Regulatory Compliance Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The District:
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Corporate Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

I RWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position:

Under general supervision, perform various routine and special sampling and analyses of potable water treatment, storage and distribution systems, wastewater treatment systems, and reclaimed water storage and distribution systems according to approved methodologies. Access complex facilities including water, wastewater, biosolids, and recycled water treatment and distribution processes; interface with the Water Quality Team to determine sampling needs and drop off collected samples; use and maintain sampling and monitoring equipment including composite samplers, pH, and other similar handheld devices; respond to customer service calls via electronic communications and in person regarding water quality within the service area; provide compliance support including collecting reviewing and reporting data and information and communicating compliance status.

The incumbent may be required to work standby on a rotational basis and report to work on a callback basis as needed. Standby assignments are at the discretion of the Regulatory Compliance Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHINGCHARACTERISTICS
This is an advanced entry-level to mid-journey level professional classification in the Regulatory Compliance Specialist series. Positions at this level are responsible for performing routine field monitoring of a diverse set of facilities throughout the service area including boating on open reservoirs. Most of the fieldwork is conducted independently with the exception of boating and watercraft, which is done in pairs. All work is used for compliance or process control purposes, so incumbents must strictly adhere to standard operating procedures and ethical work practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs daily field monitoring of potable, recycled and wastewater systems throughout the service area.

Coordinates daily with the Regulatory Compliance field team to schedule monitoring routes and ensure all samples are collected.

Follows proper sampling methods including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), proper sample collection containers, sample location and identification, the use of preservatives (when required), proper labeling and sealing, and proper storage and transport.

Adheres to standard operating procedures, safe work practices, and cheat sheets during daily activities.

Works independently while using an assigned work vehicle and other equipment for a majority of daily activities.

Tows, launches, drives and recovers a small watercraft for sampling some open reservoir locations.

Coordinates with the Water Quality Team (laboratory) for proper sample collection including timing, containers, and drop-off (chain of custody procedures).

Assists Regulatory Compliance Administrative staff by assisting in the drafting of regulatory reports.

Collaborates on a variety of Regulatory Compliance Programs including Drinking Water, Discharge permits (NPDES/WDR), and South Coast AQMD.

Coordinates with other agencies on monitoring and compliance (including OC San, SOCWA, and OCWD).

Assists with the implementation of IRWD’s pretreatment and Fat, Oils, and Grease (FOG) programs including inspection, monitoring and report writing.

Uses the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) program to schedule, track and review samples.

Assists with development, review, and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on a periodic basis.

Attends relevant seminars, training, to remain current with new technologies or advances in environmental monitoring and potable/non-potable water fields.

Exercises safe handling and preparation procedures for chemicals and reagents used in the analysis and preservation of samples.

Adheres and complies with the Laboratory and District’s Safety Policies and Procedures and complete/attend mandatory safety trainings.

Maintains appropriate inventory levels of chemicals, reagents, media, sample containers and operating supplies used in assigned analyses. Notify supervisor in a timely manner of restock needs to avoid out of stock conditions. Minimize excess inventory of chemicals and reagents that have a limited shelf life to reduce waste and disposal costs.

Assists with special projects when assigned.

May be required to work varying shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, on-call duty (Standby Program) and respond to callbacks and may be required to work on weekends and Holidays as needed for coverage. Incumbent may be required to work any of the District’s work schedules, including weekends and Holidays. Assigned work shifts may be changed from time to time at the discretion of the District.

Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field is required, including Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific field

Experience: Two (2) years of experience and technical knowledge of the general principles of sample collection, field monitoring, and monitoring equipment usage and maintenance.

Professional internship experience at a water, wastewater or related agency may be considered.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, techniques, equipment, and materials required for routine laboratory analyses of water, potable and non-potable water, biosolids, sludges, solids, air, and/or other environmental samples related to process control and regulatory compliance.
• Basic principles and processes of water treatment and distribution and wastewater collection and treatment.
• Operational characteristics, use of, and maintenance/calibration requirements of laboratory and sampling equipment.
• Units of measurement and concentration used in a water quality laboratory and field monitoring including pH, mg/L, temperature, and mL.
• Advanced mathematic and statistical techniques.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping, report writing, and preparation of correspondence.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively working with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and programs, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Make accurate advanced mathematical and statistical computations.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Navigate State and Federal electronic reporting tools for data entry and report generation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a laboratory and standard office setting and use laboratory instruments and standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials, laboratory instruments, and a computer screen; color vision to read and interpret laboratory results; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas is required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate laboratory instruments and standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 35 pounds with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas..

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in a laboratory environment with moderate to excessive noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and exposure to dust, fumes and/or allergens, biologic/infectious agents, hazardous chemicals, and unpleasant odors. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. While in the field employees are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, June 4, 2025) : will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Elgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: 6/2/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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