Senior Environmental Specialist (To Establish Eligible List)

Orange County Sanitation District

Senior Environmental Specialist (To Establish Eligible List)

SALARY $117,020.80 – $142,168.00 Annually

LOCATION CA 92708, CA

JOB TYPE Full-time

JOB NUMBER TBD

DEPARTMENT Environmental Services

DIVISION Environmental Compliance

OPENING DATE 08/14/2025

CLOSING DATE8/28/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Description

**This recruitment is being conducted to establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.**

What do you value in your next job?

At the Orange County Sanitation District our Core Values form the framework of our organization and reinforce our professional work ethic. If the following values ring true with you, we’d love to invite you to explore our career opportunities further.

Integrity, Inclusion, Honesty, and Respect

We aspire to the highest degree of integrity, inclusion, honesty, and respect in our interaction with each other, our suppliers, our customers, and our community. We strive to demonstrate these values in our actions, commitments, and service.

Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem Solving

We lead by example, acknowledging the value of our resources and using them wisely to achieve our mission. We strive to reach OC San goals through cooperative efforts and collaboration with each other and our constituencies. We work to solve problems in a creative, cost-effective, and safe manner, and we acknowledge team and individual efforts.

Customer Service, Transparency, and Accountability

We are committed to acting in a timely, accurate, accessible, and transparent manner through excellent customer service. We are committed to act in the best interest of our internal and external stakeholders.

Resiliency, Innovation, and Learning

We continuously develop ourselves, enhancing our talents, skills, and abilities. We recognize that only through personal growth and development will we progress as an agency and as individuals.

Safety

We are committed to providing a safe work environment. We will demonstrate leadership, promote individual accountability, and participate actively in the advancement of our health and safety practices. 

OC San is currently looking to establish an eligibility list for a  Senior Environmental Specialist (SES) in the Environmental Compliance Division. 

Under direction, performs a variety of complex environmental studies, analysis, and field work in support of OC San’s environmental protection, monitoring, and compliance programs such as conducting environmental analyses and studies, collecting and analyzing wastewater, marine, air, ocean sediment, fish tissue, and industrial waste samples, and conducting field work; troubleshoots and repairs equipment and instrumentation; prepares, compiles, and analyzes data for the generation, submission, and distribution of reports and related documentation; and performs duties as assigned.

Under general direction, the SES may be assigned to work in air, biosolids, and/or water/wastewater/stormwater program(s). The SES will be required to: 

• Perform or coordinate a variety of complex sampling, inspection, and analyses in support of various environmental monitoring and compliance programs, such as stormwater management, biosolids management, water quality sampling, air quality, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit compliance.
• Gather, tabulate, and analyze data in support of OC San’s environmental monitoring programs. 
• Assist in the preparation and review of compliance reports for assigned programs to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Accompany regulatory inspectors during inspections and provide follow-up information as requested.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings and stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of environmental compliance.
• Interact with county and city officials, regulatory agencies, OC San staff, and contractors.
• Coordinate with outside entities on cooperative ventures, and prepare reports and present findings to management, other agencies, and public.
• Prepare and revise compliance training programs and materials, standard operating procedures, and related documentation.
• Perform any other tasks requested by supervision/management.

When assigned to the Air Compliance Program: 

• Conduct inspections of onsite and pump station facilities with associated data gathering for air quality compliance.
• Secure portable equipment permits or registrations under the California Air Resources Board’s Portable Equipment Registration Program and/or South Coast Air Quality Management District.
• Ensure compliance (including reporting) with mobile and fleet regulations for heavy equipment, public fleets, etc.
• Assist in Title V compliance reporting.
• Assist in the response to noncompliance events by thoroughly investigating the cause, documenting findings, and implementing corrective actions.

When assigned to the Solids Program: 

• Support compliance monitoring and reporting activities related to the biosolids management and grit and screening programs.
• Travel to and perform inspections of biosolids management sites.
• Oversight of biosolids hauling and management contracts which include facilitating meetings with contractors, reviewing reports, and addressing issues.
• Assist in the response to noncompliance events by thoroughly investigating the cause, documenting findings, and implementing corrective actions.

