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Senior Water Quality Program Specialist

City of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States


Job Summary

This position is responsible for providing regulatory support to six wastewater treatment plants with a permitted capacity of 124.2 MGD. It supports the monitoring of regulatory requirements set forth in the Federal Clean Water Act and NC water quality regulations as they relate to wastewater treatment, storm water discharges, biosolids, and reclaimed water usage. Duties include technical analysis of treatment plant data, development and reporting of compliance-related documents, and planning of compliance strategies. The role also supports various environmental permit programs, collaborates with consultants, contractors, and regulators to evaluate existing facilities and meet permit requirements, and conducts field work related to investigating illicit discharges and treatment plant upsets. Additionally, the position prepares reports, provides support to management staff through regulation review and impact analysis, addresses customer concerns, and supports the Environmental Management System to promote continuous improvement.
Essential Job Functions

Serve as the backup to the Water Quality Program Administrator and maintain program continuity in the Administrator’s absence.
Supervise the Water Quality Program Intern.
Support regulatory requirements set forth in the Federal Clean Water Act and NC water quality regulations for NPDES and Non-Discharge Permitting, including sampling plans, staff training, internal policies, and all aspects of permitting and compliance.
Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies on special projects, inspections, and permitting initiatives.
Provide quality control and review of regulatory data and reports; review regulations at all levels and recommend impacts to the department.
Assist with troubleshooting process control issues that have regulatory implications and provide guidance.
Coordinate laboratory work and special sampling projects with Laboratory Services Division.
Assist in evaluating novel wastewater processes and new technologies that enhance treatment performance and compliance.
Provide education and training on sampling, permit requirements, and related matters.
Possibly represent Charlotte Water at public outreach, task forces, and committees related to wastewater treatment and regulatory compliance.
Manage regulatory requirements for stormwater management at six CLTWater facilities, keeping Integrated Congingency Plans current, training staff, and overseeing permitting, monitoring, and compliance.
Review and update industrial user allocation tables, long‑term monitoring plans, and technical headworks analysis for the Industrial Pretreatment Program; assist with trunkline monitoring and illicit discharge investigations.
Support the EMS by performing work focused on environmental protection, customer service, and continual improvement; participate in corrective actions, meet division objectives, and lead special improvement projects; serve on the EMS Management Review Team.
Support CLTWater’s Biosolids and Residuals Program through data review, reporting, and regulatory compliance activities.
Streamline internal and external compliance processes; prepare data summaries, reports, and correspondence as needed.
Coordinate with consultants and contractors on evaluation of plant performance, manual updates, and permitting issues.
Ensure all data is complete, accurate, and reported appropriately on monthly discharge monitoring reports.
Manage, review, and interpret analytical data; collaborate with Laboratory Services to resolve issues, track indicators, complete surveys, and prepare award applications.
Maintain required documents.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements To Perform Work

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural science, engineering, or a related science‑based field.
Five (5) years of related experience, preferably in wastewater treatment, stormwater, and/or industrial pretreatment.
Licenses, Certifications or Registrations

Desired credentials: Grade I Wastewater Operator License; Grade III NCPC certification; Laboratory Analyst I certification.
Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, policies, procedures, regulations, codes, and ordinances applicable to stormwater management, wastewater treatment, reclaimed water usage, biosolids land application, and industrial pretreatment.
Strong attention to detail.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and as part of a team.
Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret sampling data.
Ability to read and interpret maps and engineering drawings.
Ability to interpret environmental permit requirements, regulations, and laws.
Ability to coordinate with federal, state, and regional agencies.
Ability to perform a wide variety of duties with accuracy and speed under time‑sensitive deadlines.
Skill in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel.
Must have the ability to obtain a City driving permit.
Physical Demands

Medium physical work involving frequent application of 30 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds to move objects. Required physical abilities include balancing, climbing, crouching, reaching, kneeling, lifting, manual dexterity, and visual acuity for data and equipment inspections.
Work Environment

Fast‑paced, dynamic environment requiring willingness to adapt to changing goals and priorities, routine field work, and occasional on‑call emergency work.
Additional Information

This job description is not an exhaustive list and may be updated. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform primary job functions.
Conditions of Employment

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks for all candidates. Background checks include reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction, credit history (where applicable), sex offender registry, and motor vehicle records. Checks must comply with federal and state statutes such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act and must be conducted with written authorization. Candidates must pass a pre‑employment drug‑screening test and physical examination. Selection may include skills tests.
Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or perceived gender.
Benefits

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

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