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Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Overview

Environmental Compliance Inspectors protect people and nature by checking factories, construction sites, farms, and wastewater plants to make sure they follow environmental laws. They collect samples of water and wastewater, run lab tests, read instruments like flow meters and pH meters, and review permits and chemical storage records to spot safety risks or illegal pollution. They also make decisions about which complaints to investigate, write official reports, and work with other agencies and property owners to fix problems and prevent future spills or contamination.
Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Did you know?

Most positions require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or related field, with many employers preferring additional certifications from organizations like the National Association of Environmental Professionals.

At a Glance

Growth

Stable

Top Skill

Technology Design

Key Responsibilities

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

Career Considerations

Educational Requirements and Certifications

Most positions require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or related field, with many employers preferring additional certifications from organizations like the National Association of Environmental Professionals.

Complex Regulatory Environment

Professionals must stay current with frequently changing federal, state, and local environmental regulations, requiring continuous learning and professional development throughout their careers.

Government Employment Opportunities

The majority of positions are with government agencies like the EPA or state environmental departments, offering job stability but potentially lower salaries compared to private sector consulting roles.

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