OCSD is searching for an experienced leader to serve as Environmental Laboratory and Ocean Monitoring Manager.
THE POSITION
Under administrative direction of the Director of Environmental Services, the Environmental Laboratory and Ocean Monitoring Manager conducts monitoring, testing and compliance reporting on the impacts of the District’s effluent on ocean receiving waters; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the assigned Director of Environmental Services. The Manager’s duties include:
- Administration - Manage assigned services and activities of the Environmental Laboratory & Ocean Monitoring Division to include providing testing services to the customers and evaluating operational impact on the ocean receiving waters; recommend and administer policies and procedures; ensures the District’s safety program and goals are implemented and carried out in the Laboratory and Ocean Monitoring Division; manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures; approves and ensures implementation of quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) practices and procedures, including Standard Operating Procedures; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; plans, directs, coordinates and reviews the work of staff involved in sample analyses, theoretical research and design, the development of methods, and the generation of reports to support the District’s source control program, treatment plant process monitoring, air monitoring, environmental monitoring programs and research activities; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures; prepare and present reports on informational and action items to OCSD’s Board of Directors; and set goals and performance measures to conduct performance reviews of direct reports.
- Financial Management - Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the division budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, research, equipment, materials, supplies, and training expenditures; and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
- Compliance - Represent OCSD with regulatory agencies. Serve as a liaison for the Environmental Laboratory & Ocean Monitoring Division with other divisions, departments, academic and research organizations, and outside agencies; negotiate and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; approve and administer contracts for outside laboratory services, scientific marine vessel operations and maintenance and services associated with oceanographic and marine sciences; and participate in the development and implementation of technologies to reduce health risks to surrounding residents and businesses. Support pollution prevention activities (e.g., source control); and development of analytical capabilities for detecting and monitoring emerging pollutants of concern. Support effective biosolids reuse and water reclamation programs; oversee and participate in the development of related programs and completion of special studies; evaluate and integrate study findings; and advocate for proactive environmental stewardship programs and science-based regulations to policy makers. Manage staff and resources to monitor and improve regional, state, and federal regulations affecting water quality and other environmental issues.
- Leadership - Provide leadership and direction for the division’s laboratory and ocean monitoring work; represent the division to other departments, OCSD’s Board of Directors, professional associations and agencies, and citizen groups; coordinate and support assigned activities with other departments, outside agencies, and organizations; explain, justify, and defend department programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues; participate on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; provide technical expertise; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of wastewater management, risk management, and environmental services; foster an atmosphere of productivity and harmony; and, respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
- OCSD Committee and Board Meetings – Provide assistance to the Director of Environmental Services in preparing and presenting staff reports and other necessary correspondence relative to environmental services matters.
THE DEPARTMENT
In its key role of protecting public health and the environment, OCSD must meet the strict requirements of federal, state, regional, and local regulations for treated sewage discharge to the ocean, water recycling, biosolids management, air emissions, industrial waste, storm water management, sewer system operations, and land use controls. The Environmental Services Department enables OCSD to respond quickly to new regulations and initiatives while ensuring our operations comply with strict environmental regulations, implements innovative pollution prevention programs, and meets challenging analytical needs for water quality and ocean monitoring. The Environmental Services Department is responsible for managing the following OCSD environmental and regulatory program elements:
- Ocean Discharge Permit . Monitor and report on compliance with OCSD’s ocean discharge (NPDES) permit, jointly issued by the U.S. EPA and California Water Quality Control Board, that stipulates conditions under which treated wastewater may be discharged into the ocean.
- Industrial Source Control . Responsible for permitting, inspection, monitoring, and enforcement of local, state, and federal pretreatment requirements imposed on dischargers of industrial wastewater into OCSD’s sewer system. Pollution prevention (non-industrial source control). Implement programs designed to control the discharge from residences and businesses of harmful products such as pharmaceuticals, fats, oils and grease (FOG), and emerging pollutants of concern.
- Environmental Laboratory . Provide laboratory services, sample collection and data analysis in support of plant operations, air and water quality compliance activities, source control, ocean monitoring, and ground water recharge (GWRS) activities.
- Ocean Monitoring . Carry out OCSD’s comprehensive ocean monitoring program, including toxicity analysis, to make sure the marine life and public are safe from any possible effects caused by the discharge of treated wastewater.
- Storm Water Management . Ensure OCSD construction projects and facilities comply with regulatory programs that prevent pollution from entering the storm drain system and local waterways.
- Biosolids Management . Maintain our biosolids environmental management system and ensure diversity in products, markets, locations, and contractors for our daily biosolids production.
- Air Quality . Ensure all OCSD facilities comply with federal and state air quality requirements and participate in the development and implementation of technologies to reduce health risks to surrounding residents and businesses.
- Urban Runoff . Carry out the urban runoff diversion program through the issuance, monitoring, and enforcement of discharge permits to municipalities seeking to discharge dry weather urban runoff into OCSD’s sewer system and prevent contamination of beaches and waterways.
