Austin Energy Environmental Services Director

City of Austin•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under nominal direction, this position is responsible for Austin Energy’s (AE) environmental services and strategic compliance programs. This position oversees a team that investigates and responds to environmental issues, conducts root cause analyses, and develops corrective action plans. The Director is responsible for correction to gaps either in terms of reporting data or managing compliance issues and developing the necessary quality control measures to track the effectiveness of operations. The Director budgets, prepares short- and long-term spending plans, and develops and engages in short- and long-range planning activities for program. The Director monitors environmental and safety-related contracts and vendors to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental and safety requirements and delivery of agreed upon deliverables. Seeking an innovative leader supporting Austin Energy’s Environmental Services Program. The successful applicant will have a deep understanding of local, state and federal environmental laws and regulations. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders is essential. This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Requirements

Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures covering environmental regulations.
Knowledge of project management.
Knowledge of managerial and leadership techniques and principles.
Knowledge of budgeting methods and systems.
Knowledge of business case development, strategic business planning, reengineering, organizational change strategies, performance measurement, and project management.
Skill in oral and written communications.
Skill in preparing and analyzing budgets, reports, and studies.
Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
Skill in using software applications to perform data analysis and problem solving.
Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships with government and regulatory agencies, boards and commissions, City employees, and the public.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to direct, coach, and train others.
Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Environmental Science, Engineering, or Public or Business Administration, plus seven (7) years of experience related to the job, including five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience.
Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Nice To Haves

Experience establishing and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, regulators, and executive management.
Knowledge of federal and state environmental laws and rules.
Experience working at or directly with the EPA and the TCEQ.
Prior experience participating in or leading an EPA or TCEQ audit.
Experience managing, supervising or leading a team engaged in environmental activities.
Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
Strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Provides overall leadership and direction for environmental compliance and permitting, environmental field services, and environmental laboratory services, to manage a portfolio of compliance and risk programs.
May serve as AE’s Environmental Protection Agency Designated Representative.
Develops, maintains, and audits AE’s environmental programs to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations.
Investigates and responds to environmental issues, conducting root cause analyses, and develops corrective action plans.
Is responsible for correction to gaps either in terms of reporting data or managing compliance issues; devises the necessary quality control measures to track the effectiveness of operations.
Directs and provides management oversight of annual Operation & Maintenance (O&M) and Capital Improvement Projects budgets, prepares short- and long-term spending plans, develops and engages in short- and long-range planning activities for program.
Develops program budgets, and cost benefit analyses, manages associated business and environmental related contracts, monitors vendors to ensure compliance and delivery of required utility environmental deliverables.
Coordinates negotiations with regulatory environmental compliance issues with Federal, State, and Local agencies to reach resolution and or settlement.
Directs and provides management oversight, guidance, and approval for the development of training and curriculums required by Federal, State, and Local regulations.
Develops and evaluates plans and criteria for environmental process, procedures, projects and programs.
Monitors industry trends in environmental, and water resource planning and implements best practices.
Serves as a subject matter expert to legal staff regarding compliance matters.
Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.