About This Position
ABOUT AUSTIN WATER:
For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up—we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation.
Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.
Job Description:
Purpose:
Under minimal supervision and using advanced knowledge of concepts, practices, procedures, and regulations, verify and ensure compliance of the pretreatment regulated community. Responsible for projects of advanced scope and complexity.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Leads teams responsible for conducting, and reporting on investigations, audits, surveillance, monitoring, inspection, sampling, analyses, research, training, outreach, recognition, permitting, registration, enforcement and other environmental and pretreatment-related activities and programs.
- Initiates the negotiation to resolve cases or enforcement proceedings for environmental, pretreatment, and pollution prevention issues of diverse scope and complexity.
- Review and ensure all plans and proposals meet or exceed all federal, state, and local code/ordinance/regulations pretreatment guidelines and criteria.
- Collect, process, analyze and evaluate information and data submitted within permit applications, contracts, schedules, proposals, self-monitoring reports and laboratory reports to provide approvals, recommendations and assess compliance with applicable regulations.
- Interpret and explain City policies and procedures, and provide technical information/ advice, assistance and training for internal and external customers.
- Conduct case file preparation, initiate and participate in administrative and criminal enforcement proceedings and provide testimony in legal proceedings, for alleged violations of regulations.
- Research, develop, review, interpret, recommend, and implement changes to specifications, standards, policies, procedures, codes, regulations and ordinances.
- Leads public outreach efforts, initiatives, task forces, and committees; represent department at board and commission meetings; and conduct and make presentations for internal and external customers.
- Perform inventory procurement and control functions, and consult with and monitor performance of contractors.10. Perform rotational on-call duty and respond to spill and/or emergency events, incidents, complaints, actions and other related situations.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations.
- Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of architectural and engineering principles and practices
- Skill in oral and in written communication.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Skill in planning and organizing.
- Skill in providing leadership, training, guidance, and technical support.
- Ability to conduct research and/or investigations.
- Ability to provide customer service and problem solving.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major/minor course work in a scientific field related to the job, plus six (6) years of relevant experience;
OR
- Graduation with an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in a scientific field related to the job, plus eight (8) years of relevant experience
OR
- Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a scientific field related to the job, plus four (4) years of relevant experience.
- One (1) additional year of experience may substitute for (1) year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
- Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
- US Fats, Oils, and Grease Coordinator Certification from the US FOG Alliance or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Pretreatment Facility Inspection Certification from an accredited college or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Industrial Waste Treatment Certification from an accredited college or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Professional work experience in Natural, Environmental or Physical Science
- Experience with pretreatment or environmental/field investigations, or other regulatory compliance related activities and knowledge of local, state or federal water and wastewater rules and regulations
- Experience reviewing building and construction plans and specifications for compliance with regulations.
- Experience providing technical advice and assistance to internal and external customers



Compensation Range:
The annual hiring range for this position is $33.02-$41.28


Notes to Candidate:
Position Overview:
The position performs environmental compliance work for Austin Water’s approved pretreatment program. This critical work ensures that the City meets all federal and state requirements for administering a program to protect the City’s wastewater treatment and collection systems from adverse effects of industrial and commercial wastewater pollutant discharges to the City’s system. The pretreatment program helps to make sure that the wastewater treatment operations are protected and effective in assuring that the millions of gallons of wastewater treated each day at our facilities meets the strictest water quality standards and permit effluent for discharging to receiving streams in our community. This program is also responsible for ensuring that pollutant sludge standards are met consistently to allow the City to continue producing biosolids that can be re-used beneficially. The position requires someone with environmental regulatory expertise and an ability not just to learn and understand existing and new complex regulations, but also to teach commercial and industrial stakeholders and community members about these regulations and how to comply with them in furtherance of these goals. The Pretreatment Compliance Specialist, Senior position being advertised will play a large role in our program’s team that focuses on industrial user permitting, inspection and pretreatment plan reviews, but the person hired will also be expected to contribute and develop experience and expertise in all other program areas and activities.
Position(s) will be filled at the following location:
Permitting and Development Center (PDC); 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, TX 78752
Days and Hours:
Monday through Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Flexible); rotating on call
Benefits:
Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information.
When completing the City of Austin employment application:
- A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
- Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.
- Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.
- The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
- A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.
If you are selected as a top candidate:
- Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
- If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
- A criminal background investigation is required
Retention Incentive Bonus:
This position may be eligible for an Incentive Bonus of up to $3,000!
$500 after 90 days.
$500 after 180 days.
$1,000 after 1 year.
$1,000 after 2 years.
Driving Requirement:
This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
Travel:
If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
Essential Employee:
- This has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a City-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a City-designated work site, or may be retained on site to assist with operations and recovery.
Secondary Employment:
- All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.
- Austin Water will review all secondary employment.
- Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.
All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any Austin Water worksite – including construction sites, parking lot, garage or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.
90-day Provision:
This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department.
Electronic Notification to Applicants:
- Applicants will be notified via e-mail to communicate information related to the status of their application as part of an ongoing effort to increase operational efficiency, promote a green environment and minimize delays and costs.
- Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. The City of Austin/Austin Water will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive email communications, fail to check your inbox, or fail to respond in a timely manner.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO APPLICANTS:
- Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Please note that the Department may close the job posting at any time after 7 days.
- Postings close at 12:00 a.m. on the listed End Date. All application steps – including document uploads and final submission – must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the End Date.
- We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.
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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
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EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
