Job Description

Performs routine and standardized technical work in the inspection of construction site development projects with regards to erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and/or pollution prevention per local ordinances, and in accordance with the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP), Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Program (VESCP), and Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES). Does related work as required. Work is performed semi-independent and under regular supervision. The Environmental Inspector I position is part of Stafford County Development Services career ladder. Advancement is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions, demonstration of core competencies, completion of required certifications, and is at the discretion of the department manager.
There are three levels available for this position classification, the hiring salary ranges for those levels based on experience are:
Environmental Inspector I - Grade A08 - $24.33/hour to $33.46/hour
Environmental Inspector II - Grade A10 - $27.87/hour to $38.33/hour
Environmental Inspector III - Grade A11 - $29.83/hour to $41.02/hour

The full salary range for the three levels to provide opportunity for growth and development are:
Environmental Inspector I - Grade A08 - $24.33/hour to $42.58/hour
Environmental Inspector II - Grade A10 - $27.87/hour to $48.78/hour
Environmental Inspector III - Grade A11 - $29.83/hour to $52.21/hour

Examples of Duties

• Conducts inspection of erosion and sediment controls, stormwater management facilities, storm sewer, drainage/conveyance channels, pollution prevention controls, etc. for construction site development projects to ensure procedures and materials comply with approved plans and specifications in accordance with local ordinances and state regulations;
• Ensures inspection frequencies are adhered to in accordance with local ordinances and state regulations;
• Assists regulated community and general public in interpreting regulations, requirements, and responsibilities;
• Understands, reads, and interprets the basic components of approved plans including, but not limited to, Grading Plans, Major Site Plans, Construction Plans, Lot Grading Plans, and Pollution Prevention Plans;
• Documents inspection findings in established inspection report and information management system;
• Issues inspection reports and Notice(s) to Comply, when necessary, to achieve regulatory compliance;
• Coordinates with appropriate personnel to resolve problems, such as interpreting approved plans and specifications;
• Assists with recommendations of construction site field changes where conditions warrant;
• Assists with review of construction site development plans and participates in pre-construction meetings with relevant construction personnel;
• Monitors the installation and maintenance of erosion and sediment controls, stormwater infrastructure, Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs), pollution prevention practices, and other related controls;
• Inspects development projects to provide field data in support of local/state permit termination and performance bond decisions;
• Assists with recommendations relating to the approval or denial of occupancy permit(s) for residential or commercial structures;
• Testifies in court, if necessary, to provide information regarding construction site development projects or other related issues;
• Receives and acts upon citizen complaints regarding erosion, drainage, land disturbance, and other related issues;
• Interacts with property owners in response to complaints and makes recommendations for compliance and/or mitigation of concern(s);
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of local/state erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and pollution prevent practices, specifications, regulatory requirements, and industry developments;
• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of local and state erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and pollution prevention practices, methods, and procedures;
• General knowledge of local and state stormwater pollution prevention practices in relation to the Virginia Stormwater Management Program and the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations;
• General knowledge of Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), and other local and state environmental regulations;
• General knowledge of construction practices, techniques, materials, and equipment;
• Proficiency with electronic devices including, but not limited to, desktop computer, laptop computer, smartphone(s), tablet(s), as well as associated work software (MS Office, GIS applications, email, etc.);
• Ability to read and interpret basic components of approved plans including, but not limited to, Grading Plans, Major Site Plans, Construction Plans, Lot Grading Plans, and Pollution Prevention Plans;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both vocally and in writing;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and other departments, contractors, and the general public;
• Ability to exercise considerable tact and professionalism while interacting with the regulated community and the general public.

Education and Experience

Environmental Inspector I:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by vocational or technical courses with regards to construction and/or engineering. Candidate will be required to obtain Dual Inspector (Erosion & Sediment Control and Stormwater) certification from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality within one (1) year of hire date. Existing certification from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is a plus, but not a requirement.


Environmental Inspector II:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate’s Degree related to construction, engineering, or environmental science and two (2) years of experience conducting construction and/or environmental inspections or related work experience. Proficiency in Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management inspections and reporting. Possession of a Combined Administrator (Erosion and Sediment Control) certification from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Environmental Inspector III:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree of Science related to construction, engineering, or environmental science and two (2) years of experience conducting construction and/or environmental inspections or related work experience. Experience serving in a leadership/mentorship capacity is desired. Possession of a Dual Combined Administrator (Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management) certification from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.