Environmental Protection Specialist IV (Potable Water Quality)

Job Description:

Environmental Protection Specialist IV (Potable Water Quality)

Description

Grade 20: Starting salary at $70,179 annually. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY
The Environmental Protection Specialist IV applies advanced knowledge of various water and wastewater principles, practices, and regulations to perform and coordinate the activities of cross-functional teams in a full range of environmental protection activities, including data collection and analysis, inspection, monitoring, sampling, and public education. S/he assists supervisors and managers with oversight of inspections, enforcement actions, review of permit applications, and site plans for compliance, managing contracts, and interpreting various water quality regulations. S/he works under works under limited supervision/guidance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Assists supervisors and managers with proper implementation of water quality programs and compliance with standard operating procedures by reviewing work activities and training other staff on appropriate procedures and protocols.Conducts studies on complex environmental issues and their effects on public health and the environment. Gathers, evaluates, and interprets environmental data for complex sources of pollution to determine regulatory compliance, ambient conditions, trending, and cause and effect relationships between contamination sources and impacts. May collect, analyze, and interpret geologic and hydro geological data.Leads teams in the development and implementation of policies and programs in accordance with the environmental and water quality goals of the System. Coordinates, interacts, and provides recommendations/direction to staff and executive management for decision-making processes concerning SAWS policies.May perform complex environmental audits, field analyses, site inspections, and surveys to determine the extent of compliance/non-compliance with applicable local, state, and federal water quality regulations and permits. May negotiate compliance schedules and activities with the regulated community and follows up on progress.May assess the need for corrective/preventive action; and initiates corrective action as appropriate.Reviews and evaluates construction plans and specifications, complex permit applications and pollution control plans, proposed compliance strategies or other proposals and recommends approval or disapproval. Gathers, evaluates, and interprets environmental data for sources of pollution to determine regulatory compliance, and cause and effect relationships between contamination sources and impacts.Reviews, evaluates, and edits permits or technical reports written by other staff.Develops, coordinates, monitors, and directs project execution and schedules for projects.May develop and negotiate contracts, settlements, and issues with SAWS contractors, consultants, and the public.Responds to oil, sewage, and chemical spills and emergency situations requiring containment of the spilled substance to support assessment and action.Performs other duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Chemistry, Geographical Information Systems, or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
• Four years' experience in natural resource management, urban or environmental planning, regulatory compliance, geographical information systems (GIS) applications, or experience inspecting, investigating, or monitoring storm water, pretreatment of wastewater, or related environmental activities to comply with mandated regulations.
• Experience leading team projects, developing and negotiating contracts, and/or developing and implementing guidelines and procedures.
• Grade "C" Texas Water Works Operator's Certificate of Competency, or obtain within 12 months of appointment; or Class II Texas Wastewater Collection System Operator License or higher-level license within 18 months of appointment; Grade "C" Texas Wastewater Operator's Certificate of Competency, or obtains it within 12 months of appointment; or Registered Environmental Manager within 12 months of appointment.
• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's license consistent with SAWS Driving Policy.
• Perform position specific physical testing.
  

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Communicates effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Frequent contact with internal and external customers, consultants, vendors, and government agencies.
• Has regular, in-person and telephone contact with the public and regulated community representatives to explain environmental rules and laws, answers general technical inquiries, responds to complaints, performs inspections or investigations, and gains cooperation in achieving compliance.
• Participates in public and industry education by developing and presenting technical material, or communicating scientific and technical information through oral briefings, written documents, or written testimony.
• Provides input on the development of environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements. Assists with implementation of these standards, once adopted.
• Proficient in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 60 pounds occasionally; pushing a maximum force of 100 pounds; pulling a maximum force of 100 pounds. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, kneeling, and working in cramped and strained positions for long periods of time.

Working conditions are both in an office environment and a field environment where there is a heavy traffic, construction, rugged terrain, and inclement and hazardous environmental conditions. If a part of the "emergency response team" must be able to complete and maintain the requirements as specified in applicable regulations for Hazardous Materials Emergency Response, including clearance for use of respiratory protection and other associated protective equipment. Also operates a company vehicle on a daily basis.

San Antonio Water System values the contributions of all its employees, providing them the best in compensation and benefits. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain a workforce of qualified employees who share a responsibility in providing quality water to 1 million consumers.
From an affordable medical and dental plan to life-sustaining retirement and insurance plans, we offer benefits that reward employees for their commitment to a challenging career at SAWS. Employee benefits include the following:

• Competitive, market-based salaries
• Performance-based incentives
• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Life insurance
• Prescription drug program
• Vision care plan
• Two retirement plans
• Deferred compensation plans (457 plan)
• Disability income
• Paid leave (vacation, sick, personal)
• Education assistance program
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible, tax-deferred health and dependent care spending accounts
• Wellness programs
• On-Site Fitness Facilities
• Community service opportunities

Closing Date/Time: 8/17/2025 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$70,179.00 - $120,411.00 Annually