Principal Resources Specialist; Compliance and Sustainability

Principal Resources Specialist

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and analytical leader to serve as its next Principal Resources Specialist in the Planning and Resources Department, Compliance and Sustainability Unit. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced environmental professional to lead programs that protect public health and the environment while ensuring the Agency's compliance with complex federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

The Principal Resources Specialist oversees staff responsible for environmental permitting, compliance monitoring, regulatory reporting, and audit activities for water, wastewater, recycled water, groundwater recharge, stormwater, biosolids, compost, and air quality programs. The position prepares and reviews technical reports, permit applications, and regulatory correspondence; coordinates inspections, audits, and responses to non-compliance events; and serves as a liaison with regulatory agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), California Air Resources Board (CARB), Division of Drinking Water (DDW), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE).

The role also provides technical leadership for water quality compliance activities, oversees environmental studies and documentation, evaluates regulatory changes and their impacts on Agency operations, develops compliance guidance and staff training, and manages special projects that support regulatory compliance and operational excellence. This position offers the opportunity to lead complex environmental programs, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and make a meaningful impact on the sustainability and resilience of the region's vital water infrastructure.

Education, Training and

Experience:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business/public administration, natural, physical, environmental sciences, water resources, engineering, planning/management, urban/regional planning or a closely related field, and at least seven years of professional-level progressively responsible experience in resources planning (including environmental/habitat, energy, or water resources), environmental compliance/testing, energy/sustainability management, or wastewater treatment; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

A valid Class "C" California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency's vehicle insurance program. A Grade III or IV Environmental Compliance Inspector Certification from the California Water Environment Association for the Environmental Services Unit is preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations, permitting, and compliance programs related to water, wastewater, recycled water, and stormwater. Proven leadership, project management, and organizational skills with the ability to oversee complex environmental programs, manage competing priorities, and lead high-performing teams. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to interpret technical data, evaluate regulatory requirements, and develop effective solutions.

Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with regulatory agencies, consultants, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.