UST Regulatory Specialist - Environmental Scientist

ZipRecruiter; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm seeks an Environmental Scientist / UST Regulatory Specialist to support compliance efforts for underground storage tanks across California. The role involves outreach to facility operators, collaboration with regulatory agencies, and conducting site inspections. Ideal candidates will have a background in environmental science or engineering, strong communication skills, and relevant regulatory experience.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of relevant experience or regulatory interaction experience.
• Current 40-hour HAZWOPER training.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on UST facility histories and compliance.
• Collaborate with state agencies to develop compliance strategies.
• Conduct site visits and inspections of UST facilities.

Skills

Grant writing

Regulatory compliance

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, geology, environmental science, or a related field

Job description

Job Description

Background

Tellus Civic Science Corporation (Tellus) provides world-class science, engineering, research, planning, and consulting solutions focused on resource conservation and restoration, carbon reduction, and sustainability to mitigate the impacts of climate change, strengthen community resilience, preserve our environment, and create a more equitable society for all. We are a team of environmental scientists, planners, engineers, policy experts, geospatial analysts, and data scientists with a passion to improve our local, national, and global environment. We seek highly motivated professionals to join our team who share this passion!

Tellus is seeking an Environmental Scientist / UST Regulatory Specialist to assist the California State Water Resources Control Board with outreach and enforcement support at petroleum underground storage tank (UST) facilities throughout California that are out of compliance with applicable regulations or are in danger of falling out of compliance in the future. These sites may include, but are not limited to, single wall UST sites and abandoned UST sites. This position involves outreach and engagement with owners and operators of UST facilities as well as coordination with federal, state, and local regulators to facilitate compliance at UST sites.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on site histories, including ownership and operation history for UST facilities in California, including reviewing available facility files and following up on non-compliant sites.
• Conduct outreach to identified owners and operators of UST facilities to provide information on requirements, regulations, and funding resources, and assist with funding applications.
• Collaborate with staff from the California State Water Board Division of Water Quality, Office of Enforcement, and Division of Financial Assistance to identify potentially out-of-compliance UST facilities and develop compliance strategies.
• Evaluate outreach efforts and develop strategies to improve engagement and response from owners and operators.
• Provide guidance and support for compliance with enforcement activities by the State.
• Coordinate with Cal/EPA, Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPA), and local agencies to target recalcitrant facilities and conduct on-site visits if necessary.
• Conduct site visits to inspect UST facilities, confirm site conditions, and meet with owners/operators and regulators.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Background in grant writing, budgeting, compliance inspections, or managing regulatory compliance for industrial facilities, especially petroleum UST sites.
• Understanding of UST construction, monitoring, leak detection, and program management principles, or ability to learn these principles related to compliance with UST regulations.
• Ability to assess the nature and extent of non-compliance and determine underlying causes.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, to convey policies, regulations, and technical issues to diverse audiences.

Minimum Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, geology, environmental science, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience or regulatory interaction experience.
• Availability to work two days per week at the State Water Board Office of Enforcement in Sacramento.

Additional Requirements

• Experience with RCRA Subtitle I and knowledge of California UST regulations and health & safety codes.
• Experience working with USTs as an operator or inspector.
• Current 40-hour HAZWOPER training.

Physical Demands

• Must meet physical requirements to perform essential functions, including walking, sitting, handling objects, reaching, balancing, stooping, and communicating effectively.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Work may involve wearing personal protective equipment and working in varying noise environments.

Travel

Some travel may be required for site visits, estimated at less than 10% of work time.