Regulatory Affairs Coordinator

About the role

As a Regulatory Affairs Coordinator for the Municipal District Services (MDS) Regulatory Affairs Department, you will support MDS-operated public water systems in both drinking water and wastewater in complying with state and federal regulations. In this role, you’ll gain hands-on experience in environmental compliance, sample management, and regulatory processes. You will learn how to monitor compliance schedules, coordinate with laboratories, review and enter laboratory results, and help prepare customer communications. This role also builds skills in project tracking, data accuracy, customer service, and professional communication. The role will be based in the MDS Katy Office. An ideal candidate is focused, detail-oriented, possesses the ability to analyze data, and someone who thrives on new challenges and adapts easily to unexpected changes.

Essential job functions

Drinking Water Duties:

• Assist with the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly and annual compliance reporting for water systems
• Maintain public water system data and records as required
• Monitor the lead and copper sampling compliance schedules for public water systems
• Track the progress of sampling and ensure samples are submitted to the laboratory in a timely manner
• Assist with preparation of TCEQ sample site selection forms for sample site approval
• Review incoming lead and copper samples and coordinate with laboratory staff to arrange for the pickup of samples or delivery of sampling supplies to the MDS Katy Office
• Prepare lead and copper results and lead consumer notices to be mailed to customers
• Review and save incoming laboratory analysis reports for lead and copper results
• Coordinate the billing of lead and copper sampling
• Assist with compiling data to develop new service line inventories
• Communication with Contract Managers and Contract Manager Assistants as needed

Wastewater Duties:

• Review monthly wastewater operational data and assist in preparation of monthly Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMR's)
• Review and submittal of unauthorized discharge reports and non-compliance notifications to regulatory agencies
• Assist with the preparation and review of Monthly Effluent Report (MERs) Forms, permit renewals and Notification of Completion (NOCs), and Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs)
• Coordinate with biomonitoring (WET) labs and Operations for sampling schedules and re-schedules
• Create sludge sampling schedule and coordinate with laboratory and Operations
• Maintain sludge analysis data, review reports for compliance with limits, and complete annual sludge DMRs
• Coordinate with Contract Management and Operations on hauler information and organize sludge haul tickets
• Complete DMRQA studies annually for WWTPs over 1 MGD and confirm that all contract labs are completing studies for applicable districts
• Review results, complete required forms and reports and submit to EPA coordinator by deadline
• Assist with review of Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs)
• Attend TCEQ regional compliance investigations as needed and prepare documents for TCEQ review
• Perform quarterly stormwater inspections on all WWTPs that are permitted over 1 MGD
• Participate in and administer training to operational staff on regulatory affairs topics
• Review and approval of completed work orders for the department

Qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience in the water industry with wastewater experience preferred
• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Public Health, Public Administration, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering or other closely related areas of study
• Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, along with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• Work requires analytical ability and inductive reasoning to adapt policies, procedures, and methods to unusual or complex situations
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new software as needed
• Ability to research a problem and propose a solution independently
• Reliable with flexible working hours
• Comfortable driving a work vehicle, as needed, with a clean driving record

Skills and abilities

• Interest in drinking water, wastewater, and pretreatment
• Current knowledge of State/Federal Safety and Environmental Laws pertaining to the Utilities Sector specifically the CWA and SDWA
• Ability to analyze data and prepare clear and concise records, reports and correspondence
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as customer service skills
• Must be able to easily and professionally interact with customers
• Follow instructions precisely and communicate with Regulatory Affairs staff as directed
• Ability to learn and effectively navigate processes using the software and databases used within the Regulatory department
• Ability to multi-task, stay organized and be detail oriented while working to successfully meet deadlines
• Demonstrate personal accountability through the effective use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point)