Water Quality & Compliance Supervisor presso City of Avondale, AZ

About the Department

Position Duties

Analyzes, monitors, updates and maintains data and documentation as required to maintain compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations. Ensures the City meets all requirements and maintains compliance with legislation such as the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act. Oversees compliance sampling, testing, quality assurance, reporting, implementation of SOPs and compliance strategies to ensure the accurate and timely completion of compliance activities.

Oversees the development and implementation of the pretreatment program, cross-connection control program and stormwater program. Guides the development of codes and code revisions, SOPs, permit applications, compliance software and process improvements for these programs.

Leads or contributes to the reporting and renewal efforts for critical permits and/or reports on City operations with respect to water quality. Expected permits and reports include, but are not limited to, the AZPDES Permit, Aquifer Protection Permit, Discharge Monitoring Report, Self-Monitoring Report Form, Underground Storage Facility Permit, Water Storage Permits, Consumer Confidence Report, Annual Withdrawal Report and other permits/reports from entities such as, but not limited to, Central Arizona Project, Salt River Project, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

Supervises and provides leadership to the Water Quality and Compliance staff, including Environmental Technicians and Environmental Coordinators. Participates in the staff hiring process, training and supervision of employees within the Water Quality and Compliance Division. Provides employee performance reviews, mentorship, education and makes improvement recommendations, as required. Encourages employee development opportunities where available.

Plans and prioritizes divisional goals, with an emphasis on developing staff to take ownership and accountability for their respective programs. Prioritizes and promotes safety and working in a safe manner with members of the Water Quality and Compliance team and with others working in and for the City.

Monitors existing and proposed changes to water quality statutes, rules, regulations and policies to determine the potential impact on the City. Reviews City policies and procedures and ensures compliance by making appropriate adjustments. Establishes guides and procedures for meeting new water quality requirements such as the Lead & Copper Rule Revision and emerging contaminants like per – and polyfluoroalkyl substances. (PFAS) Provides updates and recommendations to City Management & City Council on water quality issues including regulatory trends, resource acquisitions, anticipated expenditures and more.

Manages water quality and compliance by tracking development permit requirements, communicating with other City divisions and departments. Tracks permits utilizing the City’s software and recommends process improvements to management. Assists with select sampling of new water mains in coordination with the Engineering Department.

Responds to water quality-related issues, inquiries from the public, and organizes field investigations. Provides thorough and clear correspondence on these issues to executive management and coordinates with operational divisions to seek solutions based on technical principles.

Supports staff with field efforts such as inspections, sampling, water leaks, and/or backflow assembly testing as necessary.

Prepares and administers the annual Water Quality Division budget. Monitors and forecasts expenditures, presents proposals for approval, authorizes payments and makes required budget adjustments. Monitors, adjusts and makes recommendations on staffing to perform the necessary functions of the water quality division.

Acts as a liaison between the city and regulatory agencies regarding water quality-related issues. Prepares and delivers professional level presentations to the department and/or helps prepare and deliver presentations to city leadership, outside agencies, professional organizations and the general public.

Assists with the implementation and tracking of strategic initiatives as they relate to Public Works and the City’s adopted strategic plan. Assists with other Department objectives and goals as necessary.

Oversees operations, maintenance, and scheduling of the Avondale Mobile Drinking Water Trailer ("Tap Trailer") for use during City of Avondale events.

Minimum Qualifications

A minimum of an associate’s degree or higher in Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, or similar water or similar water or wastewater related field.

Must have a broad knowledge of municipal Public Works activities and a specific knowledge of the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act.

Must have a broad knowledge of the principles and practices of water production, water distribution systems, groundwater recharge, backflow prevention, compliance sampling, biological and chemical processes as it relates to drinking water, industrial pretreatment, storm water management and wastewater treatment.

A minimum of five (5) years of technical experience in enforcing or complying with Federal, State and local environmental regulations, which include experience administering drinking water, wastewater, and/or stormwater regulatory programs.

A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience, which may run concurrently with technical experience listed above.

An equivalent combination of education, and job-related experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis.

Possession of an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Grade III Certification in any two of the four ADEQ categories of Water Distribution, Water Treatment, Wastewater Collection and Wastewater Treatment is required at the time of hire and must be kept current throughout employment.

The following certifications are preferred, but not required for consideration:  Stormwater Inspection (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System), Cross Connection Control Specialist (American Backflow Prevention Association) and/or Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) and any ADEQ Certifications above Grade III.  

A valid Arizona Driver’s License is required.

Other Qualifications

Work requires the ability to read various documents, memos and reports from other departments, regulatory agencies and vendors. Must be able to read and interpret laws regulating municipal water operations, complex chemical, biological, mechanical and regulatory reports or specifications.

College level math to include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, financial formulas, unit conversions and projections.

Ability to produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper grammar; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; and observe, review and provide meaningful feedback on the work of others to ensure conformance to standards.

Work requires considerable initiative and independent analytical and evaluating judgment.

Developing and implementing specific water quality, industrial pretreatment, backflow, cross connection and groundwater recharge strategies and programs.  Preparing budget estimates and controlling expenditures, coordinating long-range division plans for enhanced water quality programs.

Responsible for the Water Quality & Compliance budget preparation and management. Reviews and approves expenditures of budgeted funds for the division and prepares recommendations for department and/or city-wide regulatory program expenditures.

Work requires managing and monitoring work performance of multiple direct reports, including making decisions on hiring, employee development, evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed.

Employee normally performs the duty assignment according to independent judgment, requesting managerial assistance and approval intermittently. Assignments are reviewed upon completion and performance is reviewed with feedback.

This position will provide team leadership to staff through work direction, aid staff in troubleshooting division issues, make recommendations to management regarding program direction, negotiate with and report to outside agencies and regulators and make formal presentations to city management and elected officials.

The position frequently works with individuals outside the City who may belong to professional or peer organizations, local, state and federal agencies.

Must have a positive attitude, team-oriented mindset and well-established leadership skills.

Employee must maintain regular in-person attendance.