Associate Environmental Specialist

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Environmental Specialist coordinates environmental compliance programs across multiple Metropolitan Water District facilities. The role develops and implements programs covering hazardous materials, air quality, wastewater, and underground storage tanks; maintains the environmental management database; and ensures compliance tasks are completed on time. The specialist helps maintain regulatory compliance, creates stakeholder-tailored training materials, and builds collaborative relationships with internal teams and external regulatory agencies.

The position is based at the District’s Headquarters in Los Angeles, California, and currently follows a hybrid schedule, typically with two days per week in person and the remaining days remote. The schedule is subject to change based on organizational needs and pending telework policy negotiations. The work schedule is 9/80, with start times no earlier than 6 a.m. and end times no later than 6 p.m.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and four years of relevant experience; or two years in an MWD Assistant Environmental Specialist II classification; or a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and two years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience in environmental, health, and safety compliance programs addressing local, county, state, and federal requirements, including air quality, underground storage tanks, industrial wastewater, stormwater, and hazardous materials or waste.
• A related degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Planning, or another related field.
• Valid California Class C Driver’s License or equivalent at the time of application, permitting driving during employment.
• Work authorization that does not now or in the future require visa sponsorship for employment authorization in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct environmental assessments, plans, and permitting projects across multiple regional sites, focusing on hazardous materials, air quality, and wastewater management.
• Use state and local regulatory databases, including CERS, GeoTracker, the SCAQMD Permit Database, the CalOES Spill Reporting Database, and the DTSC Hazardous Waste Tracking System, to ensure complete and accurate compliance reporting.
• Modernize Environmental, Health and Safety records using SharePoint and cloud-based collaboration platforms.
• Evaluate and recommend updated tools and systems as operational needs evolve.
• Track federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, and emerging issues; evaluate their impact on Metropolitan operations and advise on compliance strategy.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal partners and external regulatory agencies through clear, proactive communication.
• Coordinate environmental compliance programs across multiple facilities and ensure compliance tasks are completed on time.
• Develop and implement programs related to hazardous materials, air quality, wastewater, and underground storage tanks.
• Create training materials tailored to stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, life, and vision plans
• Deferred compensation through a 401(k) plan with matching contribution and a 457 plan
• Retirement benefits under the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Tuition reimbursement
• Training and advancement opportunities
• Excellent working environment
• Public transportation reimbursements
• On-site fitness center

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level