Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior (Austin Water)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

6d•$33 - $41•Hybrid

About The Position

ABOUT AUSTIN WATER: For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up—we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation. Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants. Job Description: Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior Purpose: Under minimal supervision and using advanced knowledge, review, inspect, analyze, and/or investigate development, construction, businesses, remediation plans, and pollution events of advanced scope and complexity to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Requirements

Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Science, Life Science, Natural Science, or related field, plus six (6) years of relevant experience.
Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience
One (1) additional year of experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Skill in using computers and related software applications.
Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to train others.
May require a valid State of Texas Class C Driver License and the ability to meet driver eligibility standards detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.
For Austin Water positions: Water Conservation positions: TCEQ licensed irrigation inspector or valid plumbing inspectors license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of hire.
This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date.
External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite.
To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience providing excellent customer service, facilitating resolution of complex customer issues.
Experience conducting field investigations.
Experience with the ArcGIS or other geographical mapping databases.
Experience reviewing compliance documentation to resolve investigations.
Experience with conflict resolution.
Time management/multi-tasking skills.
Experience interpreting and explaining technical data, policies and procedures to a wide audience including the general public, plumbers, attorneys, or government officials.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers via direct contact, email, or phone.
Experience with public speaking, presenting evidence or providing expert testimony at administrative hearings or court proceedings.

Responsibilities

Coordinates, directs, and/or conducts investigations and surveys related to environmental issues and programs.
Issues directives and performs enforcement actions for non-compliance with code and/or regulations.
Develops sampling protocol and standard operating procedures.
Responds to and directs spills and complaint actions.
Provides technical information and assistance to internal and external customers.
Develops and implements rules, code changes, and training programs.
Implements permitting and registration programs.
Reviews and interprets policies, codes, regulations, ordinances, plans, and proposals for compliance.
Researches, develops, presents, and/or submits incident, inspection, and technical reports/cases to appropriate agency/personnel.
Participates in and/or leads City-wide initiatives, task forces, and committees.
Resolves appeals of permit denials.
May provide leadership, guidance, and technical support to others.
This position will work in Austin Water’s Water Conservation division and will be responsible for leading the administrative hearings, conducting field investigations, seasonal overnight water waste patrols, and assisting with compliance monitoring and answering customer inquiries via phone and email.
This position may assist with irrigation inspections as needed.