Regulatory Compliance Manager – Water/Water Resources

The Regulatory Compliance Manager for the Water Resources Division manages the regulatory compliance of the City of Santa Maria’s water and wastewater management programs.

Focus areas for each position assignment include:
–Water: treatment and distribution systems, a formal cross connection control program, water conservation, and water supply;
–Water Resources: collection and treatment system programs, a formal wastewater pre-treatment program, the wastewater treatment plant and its certified laboratory, and the stormwater program.

Ideal Candidate
These roles oversee multidisciplinary technical staff, ensure compliance with complex local, State, and Federal regulations, manage permit requirements and reporting, develop and implement long-term compliance programs, and serve as primary liaisons with regulatory agencies.

The ideal candidate has a comprehensive understanding of California’s regulatory environment across drinking water, wastewater, sewer collections, and stormwater programs. They demonstrate sound judgment, collaborative leadership, and the ability to build productive relationships with regulatory agencies, internal teams, and the community. They rely on data-driven decision-making, performance metrics, and fiscal responsibility to support the City’s commitment to safe, reliable, and sustainable utility services. Key shared attributes include:

-Ability to interpret, implement, and communicate complex regulatory requirements.
-Skill in coordinating compliance efforts across multiple operational areas.
-Commitment to accurate reporting, data integrity, and continuous improvement.
-Strong communication and relationship-building skills with regulators, staff, and the public.
-Experience leading teams, supervising and mentoring staff, and managing resources effectively.

Technical Competencies by Program Area
–Water (Distribution, Treatment, Conservation, Cross Connection)
-Deep knowledge of California’s drinking water regulatory framework, including the State Water Resources Control Board, Department of Water Resources, and Division of Drinking Water.
-Experience with water conservation programs, water audits, and real and apparent water loss control.
-Strong command of Title 22 water quality standards and the operational practices required to ensure safe, reliable drinking water.
-Proven ability to produce accurate regulatory reports and maintain compliance through proactive monitoring and communication.

–Water Resources (Wastewater Treatment Plant and Laboratory, Sewer Collections, Stormwater)
-Background in designing and implementing compliance programs that meet local, state, and federal requirements.
-Ability to monitor, interpret, and integrate regulatory updates into operational practices.
-Proficiency in evaluating analytical data, overseeing laboratory operations, and ensuring data integrity.
-Experience collaborating with regulatory agencies and internal/external stakeholders on compliance and operational issues.

Duties
-Administers environmental and regulatory compliance permit requirements and programs in the areas of  water resources or solid waste, as assigned.
-Manages, plans, implements, and monitors assigned staff, functions, programs, and projects.
-Develops and implements goals and evaluates and guides department in implementation of environmental and regulatory changes.
-Oversees the interpretation and validation of regulatory compliance samples.
-Evaluates and implements changes to management practices, policies, and procedures; implements needed changes and measures success.
-Directs the selection, placement, training and supervision of other employees; reviews and evaluates performance and recommends personnel action.
-Acts as agency liaison with other departments; may serve as staff support on committees or commissions; provides information to the public, oversees investigations, and responds to complaints.
-Oversees the issuance of permits related to regulatory compliance as well as the preparation of notices of non-compliance and compliance schedules.
-Recommends enforcement action pertaining to non-compliant related activity; responds to regulatory agency citations and inquiries.
-Assists in the development and monitoring of budgets; identifies funding sources, grants, etc.
-If assigned to Wastewater within Water Resources, oversees the operation of the certified Wastewater Treatment Plant laboratory.