Compliance Operations Manager

Clean Water Services•Hillsboro, OR

About The Position

The Compliance Operations Manager plans, organizes, and manages the Compliance Services Program within Clean Water Services’ Regulatory Affairs Department. The program ensures regulatory compliance with CWS’ watershed-based National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, including the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), air contaminant discharge permits, and related regulatory programs. The manager oversees permit implementation, regulatory reporting, permit renewals, compliance planning, and operational initiatives through staff leadership, resource allocation, consultant management, budget administration, and coordination across the organization. The position advises the Regulatory Affairs Services Manager on emerging regulatory issues and program performance, promotes consistent implementation of requirements, and advances collaboration, continuous improvement, and organizational effectiveness. The manager also represents the program to agencies and stakeholders and manages technical, professional, and/or supervisory staff.

Requirements

At least 5 years of team lead experience, including 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
At least 5 years of experience coordinating or managing environmental compliance programs and projects, including regulatory permitting in surface water or stormwater management, wastewater treatment, or industrial discharges.
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, chemical or environmental engineering, environmental science, water or wastewater treatment technology, regulatory compliance, water resources, or a related field.
Possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license.
Knowledge of environmental regulatory compliance program implementation, including NPDES, stormwater, air quality, or industrial permitting and reporting.
Knowledge of wastewater treatment, water or air quality protection, stormwater management, environmental compliance operations, permitting, compliance assurance, and applicable laws and regulations.
Knowledge of environmental protection, water quality standards, water resource management, and biology, chemistry, environmental science, or environmental and chemical engineering principles.
Knowledge of program and project management, budget preparation, resource allocation, contract and consultant management, supervision, teambuilding, and coaching.
Skill in leading complex compliance programs and multidisciplinary projects; interpreting regulations and permits; and analyzing technical, operational, and regulatory data.
Skill in developing strategies, policies, procedures, and performance measures; managing contracts, budgets, schedules, and resources; and preparing complex reports, plans, permit applications, and compliance documentation.
Skill in building partnerships, coordinating teams and stakeholders, resolving complex issues, analyzing problems, and communicating technical concepts to varied audiences.
Skill in selecting, managing, training, and evaluating staff, and using computer software for word processing, reporting, data analysis, spreadsheets, databases, and project and program management.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations; identify and analyze complex regulatory problems; and evaluate watershed or environmental management methods.
Ability to assess regulatory risks and develop strategies for changing legal, operational, and environmental requirements.
Ability to coordinate staff and multidisciplinary teams to meet program objectives, timelines, and budget requirements.
Ability to negotiate contractor scope and service costs, manage contracts, exercise sound judgment, maintain effective working relationships, work in a team environment, and communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Advise and collaborate with the Regulatory Affairs Services Manager on compliance program implementation, continuous improvement, and complex regulatory issues.
Research emerging requirements, assess their impacts and risks, and develop compliance strategies, recommendations, and operational improvements.
Manage implementation of the watershed-based NPDES permit, including the MS4 and air contaminant discharge permits, and related programs.
Coordinate compliance activities across CWS departments and workgroups; set priorities, allocate resources, establish procedures and performance measures, provide guidance and training, identify risks, and implement corrective actions.
Manage preparation, drafting, review, production, automation, coordination, and submittal of routine and ad-hoc regulatory reports, plans, and related documentation.
Improve regulatory reporting processes, compliance tracking systems, operational procedures, and performance measurement tools.
Liaise with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), other agencies, and stakeholders on permit implementation, compliance obligations, reporting, and related regulatory matters.
Assist the Regulatory Affairs Services Manager with permit-condition negotiations, regulatory issues, proposed rules and policy changes, and resolution of compliance issues.
Monitor and communicate legislation, regulations, policies, guidance, and regulatory initiatives affecting CWS, and coordinate implementation of new requirements.
Develop compliance solutions and recommend changes to agency policies, programs, and practices to address changing conditions and mitigate risks.
Participate in program budget and resource planning; prepare cost estimates and budget justifications, and monitor and control expenditures.
Negotiate and administer contracts for studies, services, purchases, and permits.
Recommend and implement improvements and corrective actions to increase program efficiency and effectiveness.
Research, mediate, advise on, and resolve technical, sensitive, and controversial regulatory and operational issues.
Build collaborative relationships and coordinate objectives with CWS departments, external partners, and stakeholders.
Represent the Compliance Services Program to regulatory agencies, elected officials, outside agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
Manage technical, professional, and/or supervisory staff, including selection, training, performance appraisals, employee development, improvement plans, complaints, grievances, and disciplinary actions.
Foster a positive, engaged, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture and multidisciplinary team approaches.
Drive a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes.