Associate Environmental Specialist

Overview

At Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, we deliver pure reliable water to regions serving 19 million people—and to accomplish this, we rely on a team of Talented Employees: innovators, problem-solvers, and collaborators who make it all possible.

This is the journey level position performing Associate Environmental Specialist job duties.

This position reports directly to the Team Manager of Operational Regulatory Services and serves as a regulatory specialist supporting water quality and environmental studies and projects, with a primary focus on analyzing and interpreting water quality legislation and regulations.

The incumbent must be proficient in state and federal regulations such as the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and California-specific environmental regulations. Responsibilities include monitoring and summarizing pertinent legislative and regulatory developments, developing proposed positions, and evaluating their impact on Metropolitan and its member agencies.

The position prepares internal briefings, including memos, board letters, and presentation materials, and may also work on regulations affecting water system operations, including those related to water quality and treatment, hazardous materials, air quality, recycled water, and environmental, health and safety. The incumbent collaborates with various groups throughout Metropolitan including Operations, Water Quality, External Affairs, Water Resources, Safety, Legal and others, and represents Metropolitan at public meetings, work groups, and industry forums.

This position acts as a liaison to member agencies, trade associations, and regulatory agencies, and is expected to develop as a subject matter expert (SME) in assigned areas to enhance team efficiency and reduce review burden across the organization.

• Be part of Metropolitan’s mission to ensure safe and reliable water for the region, not just for today, but for generations ahead.

• You’ll help sustain life for millions while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to innovation, environmental stewardship, and community impact.

• In addition to a meaningful mission, Metropolitan offers competitive starting salaries, comprehensive benefits options, pension through CALPERS and more (see below for the full benefits list)

Work Schedule: 9/80, Monday through Friday, Every other Friday off.

Hybrid

Schedule:

Metropolitan’s current practice in this position is a hybrid work schedule. This typically includes two days a week in person and the other days remote. This is subject to change dependent on organizational needs. In addition, a telework policy is scheduled for negotiations and once completed and implemented, will provide final direction on the hybrid schedule.

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and four years of relevant experience; or two years in an MWD Assistant Environmental Specialist II classification; or Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and two years of relevant experience.

A degree (Bachelors or Masters) in a related field is defined as: Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Biology, Environmental Planning, or other directly related environmental or social sciences degree.

Relevant Experience is defined as: Experience with environmental laws and regulations including, but not limited to, state and federal Safe Drinking Water Act, Indirect and Direct Potable Reuse regulations and Clean Water Act.

Experience includes preparing internal briefings such as memos, board letters, and presentation materials, and reviewing and analyzing regulations affecting water system operations, including those related to drinking water, hazardous materials, air quality, and recycled water. Experience should include preparation of technical reports, and regulatory permit applications and project management experience to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations.