Compliance & Research Manager – Los Angeles Waterkeeper - Waterkeeper

Compliance & Research Manager – Los Angeles Waterkeeper

Los Angeles Waterkeeper (LAW), a dynamic environmental nonprofit organization that fights for the health of the region’s waters and communities, is seeking a highly motivated, well-organized individual with strong project management and research skills to join our team as a Compliance and Research Manager. This position will advance our efforts to ensure industrial facilities are meeting their legal obligations to control storm water pollution from their sites pursuant to legal settlements with LA Waterkeeper and applicable permits, while also providing critical research support on technical topics related to storm water management and multi-benefit storm water infrastructure and nature-based solutions for the rest of the team.

Candidates ​ideally would have a technical background in civil or environmental engineering, with a focus on storm water management being a plus, and some experience reviewing technical material regarding industrial environmental equipment, management, and regulatory compliance. Having a Qualified Industrial Stormwater Practitioner (QISP) certificate is preferred, but not required. This position will primarily work under the Senior Attorney and Staff Attorney, and at the direction of others at the organization for specific technical research projects. An initial research project has already been identified under the supervision of Maggie Gardner, our Science & Policy Manager, and Belinda Faustinos, our Strategic Advisor for the Infrastructure Justice LA coalition.

Start Date – As soon as possible, with a target start by February 1, 2024. The Compliance and Research Manager position will be full-time.

Responsibilities:

  • Compliance Management – Track obligations of settlement agreements and consent decrees with industrial facilities—including by reviewing storm water sampling data—and monitor facilities’ progress towards obligations and deadlines met; Interface with industrial facilities and their representatives in connection with their obligations, as well as with our consultants, acting as a liaison for LA Waterkeeper legal staff; Maintain compliance-related documentation ensuring completion, accuracy, and timeliness of data collected and reviewed; Review facilities’ technical documentation required by legal agreements, permit conditions, and regulations and provide substantive comments to facilities.
  • Technical Support for Litigation – Manage and perform site inspections of facilities to ensure compliance with their agreements, permit conditions, and regulations; Review and analyze sampling data in comparison to obligations under legal agreements, permit conditions, and regulations and to identify issues; Lead and assist with sampling efforts at potential enforcement targets, as well as those actively being enforced against; Potentially serve as expert witness in litigation, as needed.
  • Technical Research Projects – Assist other staff in contributing to technical research needs of the organization, likely with a focus on multi-benefit nature-based storm water infrastructure projects in the region, as needed; Support the development of reports and other collateral materials that highlight our efforts and research findings; Support LAW’s outreach efforts to other organizations, political decision-makers, media, and the general public regarding technical topics from previous projects.
  • Administrative Support – Undertake administrative tasks related to position, such as developing reports to the LAW board of directors and funders; participating in staff meetings and activities; managing timesheets; and developing and managing a work plan.

Qualifications & Requirements:

The Compliance and Research Manager will be a personable, well-organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated person who thrives working both independently and in collaboration with others, and with experience in project management, data review, and a strong interest in technical topics related to industrial storm water management and multi-benefit infrastructure projects. Preferred qualifications include:

  • Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a science field, such as civil or environmental engineering.
  • Certificate of registration as a Qualified Industrial Stormwater Practitioner, or willingness to become certified, preferred.
  • Skilled at project management, including ability to collect and analyze data, research technical topics, and oversee compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Substantive experience with industrial environmental equipment, storm water management, multi-benefit infrastructure projects, and nature-based solutions.
  • Prior experience, or ability to gain working knowledge quickly, regarding industrial storm water processes, permits, regulations, and legal agreements.
  • Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and in particular Microsoft Excel.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting juggling multiple projects under tight deadlines, including displaying excellent problem-solving skills, organizational instincts, thoroughness with details, and commitment to following through with responsibilities.
  • Capable of communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and capable of dealing effectively with a variety of situations requiring tact, poise, friendliness, and sensitivity.
  • Spanish language proficiency a plus.
  • Ability to thrive in a small nonprofit environment where teamwork, creativity, and flexibility are valued.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

  • Some evening and weekend work may be required.
  • Travel within LA County and access to reliable automobile required.
  • Able to work on a computer for up to 8 hours a day and sit at a desk for extended periods; able to read a computer screen and operate a keyboard.
  • Able to speak clearly on the phone and in person and be understood by others.
  • Able to walk and stand for several hours at a time, as may be required during industrial facility site inspections.
  • For events, meetings, and a safe office, COVID-19 vaccination is strongly requested from all staff and personnel.

Salary, Benefits & Terms

Salary – $70,000 – $75,000 annually based on experience. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Benefits:

  • paid health, vision, and dental insurance
  • 403(b)-retirement plan with match
  • hybrid work option (remote and in-office)
  • generous paid time off policy
  • 13 holidays observed annually
  • Winter break Dec 25 – Jan 1

To Apply
We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis. Please apply online (preferred). You may also submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to [email protected] by December 18, 2023.

An Equal Opportunity Employer
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.  LA Waterkeeper encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Persons with Disabilities, Women and Gender-nonconforming people especially in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented. We do not discriminate based on any class protected by law.

About Los Angeles Waterkeeper
LA Waterkeeper was founded in 1993 to fight for the health of the region’s waterways, and for sustainable, equitable and climate-smart water supplies.  We envision the region as an international leader on integrated, sustainable, and equitable water management; a region that is water self-sufficient, and where all waterways throughout the county are safe, healthy, and accessible to the public. Learn more at lawaterkeeper.org.