Storm Drain / Wastewater Compliance Inspector / Educator

Salary: $33.65 - $43.91 Hourly
Location : Public Works, 1400 NE 16th Avenue, Oak Harbor, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Onsite
Job Number:
Department: Public Works
Division: Storm Drain/Wastewater Collections
Opening Date: 11/02/2026
Closing Date: 11/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: UNION

Description

Under general direction of Special Projects and Senior Compliance Inspector, performs primarily field-based work supporting the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit, wastewater collection system operations, and related environmental compliance programs. This position assists with stormwater, wastewater, and environmental field inspections, investigations, maintenance support, and public interaction activities. Work is focused primarily on field operations throughout the City's storm drainage and wastewater systems, with limited office and administrative responsibilities. The Storm Drain/Wastewater Compliance Inspector/Educator supports inspection and compliance activities involving stormwater systems, private wastewater lift stations, illicit discharge investigations, outfall inspections, spill response, catch basin systems, and environmental protection efforts. The position may also assist with septic-related inspections within city limits, mapping verification, and field documentation activities. This position will work closely with city staff, contractors, businesses, property owners, and regulatory agencies to help maintain compliance with City, State, and Federal environmental regulations. The position serves an important public education and customer service function by interpreting technical information, explaining regulatory requirements in understandable terms, and promoting environmental compliance through effective communication, education, and collaborative problem-solving.
Essential Job Functions

Work activities involve multiple skills and may include any or all of the following depending on area of assignment, crew needs, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors:

• Perform field inspections of stormwater drainage systems, wastewater collection systems, outfalls, catch basins, and related infrastructure.
• Assist with illicit discharge detection and elimination investigations.
• Conduct dry weather screening and field observations related to storm water quality concerns.
• Assist with spill response activities and field containment efforts.
• Inspect and document stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) and maintenance needs.
• Perform inspections of grease interceptors, grease traps, oil/water separators, and wastewater-related facilities.
• Assist with private wastewater lift station inspections and operational observations.
• Assist with septic inspection programs within city limits, field recordkeeping, and mapping verification as assigned.
• Operate and maintain field monitoring equipment and assist with water quality sampling activities.
• Respond to public complaints and inquiries regarding spills, drainage concerns, wastewater issues, and illicit discharges.
• Prepare field reports, inspection records, photographs, notices, and related documentation.
• Assist with enforcement documentation and compliance notices under supervision.
• Assist with stormwater and wastewater maintenance operations as needed.
• Assist in emergency response and after-hours callout situations when assigned.
• Assist with the preparation of outreach materials and educational handouts.
• Assist with public education activities related to stormwater pollution prevention and wastewater protection including interpreting and translating technical information, inspection findings, environmental regulations, and compliance requirements into clear, accurate, and easily understood information for individuals with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Address questions, concerns, and disagreements regarding inspection findings and compliance requirements through respectful communication, active listening, sound judgment, and appropriate referral or escalation when necessary.
• Establish and maintain effective, professional, and cooperative working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other City departments, contractors, regulatory agencies, businesses, and members of the public.
• Attend training sessions, safety meetings, and regulatory workshops as required.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Performance Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Knowledge of English, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Knowledge and understanding of the City's NPDES permit.
• Basic knowledge of stormwater and wastewater systems, and field operations.
• Ability to work independently in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
• Ability to read maps, utility plans, and field inspection documents.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and field data collection systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a variety of audiences, including individuals with limited technical knowledge or familiarity with environmental regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with City officials, employees, intergovernmental agencies and the public in a courteous and helpful manner, sometimes in stressful situations.

Qualifications & Requirements

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered.

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of experience in Public Works, utilities, construction, environmental inspection, wastewater, stormwater, or related field.
• One (1) year of experience in customer service, public education, community outreach, or related position involving direct interaction with the public, effective communication of information, resolution of concerns, and the development and maintenance of professional working relationships.
• Working knowledge of Public Works functions such as solid waste, wastewater, water and storm water.
• Must obtain and maintain a Washington State Department of Transportation certification in flagging, CPR, and Industrial First Aid Certification within six months of hire.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) within one year of hire.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain other certifications in specific areas of work as necessary.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's License and a good driving record.
• Must pass criminal background and driver's abstract check prior to hire.

