Environmental Compliance Specialist

Job Description:

Environmental Compliance Specialist

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.

Job Description:

Environmental Compliance Specialist

Purpose:

Under limited supervision and using comprehensive knowledge, review, inspect, analyze, and/or investigate development, construction, businesses, remediation plans, and pollution events to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Responsible for projects and programs that are diverse in scope and complexity.

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.
  
• Fire Adapted Community’s (FAC) objectives of the Wildland Fire Management Coordinates, directs, and/or conducts investigations and surveys related to environmental issues and programs.
  
• 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: None.

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.
  
• 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.
  

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 four (4) 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in the field of environmental regulatory compliance, including implementing and enforcing federal, state and local codes and regulations.
  
• Knowledge and technical skill proficiency relevant to environmental emergency response field operations such as: spill control/containment/remediation, hazardous materials, sampling and analysis techniques, Incident Command System, personal protective equipment (including respiratory protection), air monitoring, confined space, stormwater chemistry, vehicle trailering, and/or operation of watercraft.
  
• Confident oral and written communication skills (English, Spanish, other languages) demonstrated through experience such as active listening, de-escalation tactics, conflict resolution, issuing specific directives/instructions, delivering presentations and media interviews, and writing technical reports.
  
• Time and stress management skills, including overseeing various high-level projects with deadlines, prioritizing multiple emergency response incidents, solving complex problems, and timely completion of data entry.
  
• Competent user of technological tools including computer hardware (e.g. laptop, tablet, smartphone), and software applications (e.g. Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, phone applications, Maximo database, artificial intelligence). Experience developing data management systems, applications, and/or workflow automations.
  

Notes to Candidate:

POSITION OVERVIEW:
This position will evaluate industrial and high-risk operations to prevent/mitigate pollution. Investigate pollution complaints and respond to hazardous and non-hazardous material spills. Be "on-call" on a rotational basis weeknights, weekends and holidays. Field response may include work in adverse weather conditions, in remote wooded areas, in and near waterways, and in confined spaces. Recommend mitigative and preventative measures and oversee remediation activities. Initiate enforcement actions. Analyze, interpret and provide recommendations on technical and complex environmental data. Participate in scientific studies related to possible causes of water pollution. Prepare reports, letters, forms, educational materials, memos, spreadsheets, affidavits, service contracts, purchase requests. Research and review ordinances, legislation, permits, regulations, processes and new technologies. Use a variety of field equipment, hardware and software. Provide technical advice and prepare/present complex information to City staff, businesses, contractors, City Council, boards, commissions and the general public. Develop and coordinate pollution prevention projects, initiatives, task forces and committees. Act as the City's representative to the media during pollution incidents and to promote watershed health.

SALARY RANGE:

Min: $27.41 - Mid: $33.30

PHYSICAL WORK LOCATION:

505 Barton Springs Road, 78704

DAYS AND HOURS:

40 hours per week, Monday - Friday.

Also requires working "on-call" outside of normal business hours on a rotational basis with other team members, including occasional nights, weekends, and holidays as dictated by business needs.

ESSENTIAL STATUS:
This position has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a city-designated extraordinary situation or emergency condition, essential employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees, as well as ensure the continuity of essential operations. Essential Employees may be called back in during such events, required to modify their schedule, assigned to a city-designated work site, or retained on-site to assist with operations and recovery.

BENEFITS:
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities, and more. Please click here | Active Employee Benefits | AustinTexas.gov for more information.

DRIVING REQUIREMENT:
This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver's license. Must maintain a good driving record. 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.

CRMINIAL BACKGROUND:
A criminal background investigation is required.

ASSESSMENTS:
A written Assessment will be conducted on the top candidate.

EDUCATION:
Education verification will be conducted on the top candidate.

ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION (Please read carefully):
When completing the City of Austin Employment Application:
Include details on the application or prior or current work history with the City of Austin.

• A cover letter and resume must be submitted with the employment application, but do not substitute for a complete employment application.
  
• A detailed and complete employment application will help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
  
• Include details on the application of any previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications and relevant experience. Provide each job title and employment dates for all jobs on the application. Your work history should include duties you performed. “See Resume” is not acceptable and your application will be considered incomplete.
  
• Work history must include the month and year of employment and whether it was full or part-time work.
  
• Any relevant work history on the resume must also be reflected in the employment application in order to be considered.
  

CLOSING DATE:

Please be aware that the job posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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: 2025-12-22