Wastewater Specialist II

Description

Essential Duties

• Sets policy within the scope of OAR 340 for on-site septic program.
• Reviews and approves or denies on-site sewage disposal permits and building permits requiring on-site sewage disposal, soil investigations, existing septic system reviews and variance procedures.
• Designs standard or alternative systems to conform with state rules, based on condition of the property.
• Inspects septic systems after installation to determine compliance with state rules. Inspection includes design, materials and grades and piping based on site evaluations and soil characteristic knowledge.
• Answers questions regarding septic system permit processes, soil evaluation studies.
• Conducts on-site soil investigations and evaluation studies; gathers information to determine whether the site is suitable for a septic system; analyzes soil samples and determines if soil characteristics, slope, surface water, and potential ground water sources meet current standards.
• Reviews submitted designs for septic systems based on site and soil characteristics, Department of Environmental Quality rules and County codes.
• Provides technical guidance to the general public regarding septic system installations, site characteristics and repair options for failing septic systems via the telephone, in person or in writing.
• Investigates complaints or observations of State, regional or local environmental law violations; contacts owners or applicants by letter, telephone, and/or in person; and prepares enforcement referrals and recommends appropriate legal action.
• Prepares reports and completes correspondence regarding field investigations; maintains records for septic inspections, certificates and other programs.
• Performs septic evaluations of proposed land use issues as a member of the technical review committee.
• Performs site verification that the structure meets the required setbacks as proposed on the plot plan and is not in conflict with septic or utilities, reviews driveway location and what standards will be required or that existing meets current standard.
• Reviews site to determine what requirements need to be met to meet current driveway standards. Inspect driveway once built to make sure it is built to specifications.
• Supervision of other employees is not a responsibility of positions in this classification. However, an employee may assume lead responsibility for others including overseeing the work of employees who possess an Environmental Health Specialist Trainee license or Wastewater Specialist Trainee license in accordance with ORS Chapter 700.
• May be assigned addressing of properties and reviewing, approving, and changing road names or addressing conflicts and making corrections.
• May be assigned site verifications for site plans and driveway standards and for building codes requirements.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position and department.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills
Working knowledge of Department of Environmental Quality regulations; general principles of geology, hydrology and soil science; septic design, septic system design standards and practices; basic math and statistics; on-site septic system field inspection procedures and practices; County permit process and regulations; Residential Building Codes; English grammar and composition. Skill to interpret scale drawings; determine soil profiles; discriminate between functional, marginal and non-functional septic systems; provide advice on septic system installations; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare detailed reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Abilities
Ability to prioritize work assignments, to orient, train or coach other employees. Ability to review the work of others. Ability to lead a team of co-workers, convey technical concepts with others, resolve conflict with outside customers and convey a positive image of the County.

Physical Abilities
Ability to work at a computer screen for extended periods of time, to walk, sit, stand, bend stoop, kneel and crawl occasionally. Ability to lift more than 30 lbs and use rapid finger, hand and arm movement when necessary. Ability to perform work where ventilation, airborne fumes, noise, temperatures extremes and exposure to infections exist. On job site with uneven ground and ability to maneuver in and out of test pits that are more than three feet deep. Position requires a post offer physical capacity test based on duties of this job description.

Supplemental Information

Educational Experience
Sufficient education and experience to possess and maintain licensing as a State of Oregon Environmental Health Specialist or Wastewater Specialist. Preference for employees with at least 2 years’ experience as a Wastewater Specialist.

Licenses and Certificates
Environmental Health Specialist or Wastewater Specialist registration is required. Out-of-state state issued certifications to perform similar work shall have 90 days to obtain State of Oregon certificates. Ability to acquire a valid Oregon driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and the ability to obtain a residential building certification.

Working Conditions
Work is performed indoors and outdoors where some safety considerations exist from physical labor and handling of light-to-medium weight, yet awkward materials. The work environment may be physically difficult, and involve some risks and discomfort, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. Field work which requires climbing, bending, and use of site evaluation and inspection equipment in all types of weather at sites where wastes may be present.

Probationary Period
This position is based on the successful completion of a nine-month probationary period.

Advancement to Salary Grade 26 to Grade 27
Oregon Residential Building Inspector and/or Certified Restaurant/Food Inspector

• Have or obtain all of the following Oregon Inspector Certifications: Residential Electrical (CAE), Residential Plumbing (CAP), and Residential Structural (CAS), or
• Have an Oregon restaurant/food inspector certification and be assigned inspection duties.

• Medical, Vision and Dental Coverage
• HRA Account with employer contribution
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• 9 Holidays
• Basic Life Insurance
• Oregon PERS Retirement (employer/employee participation varies)
• 457(b) Deferred Comp Plans Available
• Discounted Air Ambulance membership available
• Flexible Spending Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary Benefits through AFLAC and American Fidelity