Working Environment & Physical Demands

Working Environment and Physical Demands:
The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed outdoors (in all types of weather conditions) throughout the City's storm drain and wastewater collection system locations. Requires travel to a variety of locations. Requires normal visual and hearing acuity, eye/hand coordination, physical endurance, and substantial manual dexterity; the ability to be on one's feet, ascend stairs/ladders, bend, stoop, and kneel, and move items weighing in excess of 50 pounds.
• Manipulation skills to operate a personal computer, telephone and other equipment.
• Work may be performed in extremely confined places, elevated areas requiring fall restraints, and around dangerous machinery.
• May require the ability to wear and work with respirators and other safety equipment.
• Individuals are exposed to hazardous chemicals, electric hazards, noxious fumes, toxic substances, and a noisy environment.
• Requires a 40-hour work week, including some evenings, weekends, and/or after-hours responses to situations and emergencies, including holidays, to accommodate training of citizens after normal work hours.

Safety Statement:
We expect employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and the City's Accident Prevention Program (APP). This includes, but is not limited to, actively identifying, and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action, emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.

The City of Oak Harbor offers a generous benefit package to our employees that include:

Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual

Sick leave accrual is 8 hours per month.

Full-time employees receive vacation accrual on the following schedule.
Years of Service Vacation Accrual Rate

• 0 to 5 years - 8 hours/month
• 6 to 10 years - 10 hours/month
• 11 to 15 years - 13.33 hours/month
• 16 to 20 years - 15 hours/month
• 21 plus years - 16.66 hours/ month

The vacation accrual rate for a part-time employee shall be pro-rated as a percentage of the full-time rate.

Holiday Pay
The City provides eleven (11) paid holidays per year plus two (2) floating holiday of your choice (total of thirteen (13) days).

Medical Insurance
A choice from three options is provided through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).

• Kaiser $200 Deductible Health Plan,
• Regence High Deductible Health Plan (with a City funded HSA)
• Regence HealthFirst 250 Health Plan.

The City pays 100% of the premium for a full time, regular employee (32 hours or more) and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children.
Part time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for full benefits but must pay for spouse and dependents coverage.

Vision Insurance
Vision Service Plan -The City provides a paid family vision plan which covers a yearly exam per person and a portion of vision hardware (frames, lenses and contacts) depending upon the use of accepted network providers.

Dental Insurance
Washington Dental Service/DELTA is preventive, incentive-based dental coverage provided through Association of Washington Cities, and pays as follows: 70-100% preventive, 70-100% basic, and 50% major dental to a maximum of $2000/person/year. Included is an orthodontic rider for children of 50% orthodontic expenses to a maximum of $1000 per child/lifetime. The City pays 100% of the premium for a fulltime, regular employee and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children.
Part time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for full benefits but must pay for spouse and dependents coverage.

Washington State Retirement Programs
Required pension plan for all City employees. (Public Employee Retirement System) plans 2 or 3 is for all general City employees.
LEOFF (Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters) plan 2 is for safety service employees.
PSERS plan 2 is for Public Safety Service Officers (Corrections Officers).
(% of gross income) vary for the plans. The City makes a contribution as well.

Basic Life Insurance & Long Term Disability
The City pays for a $50,000 basic group life insurance policy as well as a long term disability policy for employee only through Standard Insurance Company.

Wellness Program
The City of Oak Harbor is committed to promoting employee health and wellness, and offers a Wellness Program with fun and varied activities where regular employees can earn points to qualify for a wellness day off.

Employee Assistance Program
Free, professional and confidential counseling is available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) via ComPsych. EAP is available to the employee and their immediate family, including their dependent children and anyone living in their household. Guidance counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to arrange an appointment with a qualified counselor in your area. Visit the for more information.

Other benefit options include the following:

• Voluntary Group Life Insurance- in addition to our life insurance policy this is a self-paid option.
• Deferred Compensation Plan - Mass Mutual or Wash State DCP- in addition to our city offered pension plan, this is a self-paid option.
• Colonial Life & Disability - This is a self-paid individual and/or family coverage for Cancer Care, Short Term Disability, Life, Accident, Critical Illness and more
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)- Pre-Tax deductions (IRS 125 Flexible Spending Account) for unreimbursed medical expenses and/or dependent day care
• Health Savings Account (HSA)- Funded<