Environmental Compliance Inspectors

13-1041.01

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation, participating in enforcement hearings, as necessary.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records.
• Investigate complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticides, product quality, or labeling laws.
• Determine which sites and violation reports to investigate, and coordinate compliance and enforcement activities with other government agencies.
• Interview individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.
• Inform individuals and groups of pollution control regulations and inspection findings, and explain how problems can be corrected.
• Verify that hazardous chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with regulations.
• Learn and observe proper safety precautions, rules, regulations, and practices so that unsafe conditions can be recognized and proper safety protocols implemented.
• Monitor follow-up actions in cases where violations were found, and review compliance monitoring reports.
• Examine permits, licenses, applications, and records to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
• Prepare written, oral, tabular, and graphic reports summarizing requirements and regulations, including enforcement and chain of custody documentation.
• Observe and record field conditions, gathering, interpreting, and reporting data such as flow meter readings and chemical levels.
• Determine sampling locations and methods, and collect water or wastewater samples for analysis, preserving samples with appropriate containers and preservation methods.
• Research and keep informed of pertinent information and developments in areas such as EPA laws and regulations.
• Participate in the development of spill prevention programs and hazardous waste rules and regulations, and recommend corrective actions for hazardous waste problems.
• Inspect waste pretreatment, treatment, and disposal facilities and systems for conformance to federal, state, or local regulations.
• Analyze and implement state, federal or local requirements as necessary to maintain approved pretreatment, pollution prevention, and storm water runoff programs.
• Evaluate label information for accuracy and conformance to regulatory requirements.
• Respond to questions and inquiries, such as those concerning service charges and capacity fees, or refer them to supervisors.
• Research and perform calculations related to landscape allowances, discharge volumes, production-based and alternative limits, and wastewater strength classifications, making recommendations and completing documentation.
• Perform laboratory tests on samples collected, such as analyzing the content of contaminated wastewater.
• Inform health professionals, property owners, and the public about harmful properties and related problems of water pollution and contaminated wastewater.
• Review and evaluate applications for registration of products containing dangerous materials, or for pollution control discharge permits.
• Conduct research on hazardous waste management projects to determine the magnitude of problems and treatment or disposal alternatives and costs.
• Maintain and repair materials, work sites, and equipment.
• Prepare data to calculate sewer service charges and capacity fees.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - DQO-PRO; Environmental Knowledge and Assessment Tool EKAT; Field Operations and Records Management System (FORMS) II Lite; Fully Integrated Environmental Location Decision Support FIELDS; HRS Quickscore; Mass Flux Toolkit; Monitoring and Remediation Optimization System MAROS; Rapid Assessment Tools R.A.T.; Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance SADA; Sustainable Management Approaches and Revitalization Tools SMARTe; Tibco Scribe Software
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥
• Customer relationship management CRM software - Salesforce software 🔥
• Data base user interface and query software - Database software; Microsoft Access 🔥
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Enterprise resource planning ERP software; SAP software 🔥
• Geographic information system - Geographic information system GIS software
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - UNIX 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word ; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Investigate legal issues.
• Prepare legal or investigatory documentation.
• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
• Maintain data in information systems or databases.
• Prepare regulatory or compliance documentation.
• Coordinate enforcement of laws or regulations.
• Interview witnesses, suspects, or claimants.
• Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
• Inform individuals or organizations of status or findings.
• Monitor the handling of hazardous materials or medical wastes.
• Dispose of hazardous materials.
• Update professional knowledge.
• Monitor organizational compliance with regulations.
• Review license or permit applications.
• Gather physical survey data.
• Compile technical information or documentation.
• Research issues related to the environment or sustainable business practices.
• Update knowledge of legal or regulatory environments.
• Establish organizational guidelines or policies.
• Advise others on business or operational matters.
• Inspect facilities or equipment to ensure specifications are met.
• Analyze environmental regulations to ensure organizational compliance.
• Examine product information to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.
• Prepare financial documents.
• Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
• Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems.
• Communicate with the public on environmental issues.
• Communicate results of environmental research.
• Maintain facilities.
• Maintain mechanical equipment.
• Maintain electronic equipment.
• Calculate data to inform organizational operations.