Description
OPPORTUNITY
This recruitment will remain open until filled.
To be considered in the first application review, submit your application by Monday, April 27, 2026.
The Water Resources Division of the City of Santa Maria Utilities Department is seeking two qualified water professionals to fill two Regulatory Compliance Manager vacancies. One position will be assigned to Water, and the other assigned to Water Resources. Each position will report to the respective Water Resources Manager.
ABOUT THE POSITIONS
The Regulatory Compliance Manager for the Water Resources Division manages the regulatory compliance of the City'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.
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.
SUMMARY/IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
Under general direction of an assigned supervisor, directs staff and coordinates work of the section to ensure regulatory compliance of the various permit requirements within the Water Resources Division. This position supervises other department professional and technical staff.
The Regulatory Compliance Manager position is a Middle Manager role that provides assurance with standards set by regulatory agencies. Their role enables the city to provide the community’s most essential and basic water, refuse and sewer services in the most efficient, cost-effective, and courteous manner possible.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
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.
REQUIRED ONLINE SUBMITTALS
- Up-to-date application
- A cover letter that explains how your education, training, and experience align with the Ideal Candidate Statement.
- Copies of relevant certifications (Refer to the Minimum Qualifications section below)
Full Job Description: Regulatory Compliance Manager
DUTIES
These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization.
This position:
- 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.
- Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
- Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
- Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
- Demonstrates regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Middle Manager:
Incumbents should have a solid foundation of Individual Contributor and Front-line Supervisor core competencies identified by the organization, as well as the following competencies identified as essential for Middle Manager (click the hyperlink to see the full definition):
- Talent Development - Effective performers keep a continual eye on the talent pool to monitor skills and needs of team members. They expand staff skills through training, coaching, and development. They evaluate and articulate present performance and future potential.
- Organizing & Planning - Effective performers have strong organizing and planning skills that allow them to be highly productive and efficient, manage time wisely, and effectively prioritize multiple competing tasks.
- Organization Knowledge - Effective performers understand the workings of a municipal organization, formal and informal policies and structures, and know "how the place works."
- Relationship Building - Effective performers understand that a primary factor in success is establishing and maintaining productive relationships. They interact with people and are good at it. They devote appropriate time and energy to establishing and maintaining networks.
- Results Orientation - Effective performers maintain appropriate focus on outcomes and accomplishments, are motivated by achievement, and persist until the goal is reached.
- Industry Knowledge - Effective performers understand the general workings of local government within which the organization functions, and maintain a current knowledge base.
- Written Communication - Effective performers write clearly and concisely, composing informative and convincing documents. They use written language to convey substance and intent with simplicity, accuracy and clarity.
- Financial Acumen - Effective performers understand the financial framework of the organization. They are cost conscious and fiscally responsible, and use financial data to make informed business decisions.
- Change Agility - Effective performers are adaptable, are effective in the face of ambiguity, and support an orientation for change.
- Technology Savvy - Effective performers use technology to be successful in their organizational role. They value technology and leverage existing and new technology
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in science, biology, engineering, environmental science, or a related field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above; and
- Ideally, four or more years of professional work experience directly related to area of assignment, and two years of administrative experience and two years of supervisory responsibilities related to relevant environmental compliance program(s); and
- Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
- Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines related to assigned duties.
- Make recommendations consistent with the interest of the governing regulatory agency.
- Techniques of effective data collection, research, report presentation, administration, budgeting, accounting, information technology, management, supervision, evaluation and training.
- Organization and operation of municipal government.
- Desired licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment:
- Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) certification
- California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Grade III Environmental Compliance Inspector certification
- CWEA Laboratory Analyst Grade III certification
- State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Operator Grade III certification
- SWRCB Water Distribution Grade III certification
- SWRCB Water Treatment Grade III certification
- American Water Works Association (AWWA) or equivalent Cross Control Specialist certification.
