Senior Environmental Specialist

At the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, we deliver reliable water to a region with 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.

There is currently one (1) opening for Senior Environmental Specialist located at Union Station, Los Angeles, CA.

This recruitment may result in an eligibility list*.

The Senior Environmental Specialist leads the development, coordination, and implementation of complex environmental, health, and safety (EHS) compliance programs and technical studies across multiple Metropolitan sites. Serving as a technical subject matter expert, this role provides high-level program management and regulatory oversight across key disciplines including air quality, wastewater, stormwater, underground and above ground storage tanks, hazardous materials and waste management, and health and safety.

Based at the Los Angeles Headquarters, this position requires periodic travel and occasional overnight stays at field facilities throughout Southern California.

• Program & Compliance Leadership:
  Formulate compliance strategies, secure environmental permits, and review changing legislation to assess organizational impacts. Monitor federal, state, and local regulations to minimize risk for employees, the environment, and the public.
• Technical Systems & Data Tracking:
  Utilize specialized Environmental Management Information System (EMIS) software and online platforms—including, but not limited to: SCAQMD Permit Database, CARB DOORS/R3 databases, CERS, Geo Tracker, LACPW EPIC system, CalOES Spill Reporting, and the DTSC Hazardous Waste Tracking System—to manage compliance data and streamline cloud-based tracking tools.
• Agency Collaboration & Liaison:
  Serve as a primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, local governments, and member agencies. Lead negotiations, respond to inquiries, and establish strong partnerships with internal and external entities to represent Metropolitan's operational interests.
• Internal Partnership & Training:
  Partner with internal teams to evaluate day-to-day compliance, deliver technical expertise, make recommendations to supervisors, and design EHS awareness and training programs for personnel.
• Reporting & Documentation:
  Conduct staff analyses, execute complex environmental studies, and prepare technical reports, general correspondence, and Board letters for management review.

Schedule:

9/80, Monday through Friday with every other Friday off

This job announcement has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification / job.

Start times are no earlier than 6 am and end times are no later than 6 pm.

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 environmental science, engineering, biology, ecology, planning, or other directly related field, and eight years of progressively responsible experience, including two years at the Environmental Specialist level or equivalent; or a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, engineering, biology, ecology, planning, or other directly related field, and six years of progressively responsible experience including two years…