Compliance Operations Manager

Clean-Water-Services; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Clean Water Services seeks a Compliance Operations Manager to lead the Regulatory Affairs Department's Compliance Services Program, coordinating cross-functionally to ensure NPDES/MS4 and air permitting compliance.

You will guide regulatory reporting, permit renewals, and program improvements, working with staff, consultants, and stakeholders to address evolving requirements and optimize performance.

Qualifications

• 5 years of team lead experience, including 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• 5 years of experience coordinating or managing environmental compliance programs and projects, including regulatory permitting for surface water or stormwater, wastewater treatment, or industrial discharges.
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, chemical or environmental engineering, environmental science, water or wastewater treatment technology, regulatory compliance, water resources, or a related field.
• Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Advise and collaborate on implementing regulatory compliance programs and emerging regulatory issues.
• Oversee implementation of the watershed-based NPDES permit, including MS4 and air contaminant discharge permits, and related programs.
• Prepare, draft, review, and submit regulatory reports, plans, and related documentation; improve reporting processes.
• Liaise with DEQ and other external agencies and stakeholders; negotiate permit conditions and address compliance issues.
• Monitor legislation and regulations; develop solutions and ensure implementation across the organization.
• Manage program budget, contracts, and resource planning; recruit and develop staff.
• Represent the Compliance Services Program to regulatory agencies, elected officials, and the public.

Skills

Regulatory compliance programs

Cross-functional coordination

Staff supervision

Budget management

Contracts management

Regulatory reporting

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, chemical/environmental engineering, environmental science, water or wastewater treatment

Job description

The Regulatory Affairs department is seeking a Compliance Operations Manager. This position plans, organizes, and manages the Compliance Services Program for Clean Water Services’ (CWS) Regulatory Affairs Department (RAD). Program elements include ensuring regulatory compliance with CWS’ watershed-based National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, including the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), and air contaminant discharge permits. Manages implementation of regulatory permits and compliance program, including regulatory reporting, permit renewals, compliance planning, and associated operational initiatives through staff leadership, resource allocation, consultant management, budget administration, and cross-functional coordination. Ensures consistent implementation of regulatory requirements, advises the Regulatory Affairs Services Manager on emerging regulatory issues and program performance, and fosters collaboration, continuous improvement, and organizational effectiveness for the Compliance Services Program.

(This section outlines the essential functions assigned to the position. The essential functions listed below are not intended to include all duties that may be assigned to this classification. Clean Water Services (CWS) may modify, add, or remove duties or functions at its discretion.)

1. Advises and collaborates with the Regulatory Affairs Services Manager on the implementation of the regulatory compliance program, continuous improvement initiatives, evaluation of complex regulatory issues related to implementing the watershed-based National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, air contaminant discharge permits, and related regulatory programs. Researches emerging regulatory requirements, evaluates impact and risks, and develops recommendations, compliance strategies, and operational improvements to ensure long-term program effectiveness and regulatory compliance.
2. Manages implementation of the watershed-based NPDES permit, including the MS4 and air contaminant discharge permits, and related regulatory programs and initiatives. Coordinates compliance activities across CWS departments and workgroups to ensure adherence to permit requirements and regulatory obligations. Establishes program priorities, allocates resources, develops operational procedures and performance measures, provides technical guidance and training, identifies compliance risks, and implements corrective actions to address actual or potential compliance issues.
3. Manages the preparation, drafting, review, production, automation, coordination, and submittal of routine and ad-hoc regulatory compliance reports, plans, and related documentation. Develops and implements improvements to regulatory reporting processes, compliance tracking systems, operational procedures, and performance measurement tools to enhance program efficiency, accuracy, accountability, and compliance outcomes.
4. Serves as a liaison to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and other external agencies and stakeholders regarding permit implementation, compliance obligations, reporting requirements, and related regulatory matters. Assists the Regulatory Affairs Services Manager in negotiating permit conditions, regulatory issues, evaluating proposed rules and policy changes, and resolving compliance issues with DEQ and other external agencies and stakeholders.
5. Monitors, tracks, analyzes, and communicates proposed and adopted legislation, regulations, policies, guidance, and regulatory initiatives affecting CWS operations; coordinates organizational implementation of new requirements. Works with the Regulatory Affairs Services Manager to develop compliance solutions, solve problems, and recommend modifications to agency policies, programs, and practices to address evolving regulatory conditions and mitigate regulatory risks.
6. Participates in the development and administration of program budget and resource plans. Prepares cost estimates, submits justifications for budget requests, monitors, and controls expenditures. Negotiates and administers contracts for studies, services, purchases, and permits. Proposes recommendations to improve program efficiency and effectiveness, and ensures corrective actions and improvements are implemented.
7. Researches, mediates, advises, and resolves technical, sensitive, and controversial regulatory and operational issues. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships and coordinates work efforts and objectives with other CWS departments, external partners, and stakeholders. Represents the Compliance Services Program to regulatory agencies, elected officials, outside agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
8. Manages the work of technical, professional and/or supervisory staff. Oversees employee development and performance including selection and training; preparation of performance appraisals, and development or improvement plans; resolves complaints and grievances; implements disciplinary actions.
9. Creates and maintains a positive, engaged, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture within the department, to improve the work groups’ understanding and recognition of diversity in the workplace, and fosters multidisciplinary and integrated team approaches.
10. Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of environmental regulatory compliance program implementation, including NPDES, stormwater, air quality, or industrial permitting and reporting
• Principles and practices of wastewater treatment, water or air quality protection, and industrial, commercial, and municipal stormwater management
• Environmental compliance operations, permitting, compliance assurance, regulatory guidance, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and requirements
• Principles and practices of environmental protection, water quality standards and their application, and water resource management issues
• Biology, chemistry, environmental science, and environmental or chemical engineering principles
• Principles and practices of program and project planning, development, administration, and management
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and management, and resource allocation
• Principles and practices of contract and consultant management
• Principles of supervision; teambuilding and coaching techniques and practices

