Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior (OSSF) - Austin Water

Job Description:

Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior (OSSF) - Austin Water

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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.

Job Description:

Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior

Purpose:

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.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• 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.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, guidance, and technical support to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• 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.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

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:
  
  • On-Site Sewage Facility positions: TCEQ Designated Representative (DR) license and valid plumbing inspectors license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
    

Preferred Experience:

• Experience inspecting onsite and decentralized wastewater treatment facilities and wastewater connections
  
• Demonstrated knowledge of wastewater treatment design
  
• Experience managing code compliance issues
  
• Experience using geographic information systems, work order and case management systems such as HANSEN, AMANDA, or similar software applications
  
• Experience applying the City of Austin Land Development Code, the Texas Administrative Code regarding onsite sewage facilities, and the City of Austin or State of Texas water and wastewater regulations
  
• Experience analyzing, interpreting, and managing large volumes of data
  
• Experience interpreting technical data, policies and procedures to a wide audience including citizens, plumbers, and contractors
  
• Current Designated Representative (DR) license or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire
  
• Current Plumbing Inspector License from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire
  

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

Additional duties and functions specific to the position may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Investigate instances of sewage on the ground involving onsite sewage facilities
• Conduct construction inspections of onsite sewage facilities
• Coordinate and/or conduct investigations of failing on-site sewage facilities
• Analyze, query, and manage data from the City’s Geographical Information System and licensed tracking software(s)
• Identify, develop, and gather information in support of enforcement cases
• Serve as expert witness in appearance hearings and trials
• Provide technical information and assistance to internal and external customers
• Review and interpret policies, codes, regulations, ordinances, plans, and proposals for compliance
• Participate in and/or lead city wide initiatives, task forces, and committees

This position inspects onsite sewage facilities ( OSSF ) and issues notices of violation. Per Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code Section 285.50 a person enforcing State regulation and the regulations of the Authorized Agent (Austin Water Utilities) must hold a current Designated Representative (DR) license. Therefore, the ability to obtain an OSSF Designated Representative license within six (6) months of employment is necessary.

This position conducts plumbing inspections on behalf of the city. Inspections are required to ensure that the plumbing installations needed during the OSSF abandonment process (i.e. plumbing to connect a structure to Austin Water’s collection system) meet local and state requirements. Per the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, a Plumbing Inspector license is needed to inspect plumbing work performed within the jurisdiction of any political subdivision with which the inspector is affiliated. An affiliation is established if the inspector is employed by, or under contract with, a political subdivision to perform plumbing inspections. An affiliated Plumbing Inspector may not have a financial or advisory interest in any plumbing company. Therefore, the ability to obtain a Plumbing Inspector license within six (6) months of employment is necessary for the incumbent to complete essential job functions.

Pay Range:

$32.96 - $41.20 Hourly

Position(s) will be filled at the following location:

Permitting and Development Center (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, 78752)

Days and Hours:

Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM. May work other hours to meet business needs. Hybrid work schedule may be available.

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more - click HERE for more information.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
  
• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.
  
• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.
  
• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.
  

If you are selected to interview:

• You will receive information and instructions for completing a short writing assessment to be given at the time of the interview.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
  
• If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  
• A criminal background investigation is required
  

Technical Licensure:

TCEQ Designated Representative (DR) license and valid plumbing inspectors license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

Driving Requirement:
This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Critical Employee:

• This position has been designated as critical for the City of Austin. Critical positions are necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. Work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees may be reassigned to another area to provide essential services to support any extraordinary situations or emergency conditions.
  

Secondary Employment:

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.
  
• Austin Water will review all secondary employment.
  
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.
  

90-day Provision:

This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department.

All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-04-14