Regulatory Affairs Officer

Prince William Water•Va 22191, VA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Regulatory Affairs Officer provides professional research, analysis, and evaluation of regulatory activities affecting the water and wastewater treatment industry and directives from Federal, State, and local entities. The position monitors Prince William Water’s regulatory programs to ensure timely compliance, and advises the Director of Environmental Services and Water Reclamation and others about the technical, operational, and financial impacts of existing and proposed requirements, including rulemaking schedules, issues, and initiatives. The position reports to the Director of Environmental Services and Water Reclamation and supports a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The position leads permitting activities and renewals other than construction-related permits; supports industrial pretreatment permitting and inspections; coordinates compliance implementation and staff training; and serves as a primary contact with regulatory agencies and legislators. It also monitors and responds to proposed legislation and regulations, develops policy and public information materials, represents Prince William Water in professional and community settings, and prepares technical reports, correspondence, position papers, and presentations. The role is eligible for a partial telework schedule combining on-site and remote work according to job responsibilities and operational needs. Primary work is indoors in a standard office environment, with occasional outdoor work. The position may require work beyond normal scheduled hours and attendance at evening meetings and work sessions. It may be deemed essential at any time and requires operation of a Prince William Water vehicle.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or a related field.
At least five years of increasingly responsible environmental services and compliance experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license consistent with Prince William Water policy requirements.
Knowledge of natural sciences, including chemistry and biology, and environmental and general engineering concepts related to water reclamation facilities and associated activities.
Knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, practices, treatment-process operations, and governmental regulatory agencies and technical regulatory-watch associations.
Knowledge of water-treatment principles and practices, treatment processes, and laboratory testing techniques and protocols.
Knowledge of leadership, motivation, team building, conflict resolution, supervision, training, personnel management, business correspondence, report writing, office procedures, computer equipment, and English usage, spelling, and grammar.
Ability to organize, direct, and implement a comprehensive regulatory compliance program.
Ability to analyze technical reports and information, interpret and evaluate staff reports, understand laws and regulations, observe and evaluate staff performance, and apply rules and procedures.
Ability to supervise, train, and assess laboratory personnel and explain policies and procedures.
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternatives, project consequences, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Ability to explain complex technical issues in lay terms and prepare comprehensive written reports, letters, briefing presentations, and proposed regulatory or legislative language.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing, operate relevant computer equipment and software, and establish effective working relationships.
Ability to organize and prioritize work, follow codes, policies, and guidelines, comply with safety practices, and work independently without supervision.

Responsibilities

Brief the Director of Environmental Services and Water Reclamation and staff on regulatory agendas, actions, proposed activities, and potential impacts; prepare briefing papers and recommend courses of action.
Inform Prince William Water divisions of compliance responsibilities and assist with implementation plans and schedules for new, existing, or revised regulations.
Lead new permitting activities and renewals, except construction-related permits; coordinate strategy, obstacle resolution, and documentation for air, potable water, wastewater, and stormwater permits.
Support Division Directors in carrying out requirements under existing regulatory programs.
Review industrial pretreatment permit applications; research permitting matters; propose discharge limits and monitoring requirements; write and renew permits; conduct annual industrial-user site inspections and prepare reports; approve batch discharges; and liaise with industry.
Assist with preparation, distribution, submission, and compliance certification for annual Consumers Confidence Reports (Annual Water Quality Report).
Represent Prince William Water on security, regulatory compliance, and drought issues in the Washington Area Metropolitan Council of Governments.
Manage the BioSentry and Terrorism monitoring program.
Develop policies and procedures concerning regulatory requirements.
Develop public information materials in coordination with the Communications and Community Engagement Division.
Serve as the primary contact with VDH, DEQ, and other local, State, and Federal agencies and legislators on regulatory matters.
Implement new regulatory requirements for water and sewer systems, train appropriate staff, and draft regulations and guidelines for other divisions and personnel.
Review proposed national, State, and local legislation and regulations, assess impacts, recommend courses of action, and assist with implementation.
Monitor proposed legislation and regulations from draft through final stages; keep leadership and staff apprised of changes; and work with legislators and government agencies to promote Prince William Water’s interests.
Participate in initiatives and legislative strategy development and manage initiation through the legislative cycle.
Participate in proceedings, meetings, seminars, and workshops of relevant water and wastewater associations to develop industry strategies, positions, and concepts for engagement with legislative and regulatory bodies.
Participate in projects that support Prince William Water and industry goals for effective and efficient treatment of water, wastewater, and residuals.
Under the Director’s supervision, draft and coordinate position papers and proposed correspondence for the Deputy General Manager/Chief Operating Officer concerning the legislative and regulatory process.
Serve on legislative and regulatory committees when participation directly benefits Prince William Water.
Represent Prince William Water to outside groups and organizations; participate in community and professional groups and committees; and provide technical assistance as needed.
Present regulatory compliance issues to the press, councils, boards, commissions, civic and employee groups, and the general public.
Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and written correspondence.
Maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other employees, and the public through good customer service.
Operate a Prince William Water vehicle.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.