SKILL IN:

• Planning, leading, and evaluating complex regulatory compliance programs and multidisciplinary projects
• Interpreting, explaining, and applying complex environmental regulations, permits, policies, and procedures
• Analyzing and interpreting technical, operational, and regulatory data pertaining to watershed and regulatory impacts, wastewater treatment plant operations, and industrial discharges
• Developing operational strategies, policies, procedures, and performance measures that improve program effectiveness
• Managing consultant contracts, program budgets, project schedules, or organizational resources
• Developing, reviewing, coordinating, and submitting complex regulatory reports, plans, permit applications, and compliance documentation
• Building collaborative partnerships and facilitating coordination among multidisciplinary teams, regulatory agencies, consultants, and stakeholders
• Resolving complex technical, operational, regulatory, and personnel issues
• Analyzing problems, projecting consequences, and recommending courses of action
• Communicating complex, technical concepts to a wide range of audiences and internal and external stakeholders
• Selecting, managing, training, and evaluating staff
• Use of computers and computer software for word processing, reporting, data analysis, spreadsheets, databases, and project and program management

ABILITY TO:

• Understand, interpret, and apply pertinent policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
• Identify, research, and analyze complex regulatory problems in a technical environment
• Understand and evaluate new watershed management methods or environmental management strategies
• Analyze regulatory risks and develop compliance strategies to address changing legal, operational, and environmental requirements
• Manage, plan, and coordinate assigned staff to achieve program requirements and objectives within established timelines and budget requirements
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate work across workgroups, consultants, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders
• Negotiate with contractors regarding the scope and cost of services and manage contracts
• Exercise sound judgment in resolving complex operational, regulatory, personnel, and organizational issues
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, contractors, vendors, community groups, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR LICENSES:

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

5 years of team lead experience, including 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role;

5 years of experience coordinating or managing environmental compliance programs and projects, including regulatory permitting for one of the following areas:

• Surface water or stormwater management
• Wastewater treatment
• Industrial discharges

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, chemical or environmental engineering, environmental science, water or wastewater treatment technology, regulatory compliance, water resources, or a related field.

Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license.

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.

Application Review and Certification Statement:

Applicants will be reviewed and evaluated based on qualifications including relevant skills, education, training, and work history. Supplemental materials including resumes, cover letters, and other attachments will not be considered unless specifically requested as part of the application process. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application materials are detailed, accurate, clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum and, if applicable, special qualifications for the position, and are complete at the time the application is submitted. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be removed from further consideration or may result in disqualification from the application or selection process, rescinding an offer of employment, or termination of employment if discovered after hire. Application materials will be used to determine salary placement in accordance with applicable state and federal law, CWS Human Resources policies and guidelines, and collective bargaining agreements, upon extension of a job offer. Unless requested as part of the application process, supplemental materials provided will not be considered.

By submitting your application, and any supplemental materials specifically requested by CWS as part of the application process, you are certifying the information you have provided is true, accurate and complete and have read and understand the above statement.