About This Career

Inspects and investigates sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

This career is part of the Government and Public Administration cluster Governance pathway.

A person in this career:

• Determines the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issues written notices of violation, participating in enforcement hearings, as necessary.
• Prepares, organizes, and maintains inspection records.
• Determines which sites and violation reports to investigate, and coordinates compliance and enforcement activities with other government agencies.
• Investigates complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticides, product quality, or labeling laws.
• Informs individuals and groups of pollution control regulations and inspection findings, and explains how problems can be corrected.
• Interviews individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.
• Verifies that hazardous chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with regulations.
• Learns and observes proper safety precautions, rules, regulations, and practices so that unsafe conditions can be recognized and proper safety protocols implemented.
• Monitors follow-up actions in cases where violations were found, and reviews compliance monitoring reports.
• Examines permits, licenses, applications, and records to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time
• Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel