AWP Compliance Specialist

Padre Dam and the East County Advanced Water Purification Project is seeking an experienced candidate to step into a unique opportunity to be part of a cutting edge, state-of-the-art Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Facility team where innovation meets environmental stewardship. This role places you at the forefront of protecting water quality, air quality, and biosolids management while supporting a highly advanced 24/7 operation that includes a Class 5 water recycling facility, membrane water treatment systems, and energy recovery processes. You will play a vital role in ensuring regulatory compliance reporting, supporting sampling, monitoring and reporting programs, and collaborating with operations, engineering, laboratory, and key stakeholder agencies. If you are passionate about sustainability, thrive in a fast-paced collaborative environment, and want to contribute to the future of water reuse and resource recovery, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact to the community.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Successful candidates will be notified via email should they be invited to interview. The first application review will occur on or around May 1, 2026. Interviews will likely be held at the end of May. 

The position is eligible for appointment in the following salary grade: 

• Salary Grade 26 – $42.35 – $59.91 

Future Salary Increase: June 2026 – 3.25% increase of base pay

The Position: 

The AWP Compliance Specialist is responsible for managing and maintaining compliance of issued environmental and regulatory permits, regulatory requirements, sampling, monitoring and reporting; establishing and evaluation of compliance metrics; providing guidance for compliance-related decisions and activities impacting water, air, and biosolids qualities; following policies and procedures; assisting with emergency response actions, and any other duties as assigned for the Advanced Water Purification Facilities (AWPF) which includes a 16 MGD Class 5 Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), associated Solids Handling Facility (SHF), Energy Recovery Facilities (ERF), a 12.5 MGD advanced treatment facility, appurtenant wastewater pump stations and conveyance facilities, product water pump station and remote dechlorination facility. The AWPF is a 24/7 facility 365 days per year.

To view the complete job classification for the position, click here: AWP Compliance Specialist

Knowledge, Skills, Training, Experience & Licensing:

Knowledge of: 

1. Necessary permits and regulations to operate AWPF 

2. Water quality standards 

3. Applicable laws and regulations 

4. Record keeping techniques 

5. Basic related theories and principles such as chemistry and microbiology 

6. Proper sampling techniques 

7. Chemical handling and spill prevention, control and response 

8. Stormwater pollution prevention 

9. Safety procedures and regulations 

10. Budgeting theories and principles

11. Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) 

12. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Skills/Abilities: 

1. Compliance monitoring of water recycling, solids handling, advanced treatment, pump stations and conveyance facilities 

2. Managing multiple tasks 

3. Administering contracts 

4. Estimating monitoring costs 

5. Read, interpret and follow contract drawings, specifications and diagrams 

6. Understanding CMMS to request and track mechanical and electrical operations and maintenance 

7. Understanding LIMS to track and retrieve water quality data 

8. Using computers and related software applications 

9. Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Training/Experience Required: 

1. High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) 

2. Demonstrated experience interacting with regulators

3. Associates Degree in water and wastewater technology or Bachelor’s Degree in industrial hygiene, environmental sciences, or related field preferred

Licensing Requirements: 

1. Possession of a Valid California Driver’s License 

2. CWEA Environmental Compliance Inspector Certification desired