- Underground storage tanks (USTs) . Ensure OCSD’s USTs comply with state requirements for inspections, testing, permits, and training to prevent unauthorized releases which might degrade underlying groundwater.
- Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) . Monitor and assess compliance with regulatory requirements mandated by state-issued waste discharge requirements for sanitary sewer systems. OCSD’s sewer system management plan outlines activities designed to provide reliable service and prevent SSOs.
- Environmental Audits . Undertake audits of OCSD’s operations, facilities, and contractors to provide independent verification that they are complying with environmental laws, regulations, and policies to help reduce compliance violations.
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EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
This position requires a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education with major coursework in a scientific, technical field, or a related field; at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in a related field of laboratory analysis including two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Certifications or relevant training/coursework recognized in the environmental compliance industry are desired, as well as experience working with a Board of Directors, regulatory agencies, and the public. Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California Class C driver's license is required.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
OCSD is regarded world-wide for being cutting-edge and innovative in wastewater management and resource recovery. OCSD values transparency and excellence in providing services to its customers. The ideal candidate will be an experienced manager who will thrive in this environment. The individual will have a proven track record in operational optimization, sound financial management, and customer satisfaction, embracing the position with outstanding leadership, strategic business planning, and organizational skills. This person will be able to multi-task, focus on the long-term goal, and support the department towards fulfilling it. The individual will excel at articulating technical concepts in non-technical terms. The individual will stay abreast of best practices and apply those standards to the workplace under various conditions, including times of limited resources. The ideal candidate will be a team player who is collaborative and able to mentor and develop staff. The individual will work well with and establish an excellent rapport with OCSD’s Board of Directors, staff, the community, and other public agencies. The candidate will be a resilient and politically astute leader with a track record of making sound business decisions; an ethical person who does not compromise on business practices; and someone with whom others trust. Lastly, this individual will enjoy being a partner to a high performing management team, dedicated to the long-term vision and goals of OCSD.
Top priorities of the new Manager will be:
- Workforce Planning and Development – Recruit, develop, and retain a professional staff to meet the agency’s mission and levels of service.
- Leadership – Oversee the Environmental Lab and Ocean Monitoring group and assume full management responsibility for all programs and activities. Work with other local and regional agencies to identify or create improved business or environmental outcomes for the people we serve.
- Compliance and Standards - Ensure regulatory requirements are met to produce a high quality of wastewater for reclamation. Ensure OCSD facilities fulfill future capacity requirements and maintain facilities for optimal lifecycle. Ensure projects are properly and safely constructed and are California Environmental Quality Act compliant.
- Operational Efficiencies – Look for and champion continuous improvements in business practices for the agency. Actively engage with department employees and lead the team towards strategic initiatives to achieve OCSD’s overall goals.
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Vacancies: 1
APPLICATION FILING DEADLINE: Thursday, December 3, 2020 before 5:00 P.M.
BENEFITS & COMPENSATION
The annual salary range for this position is $161,574 - $197,225 . Placement within this range will be dependent upon the qualifications of the successful candidate and OCSD policies.
Benefits include: holiday pay, medical, dental, vision and life insurance; long-term and short-term disability insurance; and employee assistance program. Additionally, the benefit package shall include deferred compensation options and disability insurance benefits.
All employees contribute to the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS). Contributions are based on an OCERS actuarially determined rate structure and age at time of employment; contributions are deducted on a pre-tax basis. The retirement benefit formula is 2.5% at age 67; however, employees with reciprocity may be eligible for the 2.43% at age 65 retirement formula (also known as “1.667% @ 57.5”).
For an overview of OCSD’s benefits, please visit:
https://www.ocsd.com/about-us/jobs/employee-benefits .
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PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; ability to travel to various District sites, projects and/or meetings; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally and be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS : All Orange County Sanitation District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the Orange County Sanitation District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
OTHER INFORMATION:
For the full range of duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions please review the Classification Specification for this position found on our website.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate, through their application materials, that they meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the job announcement and class specification to receive further consideration. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.
False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.
To ensure your application is accurate and complete, please review the Job Application Guide.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of OCSD’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation and a physical examination. For some positions, this may include a drug screen. False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.
Reference Checks will be conducted by OCSD to verify employment related information for all potential employees once a contingent job offer is made during the background investigation process. This is done to ensure that individuals who join OCSD are well qualified and have a strong potential to be successful in their employment. The extent of the inquiry will depend on the position being applied for, but will at least include:
- Verification/Reference from current and past employers
- Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.
Please have all necessary documentation ready. Additional inquiries may be necessary depending on the position for which you are applying. Human Resources will also schedule a post-offer physical examination once a job offer has been made.
OCSD only accepts applications submitted via our online application system. Applications submitted via mail, fax or email will not be accepted.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
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