Austin Energy Environmental Services Director

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 139,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Retirement benefits

On-site fitness

Job summary

City of Austin seeks a Director of Environmental Services to lead Austin Energy’s environmental programs, ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and manage environmental field and laboratory services. The role directs budgets, contracts, and strategic planning for risk and performance improvements.

The position requires a Bachelor's in a related field and seven years of management experience (Master’s degree may substitute for up to two years).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to Environmental Science, Engineering, Public or Business Administration plus seven years of related experience, including five years of progressively responsible management experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for up to two years of required experience.
• Preferred qualifications include EPA/TCEQ experience and strong stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise environmental compliance programs, permitting, field and laboratory services.
• Develop budgets, short- and long-range plans, and oversee contracts and vendors.
• Coordinate regulatory negotiations and ensure adherence to federal, state, and local laws.
• Provide training, coaching, and leadership to the environmental team, and communicate with regulators and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Environmental regulations

Project management

Budgeting

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science/Engineering/Public/Business Admin

Master’s degree substitution allowed

Job description

About This Position

Under nominal direction, this position is responsible for Austin Energy’s (AE) environmental services and strategic compliance programs. Job Description: 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. Provides overall leadership and direction for, environmental compliance and permitting, environmental field services, and environmental laboratory services, to manage a portfolio of compliance and risk programs. May serves as AE’s Environmental Protection Agency Designated Representative. Develops, maintains, and audits AE’s environmental programs to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations. Investigates and responds to environmental issues, conducting root cause analyses, and develops corrective action plans. Is responsible for correction to gaps either in terms of reporting data or managing compliance issues; devises the necessary quality control measures to track the effectiveness of operations. Directs and provides management oversight of annual Operation & Maintenance (O&M) and Capital Improvement Projects budgets, prepares short- and long-term spending plans, develops and engages in short- and long-range planning activities for program. Develops program budgets, and cost benefit analyses, manages associated business and environmental related contracts, monitors vendors to ensure compliance and delivery of required utility environmental deliverables. Coordinates negotiations with regulatory environmental compliance issues with Federal, State, and Local agencies to reach resolution and or settlement. Directs and provides management oversight, guidance, and approval for the development of training and curriculums required by Federal, State, and Local regulations. Develops and evaluates plans and criteria for environmental process, procedures, projects and programs. Monitors industry trends in environmental, and water resource planning and implements best practices. Serves as a subject matter expert to legal staff regarding compliance matters.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

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 Federal, State, and Local laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures covering environmental regulations. Knowledge of project management. Knowledge of managerial and leadership techniques and principles. Knowledge of budgeting methods and systems. Knowledge of business case development, strategic business planning, reengineering, organizational change strategies, performance measurement, and project management. Skill in oral and written communications. Skill in preparing and analyzing budgets, reports, and studies. Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations. Skill in using software applications to perform data analysis and problem solving. Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships with government and regulatory agencies, boards and commissions, City employees, and the public. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. Ability to direct, coach, and train others. Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Environmental Science, Engineering, or Public or Business Administration, plus seven (7) years of experience related to the job, including five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience establishing and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, regulators, and executive management.
• Knowledge of federal and state environmental laws and rules.
• Experience working at or directly with the EPA and the TCEQ.
• Prior experience participating in or leading an EPA or TCEQ audit.
• Experience managing, supervising or leading a team engaged in environmental activities.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to travel to multiple locations for regular work.

Notes to Candidate:

This position is responsible for Austin Energy’s environmental policies and compliance programs and is essential to ensuring Austin Energy's compliance with applicable state and federal environmental regulations. This position oversees a team that investigates and responds to environmental issues, conducts root cause analyses, and develops corrective action plans. The Director is responsible for correction to gaps either in terms of reporting data or managing compliance issues and developing the necessary quality control measures to track the effectiveness of operations. The Director budgets, prepares short- and long-term spending plans, and develops and engages in short- and long-range planning activities for program. The Director monitors environmental and safety-related contracts and vendors to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental and safety requirements and delivery of agreed upon deliverables. Seeking an innovative leader supporting Austin Energy’s Environmental Services Program. The successful applicant will have a deep understanding of local, state and federal environmental laws and regulations. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders is essential. This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Work Location:

4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723

Pay Range:

$138,700 (Min) to $177,500 (Mid)

Days/Hours:

Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position may require work outside of regular work hours/days for business needs

Assessments:

Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.

VETERAN INTERVIEW PREFERENCE:

Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 verifying honorable discharge, at the time of initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference.

CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK:

The top candidate will be subject to a minimum 7-year criminal history background check.

TRAVEL:

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

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 - that anchor our delivery of 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.

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E E O 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 [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

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