Environmental Compliance Specialist I

At Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc., we know that water is a precious resource - one that plays a critical role in sustaining life. That's why we take seriously our mission: protecting and providing Earth's most essential resource. At Aqua, we are guided by a set of principles that embody the character of our company and inspire our work together. They are embedded within our business practices and our behavior. We are proud to be united by integrity, respect and the pursuit of excellence to be the best we can be for the customers and communities we serve.

Together, the women and men of Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. serve 1 million customers across eight states. Aqua uses science, technology, capital investments, and amazing talent to provide communities with clean, safe drinking water and responsibly return wastewater to our rivers and streams. Join our team and make a difference!

JOB SUMMARY:

Are you looking for a fantastic career at Aqua? The primary duty of this position is the tracking and updating of sampling schedules to ensure compliance with all monitoring requirements for water and wastewater systems. Write compliance reports, plot data, and respond to regulatory correspondence, with the assistance of the engineer and operations managers. Issue work orders for compliance work items and track work completion. Document regulatory compliance for specific projects as assigned. Attend compliance, engineering, and operational meetings, and assist in the planning, budgeting, and project management for upgrades needed for compliance. Assist in the administration of ongoing programs such as regulatory compliance, sampling, employee safety and plant maintenance. Assist with compliance related field investigations and projects as assigned. Capable of performing routine water and wastewater analyses, collecting samples, and calibrating instrumentation.

This position requires an organized individual with the ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures, maintain accurate records, be computer-literate, and be able to work independently with little training or direct supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Prepare and maintain sampling plans including monthly bacteriological, lead and copper, disinfection by-products, and others for all systems and update sample sites as needed.
• Review information on sample chain of custody forms and work with our labs to ensure they have complete and accurate paperwork. Communicate with our labs and the State to correct any discrepancies.
• Track samples to ensure that all monthly and quarterly sampling is completed on time and schedule future sampling. Review analytical results for compliance and report any exceeding detections to the responsible internal managers.
• Organize and track compliance events and immediately report real or perceived compliance issues to the Environmental Compliance and Operations Managers.
• Ensure timely preparation, review, and filing of all compliance reports and permits (including, but not limited to: Consumer Confidence Reports, Discharge Monitoring Reports, Monthly Operating Reports, and VPDES Permits).
• Review inspection reports and regulatory correspondence. Share information with others electronically. Meet with operators, engineers, and managers to discuss inspection reports and draft response letters.
• Use existing alert system to inform customers of system disruptions, water quality impacts, planned system maintenance, etc.
• Answer customer inquiries regarding water quality concerns or analytical results and communicate urgent information regarding customer inquiries to internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency in eDMR reporting, or willing to develop proficiency in eDMR reporting.
• Review and analyze new and proposed regulations; inform Aqua Virginia management of potential impacts of the regulations; and assist with preparation of written comments on the regulations as needed.
• Process invoices, copy, route, and file documents as needed.
• Participate in meetings and other activities of Aqua as required.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with VDH and DEQ staff.
• Other related job duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate Degree in engineering, science or another related field is required; Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in utility operations, compliance, or engineering, demonstrating an increasing level of responsibility.
• Experience with or ability to develop a working knowledge of state and federal environmental rules and regulations.
• Must also possess a valid U.S. driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must have good organizational skills, be computer-literate, be able to follow directions, work safely, and adhere to laboratory Standard Operating Procedures
• Must be competent in the use of Microsoft Excel and Word applications.
• The successful candidate will have demonstrated an ability to be an effective member of a team, to effectively organize and prioritize assigned work as well as the ability to work independently.
• Must have good verbal and written communication skills and demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate. Very strong organizational skills are critical to effective performance.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Perform physical work- exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).