Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Senior Environmental Specialist

Energy & Utilities
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental science or related field.
  • 8+ years of environmental compliance experience (6+ with a Master’s).
  • 2+ years at the Environmental Specialist level or equivalent.
  • Proven leadership in managing EHS programs across multiple media.
  • Experience with air quality, wastewater, and hazardous materials compliance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and execution of EHS compliance programs.
  • Monitor and implement compliance strategies based on evolving legislation.
  • Utilize Environmental Management Information System (EMIS) for data tracking.
  • Act as liaison with regulatory agencies and manage partnerships.
  • Conduct environmental studies and prepare technical reports for management.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, life, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with matching contributions and a 457 plan.
  • CalPERS retirement benefits.
  • Tuition reimbursement programs.
  • Career development and training opportunities.
  • Access to public transportation incentives.
  • On-site fitness center for employee wellness.
Full Job Description

There is currently one (1) opening for Senior Environmental Specialist located at Union Station, Los Angeles, CA. 

This recruitment may result in an eligibility list*. 

 

Job SummaryThe Senior Environmental Specialist leads the development, coordination, and implementation of complex environmental, health, and safety (EHS) compliance programs and technical studies across multiple Metropolitan sites. Serving as a technical subject matter expert, this role provides high-level program management and regulatory oversight across key disciplines including air quality, wastewater, stormwater, underground and aboveground storage tanks, hazardous materials and waste management, and health and safety. Based at the Los Angeles Headquarters, this position requires periodic travel and occasional overnight stays at field facilities throughout Southern California.

 

What You’ll Do 

  • Program & Compliance Leadership: Formulate compliance strategies, secure environmental permits, and review changing legislation to assess organizational impacts. Monitor federal, state, and local regulations to minimize risk for employees, the environment, and the public.
  • Technical Systems & Data Tracking: Utilize specialized Environmental Management Information System (EMIS) software and online platforms—including, but not limited to: SCAQMD Permit Database, CARB DOORS/R3 databases, CERS, GeoTracker, LACPW EPIC system, CalOES Spill Reporting, and the DTSC Hazardous WasteTracking System—to manage compliance data and streamline cloud-based tracking tools.
  • Agency Collaboration & Liaison: Serve as a primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, local governments, and member agencies. Lead negotiations, respond to inquiries, and establish strong partnerships with internal and external entities to represent Metropolitan's operational interests.
  • Internal Partnership & Training: Partner with internal teams to evaluate day-to-day compliance, deliver technical expertise, make recommendations to supervisors, and design EHS awareness and training programs for personnel.
  • Reporting & Documentation: Conduct staff analyses, execute complex environmental studies, and prepare technical reports, general correspondence, and Board letters for management review.

Schedule: 9/80, Monday through Friday with every other Friday off

This job announcement has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification / job.

 

To view the full job description click here: Sr. Environmental Specialist

Schedule: 9/80 Start times are no earlier than 6 am and end times are no later than 6 pm.

 

Hybrid: Metropolitan’s current practice in this position is a hybrid work schedule. This typically includes two days a week in person and the other days remote. This is subject to change dependent on organizational needs. In addition, a telework policy is scheduled for negotiations and once completed and implemented, will provide final direction on the hybrid schedule.

 

 

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDSMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation and Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, engineering, biology, ecology, planning, or other directly related field, and eight years of progressively responsible experience, including two years at the Environmental Specialist level or equivalent; or a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, engineering, biology, ecology, planning, or other directly related field, and six years of progressively responsible experience including two years at the Environmental Specialist level or equivalent.  

 

Relevant/Related Experience is defined as: demonstrated experience serving as a lead for Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs, including managing multi-media environmental compliance areas such as Air Quality and Permitting, Underground Storage Tanks (UST), Industrial Wastewater, NPDES stormwater/wastewater reporting, and Hazardous Material Management.

 

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Environmental, Health, and Safety, Water Quality - Experience in public sector, water industry, public utilities; Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM); Certified Safety Professional (CSP); SCAQMD Certified Permitting Professional (CPP).

 

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTSLicense(s): Valid California Class C Driver’s License or equivalent (required at time of application) that allows you to drive during your employment.

 

CLOSINGBENEFITS

  • Competitive compensation
  • Excellent medical, dental, life, vision plans.
  • Deferred compensation in the form of a 401(k) plan (with matching contribution) and a 457 plan.
  • Retirement benefits under the California Public Employees' Retirement System 
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Training and advancement opportunities
  • Excellent working environment
  • Public transportation reimbursements
  • Hub of public transportation: rail, subway, buses, and taxis
  • On-site fitness center

   For more information on MWD benefits, please use the following link: Benefits Regular Full Time Employee (Represented)

 

 

#LI-Hybrid

 

About Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) is a regional wholesaler that delivers water to 26 member public agencies ? 14 cities, 11 municipal water districts, and one county water authority ? that serve 19 million people in six counties. MWD is governed by a 38-member board of directors that represents its member agencies. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and operates a water treatment plant and a water recycling plant. MWD also provides water conservation and education programs, and is involved in research and development of new water supply technologies.
Learn more about Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Size
1,932 employees
Industry
Founded
1928

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