Water Quality & Environmental Compliance Specialist

Primary Role

Responsible for organizing advanced functions and activities related to environmental management and water quality for assigned facilities. Also, responsible for maintaining all applicable lab certifications, accreditations, or approvals to conduct compliance and process quality control work. Implements programs to ensure compliance with all water quality and environmental regulations. Assists in resolving treatment issues. Investigates water quality complaints and determines course of action needed.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage monitoring and reporting programs to ensure compliance with federal and state water quality and environmental regulations and company standards for assigned facilities.
• Obtain, prepare, file and maintain all regulatory reports and records.
• Manage required permits and make any necessary modifications and renewals.
• Participate in internal and external audits and represent American Water with regulators and customers.
• Identify potential issues and problems and initiate responsive actions and mitigate environmental violations.
• Conduct advanced projects and prepare reports as needed.
• Investigate and respond to escalated water quality complaints or concerns.

Supporting Roles

• Supports the preparation, modification, and tracking of key permit types, including discharge permits, air permits, water allocation permits, physical connection permits, Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) permits and the implementation of Bureau of Release Prevention Programs.
• Schedules and coordinates NJDEP inspections.
• Reviews NJPDES permits to ensure compliance obligations are met.
• Manages essential administrative functions such as LOR updates, permit fee payments, invoice processing, and hazardous waste manifest tracking.

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of federal and state drinking water regulations, drinking water treatment processes, and analytical testing principles is preferred.
• Strong computer skills, especially Microsoft Office.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in drinking water, wastewater, and/or laboratory operations preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or related field preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3-5 years of experience in water, wastewater, or laboratory operations preferred.

Travel Requirements

• Local and regional.
• Rare overnight travel may be required.
• The role also provides dedicated permitting support for the Coastal North (Monmouth and Ocean County) and Coastal South (Atlantic and Cape May County) Operating Areas.

Work Environment

• Office environment with occasional outdoor work and visits to treatment plants or system facilities.

Competencies

• Champions safety
• Collaborates
• Cultivates innovation
• Customer obsessed
• Drives Results
• Nimble learning