Summary
Under limited supervision, the Environmental Programs Compliance Inspector conducts field inspections, investigations, and public outreach to ensure compliance with City solid waste, recycling, and organics collection regulations. The position enforces requirements of Senate Bill (SB) 1383 and other applicable state and local environmental laws by monitoring service levels, verifying waste separation practices, documenting violations, preparing enforcement actions, and supporting community education and waste diversion programs. The position works closely with legal counsel, franchise haulers, and property representatives to achieve compliance and promote responsible waste management practices. This journey-level technical classification is responsible for implementing and enforcing environmental compliance programs within the Environmental Programs Division of the Public Works Department. Incumbents exercise independent judgment in the field while performing inspections, investigations, and public engagement activities related to solid waste, recycling, and organics diversion. The position is distinguished from the Environmental Programs Coordinator by its emphasis on field-level compliance, enforcement, and public education rather than program administration or policy development, and from entry-level classifications by its required regulatory knowledge, independent fieldwork, and formal enforcement authority.
Essential Functions
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Conduct field inspections of commercial, industrial, multifamily, and residential properties to verify compliance with SB 1383 organics collection requirements, solid waste service levels, and recycling participation.
- Investigate complaints related to illegal dumping, contamination, improper disposal, or noncompliance with City solid waste ordinances; inspect container contents, photograph and document findings, and ensure proper service usage.
- Participate in data collection, waste audits, and tracking of inspection results, waiver eligibility, and enforcement actions to support regulatory reporting and program evaluation.
- Provide on-site education, printed materials, and guidance to businesses and residents on material separation, waste reduction, and compliance requirements; assist in developing outreach materials, signage, and training resources.
- Prepare and issue notices of violation (NOVs) and administrative citations in accordance with municipal progressive enforcement policies.
- Coordinate with legal counsel, supervisory staff, property managers, franchise haulers, and City staff to provide documentation for serious violation cases, optimize services, and reduce contamination.
- Respond to public inquiries, explain applicable regulations, and provide guidance on container usage, waste diversion requirements, and enforcement procedures.
- Participate in safety meetings, HAZWOPER and PC 832-related training, and division meetings.
- Safely operate City vehicles and equipment.
- Perform other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED equivalent, supplemented by sixty (60) college units, and three (3) years of experience performing environmental program-related duties. Up to one year of additional work experience may be substituted for thirty (30) college units.
License(s)/Certifications:
- Must possess a valid California Class “C” driver’s license upon hire and maintain it throughout employment with the City of Victorville.
- Must obtain and maintain a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) PC 832 certification within 12 months of hire.
- Must successfully complete 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training, provided by the San Bernardino County Fire Department or equivalent, by the end of probation, and maintain it throughout employment.
- Additional certifications related to solid waste, recycling, SB 1383 compliance, or environmental enforcement are desirable.
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices, and programs related to waste reduction, recycling, and composting.
- City policies, procedures, and operational standards.
- Methods, materials, equipment, and safety hazards associated with solid waste management, including safe lifting and material handling practices.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing solid waste, recycling, and organics programs.
- Employee safety practices and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Principles and practices of project management, including planning, coordination, and execution.
- Modern office equipment, software, databases, and digital reporting tools.
- English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic mathematical principles for reporting and documentation purposes.
Skill and Ability to:
- Conduct thorough and impartial field inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, accurately identifying and documenting violations, contamination, and service deficiencies.
- Interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, and City ordinances related to solid waste, recycling, and organics collection.
- Prepare clear, concise, and legally defensible inspection reports, citations, and correspondence, maintaining organized records of inspections and enforcement actions.
- Communicate effectively with residents, businesses, haulers, and City staff, providing education and corrective guidance in a professional manner.
- Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and tact when enforcing regulations and resolving disputes.
- Use field inspection tools, cameras, and mobile applications to document findings.
- Operate City vehicles and perform fieldwork safely and efficiently in a variety of environmental conditions.
- Follow oral and written instructions with minimal supervision, exercising initiative and accountability.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City staff, regulatory agencies, business owners, and the public.
- Apply safe work practices and adhere to environmental, health, and safety regulations.
Physical Demands & Working Environment
(Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations)
This position involves a combination of indoor office work and outdoor field duties. Office tasks include computer and administrative work, while field duties occur in active public works and construction settings, exposing the incumbent to heavy machinery, extreme weather conditions, dust, noise, fumes, mechanical and chemical hazards, sharp tools or objects, construction-related hazards, and occasionally confrontational situations or potential for violence. Fieldwork may require traversing uneven terrain, working in trenches, climbing ladders, and walking on steep-slope roofs. The position requires mobility to regularly visit City job sites and involves frequent standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, and stooping. Heavy Work is required, including exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally (up to one-third of the workday), 25 to 50 pounds frequently (one-third to two-thirds of the workday), and 10 to 20 pounds constantly (two-thirds or more of the workday). Physical demands exceed those of Medium Work. The incumbent must have normal vision and hearing, with or without correction, and be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. The role requires stamina to work long hours and overtime, and flexibility to work an irregular schedule, including occasional evenings or weekends.
