Wastewater Operations Specialist

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we’re delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you’re looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Operating as the (water and wastewater services) and the and (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

Position can be located in Spring or Austin Texas

Internal Posting Title: Environmental Compliance Specialist III

We are seeking an experienced wastewater professional to lead operational excellence and regulatory compliance across our Texas wastewater systems. This role is ideal for a candidate with a strong background in field operations—particularly at small, package plants—who is ready to take on a leadership position with both technical and regulatory responsibilities (position reports to the Director of Operations for the state).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead field operations teams to achieve optimal performance and full compliance with state and federal wastewater regulations
• Conduct recurring audits and field assessments; review sampling, inspection, and operational data to identify and resolve compliance issues
• Provide on-site operational and compliance training to operators and supervisors
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to develop and prioritize capital improvement plans
• Track and analyze daily operational logs and laboratory results to ensure treatment effectiveness and regulatory adherence
• Coordinate and oversee environmental programs, including wastewater sampling, pretreatment, and grease control
• Review inspection reports and regulatory correspondence; work with field staff to address deficiencies and draft formal responses
• Monitor and interpret new or proposed environmental regulations; communicate changes and impacts to internal teams
• Represent the company in meetings with regulators, local officials, and community stakeholders
• Draft and issue public notices in coordination with management, engineering, and communications teams
• Respond to compliance violations and customer inquiries related to effluent quality
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting systems to support internal and regulatory standards

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, STEM field, or a related field environmental/operations; candidates with an associate’s degree coupled with relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in wastewater operations, with a focus on compliance
• Experience operating or overseeing small/package wastewater treatment plants preferred
• C-Wastewater license in Texas, or equivalent from another state (or ability to obtain)
• Strong knowledge of the Clean Water Act and Texas environmental regulations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and willingness to travel within the state

Physical Requirements:

• Light physical work; must occasionally lift up to 10 pounds
• Frequent stair and ladder climbing at water and wastewater treatment facilities

Working Conditions:

• Up to 25% travel required across service areas
• Work is performed in both indoor office settings and outdoor field environments

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

• Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
• Family members cannot work in the same department.