Stormwater Pollution Inspector; Code Specialist II

Want to help protect Fairfax County’s surface waters by finding and stopping stormwater pollution sources? Would you enjoy daily communication with residents and our business community to encourage stewardship of our local water bodies and the Chesapeake Bay?

This position prohibits discharges of unauthorized substances through Fairfax County’s storm drainage system. Works in a dynamic and highly collaborative environment to respond to water quality complaints, inspect businesses for compliance with stormwater discharge regulations, and inform the public of best practices to protect surface waters from pollution.

• Conduct inspections and investigations for the county's Stormwater Management program in compliance with pertinent federal, state, and county stormwater regulations and procedures, including those mandated by the county’s municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit, as follows:
• Conduct scheduled inspections of outdoor operations and activities related to stormwater discharges at industrial and commercial facilities.
• Investigate service requests related to illicit discharges and improper disposal to the county storm drainage system and/or surface waters in Fairfax County, which may include:
  • Conducting water quality sampling and analysis in the field using handheld devices and test kits, and interpreting results.
  • Obtaining information from potential witnesses of polluting events.
  • Interpreting site or building plans, topographic maps, and construction drawings as needed.
• Enforce Fairfax County’s Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance pertaining to illicit discharges and improper disposal (Code of Fairfax County, Chapter 124.1, Article 10).
• Create and deliver educational messages appropriate for residents, business entities, and institutions and participate in public events.

• Customer service oriented—identifies and meets customers’ needs within agency guidelines and clearly explains what is required of the customer (in regulatory interactions). Shapes customers’ expectations by educating them about the department’s services and regulatory requirements.
• Problem solving—anticipates potential problems, issues, and opportunities when responding to requests for service. Uses information obtained through investigation and inspection to make timely decisions about regulatory compliance and recommend or require solutions to solve problems.
• Effective communication and information sharing—communicates clearly and professionally in writing and verbally with team members, supervisors and management, peers in other departments, the business community, students, regulators, elected officials, and the public. Uses active listening skills to gain understanding. Accurately delivers information and direction to individuals and groups. Keeps others informed at all levels of the organization.
• Teamwork—works cooperatively with other individuals, departments, and/or cross-functional teams to meet compliance, enforcement, and public education and participation goals. Values the contributions of all team members.
• Interpersonal conflict resolution—recognizes and takes appropriate action to resolve conflicting interests between individuals or groups in a constructive and timely manner. Exercises emotional intelligence while communicating and negotiating with property owners and other responsible parties to resolve deficiencies and code violations.
• Accountability—takes responsibility for own decisions, judgments, and actions.
• Safety conscious—able to adhere to department safety rules and regulations, including driver safety.

DPWES is a diverse, nationally accredited and award‑winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for the most populous county in Virginia. Join our team to help us protect the environment and serve the people of Fairfax County by creating and preserving a sustainable community that is an ideal place to live, work, and play for everyone.

The Stormwater Planning Division is a nationally recognized team…