully with commercial and industrial representatives;
• Prepare accurate reports and written correspondence;
• Perform required tasks under the pressure of deadlines;
• Safely and accurately measure flows, sample wastes and perform basic analyses;
• Maintain accurate and organized records;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Use computers to create spreadsheets and forms and to perform word processing;
• Lift up to 55 pounds.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Three years of journey level experience in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, hazardous waste or industrial waste process systems.

  Educational Substitution:

A bachelor's degree in biological or chemical science, environmental or sanitary engineering, industrial hygiene or hazardous materials management or a related field may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

Special Requirements:

Must obtain an Environmental Compliance (Industrial Waste) Inspector Grade 1 Certification issued by the California Water Environment Association within one year from the date of employment. (If the examination is not administered within this time frame, this period will be extended to the next examination administration.)

Possession of a California Class C driver license from the start of employment.

Ability to lift 55 pounds.