City of Tampa

This is responsible and technical work involving sanitary sewer services.  Bargaining unit position.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing a variety of technical assignments involving conducting investigations and inspections relating to municipal sanitary sewer service.  Work is of more than average difficulty and is performed primarily in the field, requiring considerable contact with the general public.  The performance of assigned tasks requires a practical knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the construction of utility services.  Investigations and inspections are conducted throughout the city at residential and commercial establishments to uncover users illegally connected to the system, as well as to ascertain that proper charges are being assessed.  The employee must exercise reasonable initiative and independent judgment as well as tact and courtesy while performing work in accordance with established departmental guidelines and operating procedures.  An important aspect of this job involves being able to communicate effectively with the general public concerning matters of a sensitive nature. Although work is performed under general supervision, considerable time is spent performing fieldwork without proximity to the immediate supervisor.  Fieldwork also requires the operation of a standard motor vehicle. Work is reviewed through documents and reports submitted, observation while in progress, conferences, and results obtained.

Acts as a lead worker and assists in the assigning and/inspection of tasks of Sewer Service Inspectors; assists the supervisor with identifying training needs and resources; trains inspectors on conducting sewer service investigations, inspections and the use of the Linko database; explains and demonstrates work procedures; maintains records of work performed and prepares and submits reports of field activities.    

Conducts investigations and inspections of residential and commercial establishments to uncover illegal users of the sanitary sewer system; explains municipal ordinances, department rules, and regulations concerning the use of the sewer system; checks sewer meters and systems at commercial establishments to ascertain that proper charges are being assessed; checks for meter malfunctions and tampering by customers; investigates customer complaints in person; identifies, investigates, documents, and refers for action sewer use violations in accordance with current guidelines.  

Conducts compliance inspections and gives approval or rejects sewer and credit meter installations; ascertains that meters are installed properly, credit meters are justified and that sewer meters account for all effluent; reads and interprets charts, graphs, blueprints, engineering and architectural drawings, and specifications in conducting installation inspections.  

Inspects food service facilities and grease haulers to ensure they are in compliance with the City’s Grease Management Ordinance; inspects all grease traps or interceptors, plumbing connections, the logbook and file, other pertinent data or take samples as necessary; records all observations in a written report noting any deficiencies; inspects any repairs, replacements or other deficiencies and provides written notice of compliance or noncompliance; performs re-inspections in the event of continuing noncompliance.  

Investigates complaints of illegal dumping of grease/sewer and/or improper activities involving grease/sewer practices or reported Sanitary Sewer Overflows that are grease related to determine if commercial businesses may be involved; reports results of the investigation to the department.    

Investigate facilities with special requirements in order to protect the City of Tampa’s wastewater collection system, which includes but is not limited to: Laundry facilities, oil/water separation tanks, private lift stations, slaughter house, bottling companies, food preparation facilities and food truck vendor discharge agreements.  

Enters and retrieves data in files using computer programs to maintain accurate and complete records.  

Collects pertinent information surrounding investigations of violations including accurate field notes, photos, grease hauler/pumper pump out notes, sludge judge readings, and all other notices issued to protect the city’s wastewater collections system. Prepare monthly/ yearly productivity reports for management.  

Provides information to the City of Tampa’s Code Enforcement Board when needed based on the investigation, notes, and Notice of Violations issued.  

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: application and interpretation of city code relating to the sanitary sewer system; methods and techniques used in conducting investigations and inspections of utility services, commercial grease traps, grease interceptors and kitchen area; computers to include CMMS systems, grease inspection software, MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Access

Working knowledge of: municipal rules, regulations, procedures, and ordinances relating to sanitary sewer services; the layout of the city and its geography; legal procedures relating to the enforcement of municipal codes; basic methods and techniques of engineering and plumbing.

Ability to: follow a logical line of inquiry and reach logical conclusions; read/interpret technical drawings, specifications, blueprints, and maps; read dials and gauges and use testing instruments; operate a lightweight motor vehicle; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; communicate with the general public, establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; write detailed reports and pull/review reports to identify errors.

Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school, a minimum of three (3) year experience as a Sewer Service Inspector, including six (6) months of lead or supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid Florida driver's license required. 
FW&PCOA “C” License for Wastewater Collection.
FOG I Management Certification.
FOG II Management Certification.

Possession of the following are preferred:

FW&PCOA "A" License for Wastewater collection

F.A.C.E. Level I Fundamentals of Code Enforcement

F.A.C.E. Level II Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement

F.A.C.E. Level III Legal Issues in Code Enforcement

F.A.C.E. Level IV Officer Safety and Field Applications

Evaluation of training and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.