Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 92,354,000 - 115,443,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost medical, dental, vision

Career development opportunities

Competitive retirement plan

Job summary

City of Austin seeks an Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior to review, inspect, and investigate environmental issues and permit compliance for outdoor music venues, including enforcement actions and testimony in court. The role requires late-night shifts and a weekly daytime admin shift for documentation and case coordination.

Ideal candidate has an advanced knowledge of environmental regulations, strong analytical skills, and ability to lead investigations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Life Science, Natural Science, or related field, plus six (6) years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree 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.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates, directs, and/or conducts investigations and surveys related to environmental issues and programs.
• Issues directives and performs enforcement actions for non‑compliance with code and/or regulations.
• 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 appeal of permit denials.
• May provide leadership, guidance, and technical support to others.

Skills

Communication

Data analysis

Multi-tasking

Computers & software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science/Life/Natural Science

Master's degree may substitute for experience

Tools

Texas Driver License

Job description

About This Position

ADS is seeking an Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior (Sound Enforcement). This role is responsible for reviewing, inspecting, and investigating complaints related to commercial outdoor music venues received through the 311 CSR system. The position conducts field inspections to verify compliance with Outdoor Music Venue (OMV) permit requirements and issues directives or enforcement actions when non‑compliance with codes or regulations is identified. The role includes interpreting and applying relevant policies, codes, regulations, ordinances, and plans; issuing misdemeanor citations or affidavits for verified violations; and providing witness testimony in Austin Municipal Court. This position requires working late‑night shifts to monitor active commercial music venues, along with one daytime administrative shift each week to complete documentation, review cases, and coordinate operational needs.

Job Description

Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior Purpose: Under minimal supervision and using advanced knowledge, review, inspect, analyze, and/or investigate development, construction, businesses, remediation plans, and pollution events of advanced scope and complexity to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

• Coordinates, directs, and/or conducts investigations and surveys related to environmental issues and programs.
• Issues directives and performs enforcement actions for non‑compliance with code and/or regulations.
• 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 appeal of permit denials.
• Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: May provide leadership, guidance, and technical support to others.

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. Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles. 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. Ability to train others.

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 six (6) 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

Certified Code Enforcement Officer. TDLR. Knowledge of Austin's nightlife and entertainment districts. Knowledge of sound meter operation and decibel readings. Knowledge of Code Compliance and in person testifying in municipal court. Conflict resolution.

Work Schedule

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 6pm - 2am. Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm.

Pay Range

$32.23 - $40.29.

Location

6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752.

Employee Benefits

• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time.
• A highly competitive retirement plan.
• Career development opportunities.

Critical Employee

Critical employees are considered necessary and vital and support 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.

Driving Requirement

This position requires a valid Texas driver license within thirty (30) days of hire. 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.

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.

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.