Permit Compliance Specialist - Wastewater

DESCRIPTIVE STATEMENT:

The Permit Compliance Specialist is a non-exempt position that reports to the Pretreatment Manager. The Permit Compliance Specialist takes wastewater, water, groundwater, river and industrial samples, conducts routine inspections on commercial and industrial users, flow monitoring, and permit writing. Will collect other data related to wastewater and the pretreatment program and will assist with inputting data into a computer.

This job description is an overview and is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the functions and tasks required of the position.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Inspects industrial and commercial facilities to characterize industrial activities and waste streams that may contribute pollutants to the POTW
• Inspects permitted facilities to determine compliance with City issued Wastewater Discharge Permits
• Document inspection findings, communicates with facilities regarding findings, provides recommendations to supervisor for review
• Installs and removes wastewater composite and discrete samplers in sanitary sewer manholes at various locations
• Fills out all documentation related to samples taken by samplers
• Performs field tests for pH, sulfides, DO, temperature, and chlorine
• Samples for high strength wastewater surcharges and assists with sewer billings
• May perform sampling after normal business hours
• Assists in determination and investigation of potential sources of various substances found in wastewater
• Reviews building plans relating to wastewater handling
• Places flow monitoring equipment in manholes or other flow related appurtenances
• Is field person for water quality monitoring (i.e. rivers, lakes, groundwater, etc.,)
• Is field support for the Water Reclamation Facility and Wastewater Engineering
• Will provide information on federal, state, and local pretreatment regulations and compliance issues
• Drafts comprehensive permits based on facility characterization/assessment and in compliance with 40 CFR 403 and local regulations – Permit categories include SIU permits, CIU permits, Zero Discharge permits, and General Discharge permits
• Incorporates technical information into permits such as the identification and application of federal categorical standards and/or local limitations, selection and inclusion of effluent limitations, establishment of locations and frequency of effluent monitoring, reporting and certification requirements, and general permit conditions
• Drafts fact sheets documenting basis for decisions and associated supporting documents
• Receives and tracks submittal of regulation and permit required reports
• Evaluates reports for timeliness and completeness and files reports appropriately
• Evaluates industrial user data, including self-monitoring data and City monitoring data, for compliance with permit limits
• Reviews and validates any data calculations for combined waste streams, loadings, or alternate limits
• Evaluates sample type, location, analytical methods, holding time, preservative, QA/QC, and chain of custody to determine validity of sample
• Identifies non-compliance with Wastewater Permits, City regulations, federal and state laws
• Recommends enforcement actions, drafts enforcement documents, tracks facility responses and responds accordingly
• Informs the manager appropriately of actions
• Documents all aspects of compliance evaluations and review including, but not limited to meetings, phone calls, inspections, and compliance determinations
• Maintains computerized databases, computer files, and paper files
• Complies with Industrial Pretreatment Program and the City records management requirements including proper management of confidential information
• Supports CORA requests
• Keeps informed of all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and guidance governing industrial waste discharges as well as monitoring and reporting requirements
• Identifies and participates in training opportunities to support job knowledge
• Performs other scientific and administrative tasks as assigned

IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS:

• May assist in Water Reclamation Facility laboratory
• May take soil samples from bio solids applications sites
• May perform the duties of similar classifications of an equal or lower pay grade

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical standards an employee must meet in order to perform the essential job duties with or without a reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to:

• Heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying of up to 50 pounds
• Walking and standing for extended time periods and climbing 2-3 flights of stairs and 6-8 steps on ladders
• Requires good hearing to communicate with the public and other staff members, hear audible alarms, and listen to equipment to detect possible problems
• The incumbent must be able to perform a full range of body movements and manual dexterity to inspect industrial and commercial facilities; remove and replace manhole covers; install and extract automatic samplers; collect grab samples from industrial/commercial processes, manholes, and surface waters; perform quantitative transfers of reagents and bulk sample aliquots; operate and adjust sampling and field analytical equipment; perform work on a computer; drive City vehicles; and perform other essential functions
• Visual acuity to carry out laboratory duties (including color vision), industrial inspections, and using motor vehicles to reach sampling sites

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

The Permit Compliance Specialist shall possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Working knowledge of 40 CFR Part 403 regulatory, inspection and enforcement requirements
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience working in databases
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with people of varying backgrounds, knowledge, and experience
• Ability to complete forms and keep accurate records
• Skill in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle.
• Ability to read and understand building construction drawings
• Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Must have the physical ability to climb, remove manhole covers, and enter confined spaces
• Ability to work successfully with and provide good customer service to supervisors, other City employees, the public and other agencies and organizations
• Ability to perform all the job duties in a safe manner
• Ability to perform sampling per 40 CFR Part 136 requirements
• Ability to use field testing equipment

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The Permit Compliance Specialist shall possess the following minimum qualifications in addition to the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental Engineering.

• Two (2) years’ experience with pretreatment/industrial waste programs including permitting, inspections, enforcement, identifying, evaluating, interpreting, explaining environmental laws, rules and regulations applicable to implementation of pretreatment/industrial waste programs

• A valid driver’s license at the time of application, and a valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of employment

  • License restrictions that may hinder your ability to drive on City business, such as an interlock, will be cause for disqualification
  • During the course of employment, a valid license must be maintained, and the employee must notify the City immediately upon changes to the status of their license

• Eight (8) years of experience, as described above, may be considered in place of a bachelor’s degree.

In addition to the meeting the minimum qualifications at the time of application, within one (1) year of appointment the employee must:

• Complete a Pretreatment Facility Inspection Program
• Obtain a State of Colorado Wastewater Facility Operator Class “D” Certification

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Individual may be exposed to noise, moving parts, heights, dangerous chemicals and conditions, damp areas, foul odors, cramped working places, severe weather conditions and confined spaces. The employee must be willing to work overtime, weekends and holidays. May be called back for emergency situations. Heavy lifting is required.

All required licenses and certifications listed above must be maintained throughout the term of employment. Failure to obtain or maintain licenses and certifications may result in demotion or termination.

Due to Federal and State Criminal Justice System access requirements, classifications that access and maintain criminal justice information may also be required, as a condition of employment, to not have been convicted of and/or have pending charges of a felony or misdemeanor crime that would deny or otherwise restrict access to criminal justice information. This requirement applies to all existing City employees as well as external candidates seeking to fill positions that meet the given criteria.

Civil Service Exam: November 17, 2026

Please note that the Civil Service Commission may use a Training & Experience (T&E) evaluation of your application to establish an eligibility list for this classification

BENEFITS: ?

BENEFITS PACKAGE FOR FULL-TIME CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES

The City of Pueblo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time classified positions, delivering quality and value to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. From paid holidays and personal holidays to accruing vacation time, City employment lets you plan for your future, stay healthy and maintain a quality work/life balance for you and your family.

As a PERA member, you contribute a percentage of every paycheck to PERA in exchange for a lifetime defined benefit, or pension.

Comprehensive and affordable benefit plans for medical, dental, vision, life insurance and a variety of other optional products to meet your health and wellness needs.

The City offers opportunities for professional growth with annual salary increases and potential promotional opportunities and lateral movement within the City. Many employees also enjoy benefits such as step-up pay, overtime, bilingual pay, longevity pay, and more. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides important employee support services.

Paid leave and time off are provided for vacation, sick, holidays (10), personal days (2), FMLA, funeral and injury leave.