Compliance Specialist, Engineering

Compliance Specialist

Non-Union Position
WTR-General Management Staff-Blue Topaz;
Conroe, Texas (US-TX)
Regular FT, Non-Exempt
Posting # 5483

About Us

NW Natural Water owns and operates water and wastewater utilities in communities throughout Texas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Since 2018, we have acquired more than 30 utilities and today serve more than 190,000 people via 76,000 connections.

Our parent company, NW Natural Holding Company (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has been doing business for over 165 years. The company operates through NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), SiEnergy Operating (SiEnergy), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), and other business interests, serving a combined population of over 2.6 million people.

NW Natural Holdings' Texas operations are among the fastest growing utilities in the nation, focusing on supporting developers by providing essential services to new communities. Our team is motivated to meet developer and builder timelines and requirements and partners with developers, builders, and communities we serve.

The Compliance Specialist ensures that Texas water systems adhere to all federal and state drinking water regulations, including the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements under 30 TAC. This position is responsible for monitoring, reporting, documentation, and internal controls, ensuring timely and accurate communication with regulatory bodies and stakeholders. The Compliance Specialist works closely with field operations, engineering, water quality, laboratory partners, and the Administrative Manager to maintain compliance and strong documentation practices across all operational activities.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with SDWA and TCEQ drinking water regulations (30 TAC).
• Prepare and submit required regulatory reports to TCEQ, including Monthly Operating Reports (MORs), Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), public notices, BPAT/cross-connection documentation, and other compliance filings.
• Maintain TCEQ compliance calendars and ensure reporting deadlines are met.

Sampling & Water Quality Management

• Manage sampling schedules for required tests, including bacteriological, DBP (Disinfection By-Products), WQP (Water Quality Parameters), lead and copper, nitrates, and other regulatory sampling.
• Ensure proper chain-of-custody procedures and collaborate with certified labs for sample analysis.
• Review test results, escalate concerns, and work with field teams to implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Assist with repeat sampling and follow-up notification in case of violations or sampling issues.

Documentation & Recordkeeping

• Maintain Texas-specific compliance records, including sampling plans, logs, and operational records.
• Ensure compliance with Texas document retention rules and prepare materials for inspections, audits, and sanitary surveys.
• Maintain accurate and organized compliance documentation to ensure transparency and easy access during audits or regulatory reviews.

Audits, Inspections & Internal Controls

• Support TCEQ inspections and internal compliance audits.
• Assist in the development and implementation of corrective action plans in response to non-compliance findings.
• Ensure internal controls are in place for accurate reporting, data integrity, and SOX-compliant processes.

Operational Support

• Assist local operations with compliance tasks such as chlorine residual monitoring, system logs, and tank inspections.
• Support the timely issuance of emergency notifications (e.g., boil water notices, pressure loss events).
• Monitor operator certification requirements and ensure renewals are tracked and completed.

Stakeholder Communication & Reporting

• Act as a liaison between internal teams, external stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and customers.
• Prepare customer notices, public communications, and reports as needed.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure consistency in compliance practices and operational efficiency.

Compliance Policy Development & Maintenance

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and maintenance of internal compliance policies, procedures, and programs.
• Track changes in federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring internal departments are informed and compliant.
• Assist in the preparation and distribution of compliance training materials and track staff participation.

Incident Investigation & Corrective Actions

• Assist in investigating compliance violations, incidents, and non-conformance issues.
• Prepare follow-up reports and ensure corrective actions are documented and implemented.

Compliance Database & System Management

• Maintain and update compliance databases, ensuring accurate records, logs, and reporting systems.
• Ensure compliance-related data transparency and proper tracking for audits and regulatory reporting.