Environmental Compliance Manager

American Water Works Association; Willmar (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Willmar is seeking an Environmental Compliance Manager to lead and oversee wastewater, biosolids, and MS4 programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

The role requires strong regulatory knowledge, proven leadership, and ability to communicate complex technical issues to diverse audiences, while coordinating with state agencies and internal staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental-related field (Environmental Science, Engineering, Ecology, etc.).
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental or water resource programs.
• License: Class D Wastewater and Type IV biosolids or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Certifications: MN SWPPP/Construction related certifications or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Strong knowledge of NPDES and MS4 permit procedures.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage Delegated Pretreatment Program for NPDES compliance.
• Direct monitoring, permitting, and enforcement for SIUs and industrial waste discharges.
• Oversee Biosolids Land Application Program and regulatory reporting.
• Lead MS4 program and annual reporting, inspections, and IDDE program.
• Coordinate regulatory affairs and environmental spill response with MPCA and DNR.
• Supervise Environmental Compliance Technician and liaise with external organizations.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Environmental regulations

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science/Engineering

Job description

Purpose

The Environmental Compliance Manager is a critical technical and leadership role responsible for ensuring the City's comprehensive compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. This position manages the City's essential environmental programs, including Wastewater Pretreatment, Biosolids, and MS4 Stormwater, and acts as the primary regulatory liaison for the City. This role requires proactive identification and analysis of current and future environmental policies to mitigate the impact on municipal operations and ensure the sustainability of public resources.

Essential Functions

1. Wastewater NPDES/SDS and Delegated Pretreatment Program

• Develop and manage the City’s Delegated Pretreatment Program to ensure compliance with NPDES permit requirements.
• Direct the monitoring, permitting, and enforcement activities for Significant Industrial Users (SIUs) and prepare Industrial Wastewater Discharge permits in coordination with the Wastewater Superintendent.
• Administer the hauled waste program, including permitting, billing coordination, and compliance monitoring.
• Lead the implementation of required environmental mitigation plans, including the Chloride Reduction Plan, Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan, Mercury Minimization Plan, and the new PFAS Pollutant Management Program.
• Ensure all required laboratory analysis is performed and communicate with wastewater lab staff regarding influent abnormalities or treatment process impacts from industrial and hauled waste sources.

2. Biosolids and Land Application Program

• Manage the City's Biosolids Land Application Program, ensuring strict adherence to all MPCA and EPA regulations.
• Prepare and submit all required annual biosolids reports and land application site approval forms to regulatory agencies.
• Coordinate the collection of soil and biosolids samples for laboratory analysis and maintain up-to-date application records.
• Communicate potential PFAS and other emerging contaminants' impacts to participating landowners and maintain awareness of future regulatory changes affecting the program.

3. Stormwater Management (MS4) and Compliance

• Lead and execute the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, ensuring full compliance with the General Permit and completing all Annual Reporting requirements.
• Direct comprehensive MS4 field inspections, including construction sites, structural BMPs (ponds, outfalls), stockpiles, and high-priority illicit discharge areas.
• Implement and maintain the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program for city staff.
• Coordinate and deliver annual mandatory staff training on topics such as winter maintenance, Smart Salting, and illicit discharge recognition and reporting.
• Develop and revise City ordinances and regulatory control mechanisms to ensure ongoing MS4 compliance.
• Present the annual stormwater program update to the City Council.

4. Comprehensive Environmental Oversight and Regulatory Affairs

• Serve as the City's primary technical representative and liaison for regulatory and permitting efforts regarding wetland and public waters issues, coordinating with the MN DNR and County Environmental Services.
• Coordinate and implement the Inflow/Infiltration (I/I) sewer lateral inspection program.
• Prepare and secure required environmental operating permits for City-owned facilities (e.g., DNR Water Appropriation, Hazardous Waste Generator License) and file all associated periodic reports.
• Lead the City's coordination and follow-up on environmental spills or natural emergencies under the direction of management staff, ensuring proper follow-up with regulatory agencies (MPCA) and the Responsible Party.
• Supervise the Environmental Compliance Technician in implementing public education and outreach programs.
• Act as the City’s technical representative for external organizations such as MESERB and BWSR’s One Watersheet, One Plan.
• Research and prepare research memoranda and technical reports addressing identified environmental issues for staff and governing bodies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental-related field (Environmental Science, Engineering, Ecology, etc.).
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience managing environmental, natural resource, or water resource management programs of similar complexity.
• Possession of a Class D Wastewater and Type IV biosolids license, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
• U of M Construction Installer certification, Construction Site Management certification, or SWPPP Design certification, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
• Demonstrated knowledge of municipal environmental and regulatory issues, including NPDES and MS4 permit procedures.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical information effectively in varied settings to a wide variety of audiences (written, oral, and presentation skills).