Public Works Environmental Compliance Specialist

Job Description

The Public Works Environmental Compliance Specialist ensures that the City’s Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, Solid Waste, and Composting programs comply with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations. This professional position is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring environmental compliance programs; preparing and submitting regulatory reports; conducting field inspections; providing training to staff; and supporting the City’s commitment to best management practices across all public works operations.

The position plays a key role in stormwater program management, including the collection and testing of runoff samples, field inspections of construction sites, and assists with maintenance of the City’s stormwater GIS database and runoff model. It oversees permit compliance, renewals, and deadlines related to water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, and assists in implementing the City’s Stormwater Management Plan, related ordinances, policies, and public outreach programs.

The Public Works Environmental Compliance Specialist works in close collaboration with the Water, Water Pollution Control, Sanitation Services, Engineering, and Street Services departments, ensuring that each division adheres to environmental permit conditions and stays current on regulatory requirements. The role provides guidance to the Public Works Director, represents the City’s interests to regulatory agencies and stakeholders, and serves as a key technical advisor on permit and compliance matters.

This position requires strong analytical skills, the ability to interpret complex regulatory frameworks, and experience with infrastructure mapping and environmental database systems. Success in this role depends on attention to detail, clear communication, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments.

The work environment includes office and field settings. Field duties may involve exposure to adverse weather, high-traffic areas, and hazards related to storm drain and river sampling. The position operates under the direction of the Public Works Business & Administration Director.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Stormwater Management & GIS:

• Assists with the development of the City’s stormwater GIS database and map interface to ensure compliance with federal stormwater permit standards.
• Updates the City’s stormwater runoff model using data collected from new and existing construction and land use changes.
• Assists City employees on GIS mapping systems and provides support to other City departments as needed.
• Reviews and makes recommendations on stormwater collection and dispersal plans for new construction projects.
• Conducts field inspections of construction sites (during and after development) to assess erosion control measures, runoff impacts, and sediment loads.
• Collects and tests stormwater and river samples to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local water quality standards.
• Administers the City’s MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) Permit for the Pocatello Urbanized Area (PUA), including coordination with co-permittees and development of a stormwater management plan.
• Implements stormwater policies, ordinances, and regulations, and ensures development projects comply with the City’s stormwater management plan.
  
  

Environmental Compliance Monitoring

• Monitors compliance with applicable regulations and standards from EPA, DEQ, and local agencies, related to water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, and composting compliance requirements. With knowledge of OSHA regulations.
• Prepares, reviews, and submits regulatory reports including NPDES permits, RCRA reports, discharge monitoring reports (DMRs), and recycling/diversion/composting compliance reports.
• Conducts internal audits and inspections of facilities, procedures, and environmental systems to ensure ongoing compliance with environmental permits and best practices.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation related to permits, inspections, sampling, composting compliance (e.g., temperature logs, odor controls, product quality, as required), and other environmental compliance activities.
• Coordinates with City departments to address deficiencies or violations, implements corrective actions, and ensures ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Provides training to staff on environmental regulations, composting-related compliance standards, safety procedures, and waste handling requirements.
• Supports emergency response planning and environmental incident management (e.g., spills, runoff events, or improper waste disposal).
  
  

Policy, Coordination, And Advising

• Assists in the creation and implementation of City-wide environmental policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinates with City departments to implement cross-functional environmental compliance programs, including air quality, water conservation, watershed protection, and habitat management.
• Coordinates with regulatory agencies, auditors, and environmental stakeholders.
• Serves as liaison to interagency partners, co-permittees (e.g., City of Chubbuck, Bannock County, ITD, ISU), and environmental advisory committees, as assigned.
  
  

Outreach, Education & Reporting

• Supports public outreach and education initiatives on stormwater quality, environmental compliance, composting standards, recycling, and waste reduction programs.
• Develops and delivers internal and external presentations to City staff, the public, and regulatory partners.
• Tracks changes in environmental regulations and recommends necessary updates to City policies, practices, and training programs.
  
  

Other Duties And Expectations

• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
  
  

Acceptable Experience, Training, Licenses And/Or Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical science, or a related field is required OR 4 years of related full-time work or military experience (8 years if part-time), related to degree
• Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of two years’ advanced or technical training is required.
• Two (2) to three (3) years’ experience in GIS mapping, hydrology, or a related field is preferred.
• Idaho driver’s license required.
• 2–5 years of experience in environmental compliance, water quality testing, or stormwater management.
• APWA Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) preferred
  
  

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Classification Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty and be successful in the position.

Knowledge Of

• Federal, state, City, and other applicable statutes, codes, and regulations applicable to storm and runoff water collection, sampling, testing, and quality.
• Federal and state environmental regulations, including RCRA (Resources Conservation and Recovery Act), CWA (Clean Water Act), SDWA (Safe Drinking Water Act), NPDES permits, OSHA standards, composting guidelines, and other related environmental laws.
• Storm, runoff, and non-point source water and pollution management methods, techniques, and objectives.
• Stormwater and stream restoration design plans and construction drawings.
• Methods, techniques, and objectives of GIS and other data collection and computer mapping and modeling systems.
• Storm and runoff water management methods, techniques, and objectives.
• Storm and river water collection and testing methods, techniques, and objectives.
• Data collection and recording methods, techniques, and objectives.
• Operations related to water distribution, wastewater treatment/collection, stormwater systems, composting, and solid waste management.
• Federal (OSHA) regulations and City policies regarding safe work practices.
• Operation of standard office equipment.
• Operation of a personal computer and job-related software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite and compliance tracking software.
  
  

Skill And Ability To

• Collect data on stormwater runoff from existing and new building and construction to update the stormwater runoff model.
• Review, analyze, and make recommendations on new construction stormwater collection and dispersal plans.
• Collect and analyze data on post-construction erosion and sediment control to update the model.
• Perform field inspections and ensure compliance of new and post-construction sites to enforce requirements for erosion control, runoff, and sediment loads.
• Collect and test stormwater and river samples to determine compliance with federal, state, and other applicable stormwater runoff standards.
• Assist with the development of the stormwater GIS database and mapping interface.
• Update the City’s related stormwater runoff model.
• Supervise and coordinate stormwater system maintenance with other City departments.
• Coordinate outreach, education, and engagement programs with private property owners, developers, contractors, and the public on stormwater control.
• Ensure the City is in compliance with federal stormwater and other applicable environmental regulations.
• Assist in the implementation of the City’s stormwater management program, including policies, ordinances, and regulations.
• Assist with public education and outreach programs.
• Coordinate with other City departments on environmental compliance programs (e.g., groundwater, surface water, air quality, energy conservation, watershed and habitat management).
• Operate a motor vehicle.
• Operate standard office equipment and a personal computer.
• Interpret and apply environmental regulations and technical documents accurately.
• Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, including preparing reports, training staff, and interacting with regulatory agencies and the public.
• Demonstrate strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Work independently and collaboratively across departments and divisions.
• Maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected officials, City staff, and the public.
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
• Complete assignments in a timely manner; understand and comply with applicable rules, policies, and regulations.
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal and public safety.
  
  

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field environment, which may include construction sites. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires the operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

The City of Pocatello offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees:

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PERSI Retirement
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• 457 Retirement Planning
• HRA VEBA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Medical
• Dependent Care
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
  
  

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you're just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.