Stormwater Inspector

The Town of Knightdale is seeking a knowledgeable and motivated Stormwater Inspector to serve as our primary Erosion & Sedimentation Control compliance professional. This role plays a critical part in protecting local water quality while ensuring responsible development throughout our growing community. Our Stormwater Inspector will apply technical expertise to ensure development projects meet North Carolina Erosion and Sedimentation Control regulations and MS4 requirements. This position works closely with a variety of stakeholders to set clear expectations, maintain compliance, and protect the Town’s waterways from day one. If you’re looking for meaningful, mission-driven work with a strong work-life balance, long-term career stability, and to join a growing community that values environmental stewardship and public service, we encourage you to view our position brochure and apply today to do your best work—for the public good.


Under general supervision, serves as the Town’s primary Erosion and Sedimentation Control (E&SC) compliance inspector. This position is responsible for ensuring development activities comply with applicable local ordinances, North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act requirements, and the Town’s NPDES Phase II MS4 Permit within the Town’s corporate limits and ETJ. The Stormwater Inspector functions as the primary point of contact for active development projects and provides regulatory oversight from plan review through construction completion, including inspections, permit issuance, compliance documentation, and enforcement coordination. This position is classified as non-exempt and is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime regulations.PRIMARY TASKS:

• Supports the Stormwater Program Manager to achieve and maintain compliance with the Town’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Stormwater Permit through the implementation and administration of the Construction Site Runoff Control Program.
• Conducts onsite inspections for sediment and erosion control, stormwater conveyance and acceptance devices (piping, inlets, out-falls, etc.), code enforcement and adherence to applicable town ordinances and State laws involving stormwater. Verifies sediment and erosion control measures are installed and properly maintained.
• Reviews prior inspection reports to verify previously issued directives and confirm field conditions. Ensures all inspection documentation is properly organized, filed, and maintained in accordance with Town record management standards.
• Prepares detailed inspection reports for each site visit documenting site conditions, compliance status, and required corrective actions.
• Maintains regular communication with contractors and/or design engineers via phone, email, text, and in-person meetings regarding erosion and sedimentation control compliance on active construction sites.
• Provides in-field direction, corrective and/or technical guidance as needed to contractors and developers. When site conditions warrant, requires formal plan revisions or redesign to achieve compliance with stormwater and erosion control guidelines.
• Provides technical expertise and respond to complex questions, resolving conflicts and interpreting codes and ordinances as needed.
• Coordinates with Stormwater Technician for the conversion of sediment and erosion control devices to permanent Stormwater Control Measures (SCM) including determining all requirements necessary for final conversion.
• Assists in preparing letters and reports to regulatory agencies, documenting compliance with activities and results, and developing and maintaining guidance documents related to Erosion and Sedimentation Control.
• Maintains and improves the development project tracking system to ensure accurate inspection records, permit status updates, enforcement documentation, and regulatory reporting.
• Investigates complaints, requests, and suggestions from citizens, businesses, contractors, government agencies, and internal staff regarding stormwater and erosion control. Prepares responses and/or recommendations for resolution.
• Develops and revises procedures as needed, including but not limited to improving efficiency, compliance tracking, and regulatory consistency.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of stormwater management and erosion and sedimentation control.
• Supports the relationship between the Town and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and Town staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and Town information.
• Performs other duties as required.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:Computer, scanner, copier, telephone, camera, and other related office equipment. Town vehicles, shovel, level, laser level, probe rod, chest waders, measuring tape, measuring wheel, marking paint applicator, and other equipment used in stormwater maintenance.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP::This position reports to the Stormwater Program Manager.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Employee is subject to conditions associated with construction sites and stormwater facilities, including both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as rough terrain, steep inclines, hazardous materials, equipment, loud noises, traffic, vibrations, chemicals, fumes, close confined quarters both above and below ground.
• Must be able to physically perform all basic life operation functions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; 20 pounds frequently; and 10 pounds constantly.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, visually inspect, read blueprints, use measuring devices, and read extensively.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of all codes, Town ordinances, state laws and the processand procedures for issuance of permits andenforcement.
• Knowledge of North Carolina Erosion & Sedimentation Control regulations
• Knowledge of NPDES Phase II MS4 requirements
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations.
• Ability to read site plans.
• Ability to prepare enforcement documentation
• General knowledge of standard practices, materials, tools, and equipment utilized in the area of assigned work.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to perform technical and cost computations to make effective recommendations to solve public works problems.
• Ability to identify and analyze current trends and developments in the field of municipal public works operations and administration.
• Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing.
• Ability to negotiate conflict and problem-solve.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with private contractors, state and federal agencies, and other Town departments, as well as the general public.

JOB CONTEXT:This position works 40 hours per week during the five-day workweek. Weekends and overtime are sometimes necessary to fulfill job duties. The stress level of the job is low to moderate.

QUALIFICATIONS OF CLASS:

Education:Requires high school diploma or GED. Associate’s degree or higher in engineering, environmental science, soil conservation, construction management or related field preferred.

Experience:Experience in the area of assigned responsibility preferred, including inspection of erosion, sediment, and stormwater controls, customer interaction and regulatory compliance; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:Prefer the possession of, or ability to obtain the following certifications within 6 months of hire:

• NCDOT Level I and II Sediment and Erosion Control Inspector Certification
• NCSU Stormwater Inspection & Maintenance Certification
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.