Salary: $70,179.00 - $120,411.00 Annually
Location : Headquarters: 2800 U.S. Hwy 281 N., San Antonio, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:Department: WATER RESOURCES-GOV RELATIONS
Opening Date: 11/13/2026
Closing Date: 12/13/2026 11:59 PM Central
Grade 20: Salary Starts at $70,179.00 annually. Rate of pay depends on qualifications. Job DescriptionJOB SUMMARYThe Environmental Protection Specialist IV applies advanced knowledge of various water and wastewater principles, practices, and regulations to perform and coordinate the activities of cross-functional teams in a full range of environmental protection activities, including data collection and analysis, inspection, monitoring, sampling, and public education. S/he assists supervisors and managers with oversight of inspections, enforcement actions, review of permit applications, and site plans for compliance, managing contracts, and interpreting various water quality regulations. S/he works under works under limited supervision/guidance.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Assists supervisors and managers with proper implementation of water quality programs and compliance with standard operating procedures by reviewing work activities and training other staff on appropriate procedures and protocols.
- Conducts studies on complex environmental issues and their effects on public health and the environment.
- Gathers, evaluates, and interprets environmental data for complex sources of pollution to determine regulatory compliance, ambient conditions, trending, and cause and effect relationships between contamination sources and impacts. May collect, analyze, and interpret geologic and hydro geological data.
- Leads teams in the development and implementation of policies and programs in accordance with the environmental and water quality goals of the System. Coordinates, interacts, and provides recommendations/direction to staff and executive management for decision-making processes concerning SAWS policies.
- May perform complex environmental audits, field analyses, site inspections, and surveys to determine the extent of compliance/non-compliance with applicable local, state, and federal water quality regulations and permits. May negotiate compliance schedules and activities with the regulated community and follows up on progress. May assess the need for corrective/preventive action; and initiates corrective action as appropriate.
- Reviews and evaluates construction plans and specifications, complex permit applications and pollution control plans, proposed compliance strategies or other proposals and recommends approval or disapproval. Gathers, evaluates, and interprets environmental data for sources of pollution to determine regulatory compliance, and cause and effect relationships between contamination sources and impacts. Reviews, evaluates, and edits permits or technical reports written by other staff.
- Develops, coordinates, monitors, and directs project execution and schedules for projects.
- May develop and negotiate contracts, settlements, and issues with SAWS contractors, consultants, and the public.
- Responds to oil, sewage, and chemical spills and emergency situations requiring containment of the spilled substance to support assessment and action.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS- Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Chemistry, Geographical Information Systems, or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
- Four years' experience in natural resource management, urban or environmental planning, regulatory compliance, geographical information systems (GIS) applications, or experience inspecting, investigating, or monitoring storm water, pretreatment of wastewater, or related environmental activities to comply with mandated regulations.
- Experience leading team projects, developing and negotiating contracts, and/or developing and implementing guidelines and procedures.
- TCEQ Class "D" Water Operator License within 6 months and Class "C" Water Distribution Operator License within 24 months of hire.
- Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.
- Pass position specific physical testing.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATION- Registered Environmental Manager License.
- TCEQ Class "II" Wastewater Collection Operator License.
JOB DIMENSIONS- Communicates effectively, verbally and in writing.
- Frequent contact with internal and external customers, consultants, vendors, and government agencies.
- Has regular, in-person and telephone contact with the public and regulated community representatives to explain environmental rules and laws, answers general technical inquiries, responds to complaints, performs inspections or investigations, and gains cooperation in achieving compliance.
- Participates in public and industry education by developing and presenting technical material, or communicating scientific and technical information through oral briefings, written documents, or written testimony.
- Provides input on the development of environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements. Assists with implementation of these standards, once adopted.
- Proficient in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONSPhysical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 100 pounds occasionally and pushing/pulling a maximum force of 35 pounds. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, kneeling, and working in cramped and strained positions for long periods of time.
Working conditions are both in an office environment and a field environment where there is a heavy traffic, construction, rugged terrain, and inclement and hazardous environmental conditions. If a part of the "emergency response team" must be able to complete and maintain the requirements as specified in applicable regulations for Hazardous Materials Emergency Response, including clearance for use of respiratory protection and other associated protective equipment. Also operates a company vehicle on a daily basis.
San Antonio Water System values the contributions of all its employees, providing them the best in compensation and benefits. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain a workforce of qualified employees who share a responsibility in providing quality water to 1 million consumers.
From an affordable medical and dental plan to life-sustaining retirement and insurance plans, we offer benefits that reward employees for their commitment to a challenging career at SAWS. Employee benefits include the following:
- Competitive, market-based salaries
- Performance-based incentives
- Medical benefits
- Dental benefits
- Life insurance
- Prescription drug program
- Vision care plan
- Two retirement plans
- Deferred compensation plans (457 plan)
- Disability income
- Paid leave (vacation, sick, personal)
- Education assistance program
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible, tax-deferred health and dependent care spending accounts
- Wellness programs
- On-Site Fitness Facilities
- Community service opportunities
Click on the link for additional information regarding benefits:
01
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree or higher level of education in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Chemistry, Geographical Information Systems, or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency?
02
Identify your degree level, and major.
03
How many years of experience do you have in natural resource management, urban or environmental planning, regulatory compliance, geographical information systems (GIS) applications, or experience inspecting, investigating, or monitoring storm water, pretreatment of wastewater, or related environmental activities to comply with mandated regulations?
- No Experience
- Less than 2 years of experience
- Between 2 years of experience but less than 4 years of experience
- 4 years or more of experience
04
Describe your experience in natural resource management, urban or environmental planning, regulatory compliance, geographical information systems (GIS) applications, or experience inspecting, investigating, or monitoring storm water, pretreatment of wastewater, or related environmental activities to comply with mandated regulations as outlined in your application and/or resume. If no experience, enter N/A.
05
Do you have experience with leading team projects, developing and negotiating contracts, and/or developing and implementing guidelines and procedures as outlined in your application and/or resume.
- No Experience
- Less than 1 year of experience
- Between 1 year and 3 years of experience
- More than 3 years of experience
06
Do you have a TCEQ Class "D" Water Operator License and Class "C" Water Distribution Operator License?
- Yes, I have a TCEQ Class "D" Water Operator License.
- No, I do not have a TCEQ Class "D" Water Operator License License, but I understand that I must obtain within 6 months of hire.
- Yes, I have a TCEQ Class "C" Water Distribution Operator License.
- No, I do not have a TCEQ Class "C" Water Distribution Operator License, but I understand that I must obtain within 24 months of hire.
- I have both a TCEQ Class "D" Water Operator License and TCEQ Class "C" Water Distribution Operator License
07
Do you have a valid Texas driver's license? If so, what type of driver's license do you have?
- Class C
- Class CDL - B
- Class CDL - A
- I do not have a valid driver's license.
- I have a valid driver's license from another state.
08
Describe your experience working with customers or external partners as outlined in your application and/or resume. If not experience, enter N/A.
09
Describe your experience overseeing regulatory based programs as outlined in your application and/or resume. If no experience, enter N/A.
10
Describe your level of knowledge as it pertains to current federal and state lead and copper regulations as outlined in your application and/or resume. If no experience, enter N/A.
11
Describe your background working with/overseeing consultants and contractors as outlined in your application and/or resume. If no experience, enter N/A.
Required Question
