Environmental compliance inspectors work for government departments to protect and preserve our environment and the public by ensuring that communities, individuals, businesses and provincial and local governments comply with laws and regulations that are intended to prevent or reduce pollution.
Environmental practices inspectors examine places of business, scrutinize permits, licences and records to ensure compliance with relevant national and municipal environmental practice requirements. They have to prepare, organize and maintain inspection records and produce reports summarizing requirements and regulations. Some examples of tasks that they perform are to:
- investigate complaints of illegal dumping, pollution, nuisance to neighbouring premises, community health and safety complaints, problems relating to pesticides, product quality etc., from individuals or businesses
- inspect water and waste treatment facilities to make sure they are in compliance with standards and regulations
- be expert witnesses and testify in court about environmental violations
- make sure that a landfill is processing rubbish in compliance with local environmental regulations
- monitor follow-up actions in cases where violations were found, and review compliance monitoring reports
- evaluate label information for accuracy and conformance to regulatory requirements.
Environmental practices inspectors work in a variety of contexts, often outdoors. For example, in fisheries, they go out with the fishing boats to check their catch, as it is caught, as well as release any dolphins, turtles and sea birds that may be trapped in nets and fishing lines. They may only return home after several days at sea. They may need to verify fishing and bait collecting licenses, and check the quality of effluent pumped out from factories and municipal sewage works, as well as air quality in the vicinity of factories. They also need to do administrative work in an office setting. Travel may be required for this occupation
Personal Requirements
- be analytical and detail-oriented
- have the ability to collect, compile, evaluate and interpret data within the context of pollution regulations
- be able to work independently and within teams
- have excellent written and oral communication skills
- Good technical knowledge is necessary for this job, in particular knowledge of environmental laws and requirements. Technical skills to operate equipment may be required. Social skills are essential, as the inspector must be able to work under adverse circumstances, with people who may be very negative about the work that they are doing
Employment
• municipalities, big and small
• government departments, national or provincial
• local authorities
Programmes
Boston City Campus and Business College does not offer a programme that leads directly to this occupation. Please take a look at the related occupations below to see whether any of these appeal to you. Alternately, please send an email to taryn@boston.co.za and a Student Advisor will call you back.
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