Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior (Austin Development Services)

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Job summary

The City of Austin seeks an Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior in the Environmental Inspections Division to review, inspect, analyze, and investigate development, construction, and remediation plans for regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include directing investigations, enforcing non-compliance actions, developing procedures, and providing technical guidance to staff and stakeholders. This role supports city-wide initiatives and may require leadership duties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Life Science, Natural Science, or related field with six years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree may substitute for two years of the required experience.
• One additional year of experience may substitute for one year of the required education, with a maximum substitution of four 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 appeals of permit denials.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Data analysis

Communication

Supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Life Science, Natural Science, or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About This Position Job Description

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 appeals of permit denials.

Responsibilities - 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

• Experience in Enforcement Experience managing cases or citations in court and providing witness testimony.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information effectively to individuals and audiences with diverse backgrounds.
• Experience drafting and proofreading professional and technical documents.
• Experience with the Land Development Code.
• Experience with the Drainage and Environmental Criteria Manuals.
• Certified Erosion, Sediment, & Storm water Inspector (CESSWI), or Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Control (CISEC), or Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), or the ability to obtain one or more of these certifications within 24 months of hire.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist, or the ability to obtain within 24 months of hire.
• Knowledge and experience inspecting temporary Best Management Practices (BMP) at construction sites.

Compensation Range

The annual hiring range for this position is $34.67-$43.34

Physical Location

6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, TX 78752

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Position Overview

DSD is seeking an Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior in the Environmental Inspections Division. This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation.

Austin Development Services (DSD) assists homeowners, business owners, and contractors when they build, demolish, remodel or perform any type of construction to ensure compliance with applicable city and building codes.

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.

Travel

If you are selected for this position and meet the City of Austin Driver Safety Standards, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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