Compliance Specialist

The Compliance Specialist ensures that Texas water systems adhere to all federal and state drinking water regulations, including the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements under 30 TAC. This position is responsible for monitoring, reporting, documentation, and internal controls, ensuring timely and accurate communication with regulatory bodies and stakeholders. The Compliance Specialist works closely with field operations, engineering, water quality, laboratory partners, and the Administrative Manager to maintain compliance and strong documentation practices across all operational activities.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with SDWA and TCEQ drinking water regulations (30 TAC).
• Prepare and submit required regulatory reports to TCEQ, including Monthly OperatingReports (MORs), Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), public notices, BPAT/crossconnection documentation, and other compliance filings.
• Maintain TCEQ compliance calendars and ensure reporting deadlines are met.

Sampling & Water Quality Management

• Manage sampling schedules for required tests, including bacteriological, DBP (Disinfection By-Products), WQP (Water Quality Parameters), lead and copper, nitrates, and other regulatory sampling.
• Ensure proper chain-of-custody procedures and collaborate with certified labs for sample analysis.
• Review test results, escalate concerns, and work with field teams to implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Assist with repeat sampling and follow-up notification in case of violations or sampling issues.

Documentation & Recordkeeping

• Maintain Texas-specific compliance records, including sampling plans, logs, and operational records.
• Ensure compliance with Texas document retention rules and prepare materials for inspections, audits, and sanitary surveys.
• Maintain accurate and organized compliance documentation to ensure transparency and easy access during audits or regulatory reviews.

Audits, Inspections & Internal Controls

• Support TCEQ inspections and internal compliance audits.
• Assist in the development and implementation of corrective action plans in response to non-compliance findings.
• Ensure internal controls are in place for accurate reporting, data integrity, and SOX-compliant processes.

Operational Support

• Assist local operations with compliance tasks such as chlorine residual monitoring, system logs, and tank inspections.
• Support the timely issuance of emergency notifications (e.g., boil water notices, pressure loss events).
• Monitor operator certification requirements and ensure renewals are tracked and completed.

Stakeholder Communication & Reporting

• Act as a liaison between internal teams, external stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and customers.
• Prepare customer notices, public communications, and reports as needed.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure consistency in compliance practices and operational efficiency.

Compliance Policy Development & Maintenance

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and maintenance of internal compliance policies, procedures, and programs.
• Track changes in federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring internal departments are informed and compliant.
• Assist in the preparation and distribution of compliance training materials and track staff participation.

Incident Investigation & Corrective Actions

• Assist in investigating compliance violations, incidents, and non-conformance issues.
• Prepare follow-up reports and ensure corrective actions are documented and implemented.

Compliance Database & System Management

• Maintain and update compliance databases, ensuring accurate records, logs, and reporting systems.
• Ensure compliance-related data transparency and proper tracking for audits and regulatory reporting.

Compliance Specialist I

Required Qualifications

• One (1) year or more of experience supporting compliance, regulatory reporting, environmental programs, water quality, utility operations, or a related function.
• Experience working in a regulated environment with established policies, procedures, reporting requirements, or regulatory oversight.
• Superb organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, maintain accurate records, and prioritize competing responsibilities.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to analyze information for accuracy and completeness.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, documentation, and stakeholder communications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in water, wastewater, natural gas, electric utility, environmental, public health, laboratory, or related regulated industries.
• Knowledge of federal, state, or local regulatory compliance programs.
• Experience supporting audits, inspections, corrective actions, or compliance reporting activities.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Public Administration, Business, Engineering, or a related field.

Compliance Specialist II

Required Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience in compliance, regulatory affairs, environmental programs, utility operations, water quality, or a related field.
• Experience interpreting regulations, policies, or standards and applying them to operational or business processes.
• Experience independently preparing reports, maintaining compliance documentation, and coordinating responses to regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to identify compliance risks, investigate issues, develop corrective actions, and manage follow-through to resolution.
• Proven analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the water utility industry or another highly regulated industry.
• Knowledge of drinking water regulations, environmental regulations, utility operations, or public utility compliance programs.
• Experience supporting regulatory inspections, audits, internal controls, or compliance management systems.
• Experience working with compliance databases, reporting systems, or document management platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.