Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior (Austin Water

About This 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.

Senior Environmental Compliance Specialist – 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 inspector license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of hire.

• 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…