When assigned to the Water/Wastewater/Stormwater Program: 

• Perform regulatory compliance duties in support of OC San’s National Pollutants Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and the California Construction General Permit (CGP) for Stormwater. 
• Review data and prepare Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) and facilitate certification.
• Support the UST program by reviewing monthly inspection reports and updating SOPs.
• Review SWPPP and SWPCP for OC San construction projects, working with Engineering department staff to select the proper stormwater specification for each project, and training Engineering project and construction inspectors on compliance with the CGP.
• Prepare and support semi-annual meetings with regulators.
• Assist in the response to noncompliance events by thoroughly investigating the cause, documenting findings, and implementing corrective actions.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

1. Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, with major coursework in biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, marine biology, statistics, and/or quality assurance, or a related field.
2. Three (3) years of work experience in a testing laboratory, field collection environment, pretreatment program, and/or related environmental compliance.
3. Must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

Desired:

• Knowledge of principles and operations of wastewater collection systems and wastewater processing, including pretreatment methods, system design, wastewater engineering, industrial operations, wet processes, and categorization, and wastewater flows and characteristics.
• Ability to apply critical thinking and analysis.
• Experience with odor control in a wastewater collection system and treatment plant.
• Experience with regulatory framework for NPDES and Title V permitting.
• Knowledge of techniques for effectively representing OC San in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.

Recruitment & Selection Process

Vacancies: 0

(an eligible list will be established for future vacancies)

Apply online at: www.ocsan.gov/careers

APPLICATION FILING DEADLINE: Thursday, August 28, 2025; 5:00 P.M. 

(or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received)

Hiring Salary Range: $117,020.80 – 128,960.00/Year* 

*(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a laboratory and standard office setting and use laboratory and standard office equipment, including a computer; standing in work areas and walking between work areas is required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
• Mobility to work in the field and to take samples and conduct inspections at various OC San sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary access points; ability to operate a motor vehicle to travel to various OC San sites, projects, and/or meetings.
• When assigned to work on OC San’s marine vessel, must be capable of working in wet, unstable conditions, at times while the vessel is under way to the next sampling location.
• Perform medium to heavy physical work; standing in work areas and walking between work areas, within treatment plants, and in the field and to conduct inspections and take samples is required.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 51 pounds.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 200 pounds, or heavier weights up to 300 pounds on an occasional basis, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to identify chemical and biological solvents and substances.
• Vision to inspect and operate equipment.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate laboratory and standard office equipment.
• Finger dexterity to operate and repair tools and equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

OTHER REQUIRMENTS

• May be required to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays when necessary.
• Probationary Period: All OC San employees, except classifications considered “at-will”, are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, policies, and/or resolutions. Employees who have not yet successfully completed their initial probationary period serve “at-will” and may be released from employment without cause or recourse to any appeal or grievance procedures.
• Pre-Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation, a physical examination, and a drug screen.
• Work Location Assignment: Employees will be assigned to a work location based on business needs which may be located at any/all of OC San locations; this work location may be changed at any time.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All Orange County Sanitation District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the Orange County Sanitation District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

OTHER INFORMATION

For the full range of duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions please review the Classification Specification for this position found on our website.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate, through their application materials, that they meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the job announcement and class specification to receive further consideration. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.

False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

To ensure your application is accurate and complete, please review the Job Application Guide (Download PDF reader).

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation and a physical examination. For some positions, this may include a drug screen. False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

Reference Checks will be conducted by OC San to verify employment related information for all potential employees once a contingent job offer is made during the background investigation process. This is done to ensure that individuals who join OC San are well qualified and have a strong potential to be successful in their employment. The extent of the inquiry will depend on the position being applied for, but will at least include:

• Verification/Reference from current and past employers
• Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.

Please have all necessary documentation ready. Additional inquiries may be necessary depending on the position for which you are applying. Human Resources will also schedule a post-offer physical examination once a job offer has been made.

OC San only accepts applications submitted via our online application system. Applications submitted via mail, fax or email will not be accepted.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.