Search Jobs

Why Join our Department?

The Public Works Department is comprised of Regulatory Compliance, Engineering, Field Maintenance, Facilities/Fleet, Wastewater Treatment, and Asset Management Divisions.  Each division is led by one of two Deputy Directors, who report to the Director of Public Works.  The department is responsible for the City’s major capital projects and infrastructure including streets, street lights, traffic signals, publicly owned facilities, sewer and storm conveyance systems, wastewater treatment plant, pump stations, a major lagoon, dams, and levees; as well as solid waste and environmental programs.  The Department is responsible for regulatory compliance related to Stormwater, Pretreatment, Solid Waste, and other environmental programs, as well as public outreach to raise awareness to the general public and other stakeholders about these issues.

The Public Works Department is committed to high performance standards, utilizing best practices relative to performance management and team-oriented approaches.  Our mission is to enhance the community and its environment by providing sustainable stewardship and innovative approaches to Public Works services.

Look to some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTIzeSpc_g

The Position

The Environmental Compliance Inspector performs inspections and sampling of industrial, commercial and residential sources of discharge to the City’s sanitary sewer and storm drain systems to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; inspects hazardous materials storage areas; responds to reports of illicit discharges; performs water quality testing; and conducts public outreach activities.  This classification is distinguished from all other technical and professional classifications in the City by its specialized assignments in support of a variety of environmental compliance programs.  The duties of the class involve courteous, effective and tactful interaction with the community to ensure compliance with wastewater and stormwater discharge regulations.  Persons assigned to this class perform or assist in performing all functions associated with the City’s Source Control (Pretreatment and Pollution Prevention) and Stormwater programs.  This position reports to the Regulatory Compliance Manager or higher level department personnel.

Some additional duties may also include the following:

• Enforce wastewater and stormwater discharge ordinances.
• Conduct on-site inspections of industrial and commercial businesses for compliance with the City’s sanitary sewer and stormwater ordinances.
• Initiate enforcement actions (e.g., issue notices of violation, administrative citations) to persons or businesses in violation of the City’s sanitary sewer and stormwater ordinances.
• Perform field investigations relative to water pollution incidents and/or complaints.
• Collect water samples and perform water quality testing in accordance with established standards and protocols.
• Calibrate and utilize sampling and/or monitoring equipment at appropriate locations; maintain and repair samplers and monitoring equipment.
• Work cooperatively with representatives of other City and County departments to ensure industrial, commercial, and residential conformance with City ordinances.
• Conduct field surveys as necessary to identify the source of or characterize (1) industrial discharges or excessive infiltration and inflow to the City’s sanitary sewer system; and (2) illicit discharges to the City’s storm drain system.
• Keep detailed inspection and follow-up records; maintain organized inspection files and records, both in hard copy and electronic formats.
• Assist with fulfilling wastewater and stormwater regulatory requirements, such as public outreach and education, trash load reduction efforts, and other regulatory requirements, as assigned.
• Measure landfill monitoring well water levels.
• Attend and participate in various technical committees of the San Mateo Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program.
• Attend workshops and training sessions to maintain job skills that are current with existing, new and changing regulations.
• Organize and participate in litter cleanups as required for Stormwater Permit compliance.
• Purchase required equipment and supplies as needed.
• Present pollution prevention information to various audiences as assigned.
• Work irregular or extended hours as necessary to respond to reports of illicit discharges, collect samples and/or conduct inspections.

For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at www.cityofsanmateo.org