Drainage & Wastewater Investigator

Full Job Description

Do you want to play a key role in protecting public health, infrastructure, and the environment?

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a Drainage and Wastewater (DWW) Investigator to lead investigations into sewer and drainage concerns that impact public health, infrastructure, and the environment.

In this role, you will investigate defective side sewers, sewage discharges, and drainage issues while ensuring compliance with City, State, and Federal regulations.

Working both independently and with internal teams, partner agencies, and the City Law Department, you will gather and document evidence, support enforcement actions, and help move cases toward resolution.

This position also includes on-call emergency response to wastewater spills.

Success in this role requires sound judgment, clear communication, and the ability to manage multiple cases in a dynamic environment.

About Seattle Public Utilities: SPU is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost.

SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean.

Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out these links:

• SPU Website
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity.

We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions.
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Requirements

Investigations & Enforcement

• Investigate issues related to private side sewer, including where sewage is overflowing to the right-of-way or where damage to public infrastructure has occurred.
• Investigate customer-reported issues such as flooding, ponding and other drainage concerns.
• Collaborate with other sections of SPU, and partner departments, to determine priorities and develop solutions.
• Enforce the Seattle Side Sewer and Stormwater Codes
• Interpret City Code and prepare cases for Law Department review.
• Prepare clear investigation summaries and recommended actions.
• Prepare and issue enforcement notices, letters, penalties, and track required corrective actions.

Case Management & Documentation

• Collect, document, and maintain evidence and records for enforcement actions and potential legal proceedings.
• Coordinate with the Law Department and internal teams to support case resolution.

Coordination & Customer Interaction

• Serve as a primary point of contact for customers during investigations.
• Work with internal teams and partner departments to identify solutions and assign follow-up actions.

Emergency Response

• Participate in on-call rotations as a 24/7 responder to wastewater spills.
• Serve as incident commander during spill responses, coordinating resources and cleanup efforts.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover orcontaina comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that arerequired ofthe employee for this job

Qualifications

Experience: Requires two (2) of civil engineering experience

AND

Education and Experience Equivalency: Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or two years of college level coursework in engineering and construction technology (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Desired Qualifications:

The most competitive candidates will demonstrate the following:

• A working knowledge of drainage and wastewater systems.
• PACP certification (course administered by NASSCO)
• Experience conducting wastewater investigations, including working with businesses and residents
• Experience working in a regulatory inspections program and issuing enforcement.
• Experience reading, interpreting, and applying regulatory, technical, or policy documents.
• Experience collaborating with others to implement technical solutions, recommendations, or program direction.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.
• Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances and work in or near construction sites.
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• Overnight travel may be required.

License, Certification, and Other Requirements:

• Valid Washington driver's license prior to commitment of employment due to driving a City of Seattle (COS) Vehicle to field sites.

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is: $53.60–$62.40 per hour.

How to Apply:

• A COMPLETE NeoGov/City of Seattle online application
• Resume AND Cover letter addressing your knowledge and experience related to this position.

Candidates submitting an INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE will NOT be considered.

What Applicants Can Expect:

• Applications will be reviewed after the position closes. Candidates can expect an update on their application status approximately one or two weeks after the closing date.
• Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.
• Applicants invited to interview will be required to provide a full driving abstract from the Washington State Department of Licensing.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Vanessa Fowler (vanessa.fowler@seattle.gov)

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
• SPU’s safety program requires a pre-employment physical with the Work Clinic as a condition of employment in this position.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.

This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Benefits:
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at www.seattle.gov/util/and check us out on social media.