Senior Drainage & Wastewater Investigator

Full Job Description

Do you enjoy investigating complex problems while working directly with the public to find solutions?

Seattle Public Utilities is seeking an investigator to help protect Seattle’s drainage and wastewater systems and support customers when issues arise. This work helps ensure both public and private stormwater and wastewater infrastructure functions properly and complies with City code.

In this role, you will investigate drainage and sewer issues affecting public infrastructure, the public right-of-way, and private property.

You will enforce applicable regulations, and work with homeowners, businesses, and contractors to resolve concerns.

Success in this role requires strong investigative and communication skills, the ability to navigate challenging conversations, and a customer-focused approach to achieving compliance and resolution.

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

Lead Investigations and Serve as Primary Contact

• Serve as the primary point of contact for drainage and wastewater investigations, including issues involving defective private side sewers that impact the environment, public infrastructure, or the public right-of-way, and flooding, ponding, and nuisance drainage issues that impact our customers.

• Lead investigations and provide technical guidance to staff supporting drainage and wastewater investigation activities.

Code Enforcement and Compliance

• Enforce the Seattle Side Sewer& Stormwater Codes and related regulations by investigating violations, preparing enforcement documentation, assessing penalties, and tracking corrective actions.
• Review enforcement actions to ensure consistency with program policies and City Code.

Investigations, Documentation, and Customer Communication

• Collect and maintain evidence and records suitable for legal proceedings and prepare written summaries of investigation findings.
• Use systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and case tracking tools to review, manage, and maintain investigation data.
• Serve as the primary contact for customers during investigations and communicate findings, requirements, and next steps.

Coordination and Program Support

• Collaborate with staff from other sections or departments including field crews, planners and engineers to resolve drainage and wastewater issues.
• Consult with the City Law Department to ensure consistent enforcement of City code.
• Support program operations by providing technical expertise, assisting with training, and recommending improvements to program procedures, SOPs, and workflows.
• Support program operations by managing investigation data and systems (e.g., GIS or case tracking).

Emergency Response

• Participate in on call shifts responding to spills serving as incident commander when needed, coordinating response and cleanup efforts involving drainage and wastewater assets.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job

Qualifications

Experience: Requires four (4) years 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.
• 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification
• PACP certification (course administered by NASSCO)
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers, particularly in regulatory or enforcement environments.
• Experience providing lead or supervisory direction to staff, interns, or temporary employees, including coordinating work, sharing technical knowledge, and supporting successful project outcomes.
• Experience coordinating or supporting internal and external teams to address technical or operational issues.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with diverse audiences, including external agencies, ratepayers, and business owners, both verbally and in writing.
• 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: $62.79–70.35per 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 (1) or two (2) weeks after the closing date.
• Interviews will be conducted in-person at the Wharf facility.
• 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 Clinicas 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.