Compliance Specialist
Non-Union Position
WTR-General Management Staff-Blue Topaz; Conroe, Texas (US-TX)
Regular FT, Non-Exempt
Posting # 5767
About Us:
NW Natural Water owns and operates water and wastewater utilities in communities throughout Texas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Since 2018, we have acquired more than 30 utilities and today serve more than 190,000 people via 76,000 connections.
Our parent company, NW Natural Holding Company (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has been doing business for over 165 years. The company operates through NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), SiEnergy Operating (SiEnergy), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), and other business interests, serving a combined population of over 2.6 million people.
NW Natural Holdings Texas operations are some of the fastest growing utilities in the nation, where our focus is on supporting developers by providing essential services to new communities. Our highly driven out-of-the-box thinkers are motivated to meet developer/builder timelines and requirements and pride themselves on partnerships with the developers, builders, and communities we serve.
Position Summary:
The Compliance Specialist ensures that Texas water systems adhere to all federal and state drinking water regulations, including the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements under 30 TAC. This position is responsible for monitoring, reporting, documentation, and internal controls, ensuring timely and accurate communication with regulatory bodies and stakeholders. The Compliance Specialist works closely with field operations, engineering, water quality, laboratory partners, and the Administrative Manager to maintain compliance and strong documentation practices across all operational activities.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure compliance with SDWA and TCEQ drinking water regulations (30 TAC).
- Prepare and submit required regulatory reports to TCEQ, including Monthly Operating Reports (MORs), Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), public notices, BPAT/crossconnection documentation, and other compliance filings.
- Maintain TCEQ compliance calendars and ensure reporting deadlines are met.
Sampling & Water Quality Management
- Manage sampling schedules for required tests, including bacteriological, DBP (Disinfection By-Products), WQP (Water Quality Parameters), lead and copper, nitrates, and other regulatory sampling.
- Ensure proper chain-of-custody procedures and collaborate with certified labs for sample analysis.
- Review test results, escalate concerns, and work with field teams to implement corrective actions as necessary.
- Assist with repeat sampling and follow-up notification in case of violations or sampling issues.
Documentation & Recordkeeping
- Maintain Texas-specific compliance records, including sampling plans, logs, and operational records.
- Ensure compliance with Texas document retention rules and prepare materials for inspections, audits, and sanitary surveys.
- Maintain accurate and organized compliance documentation to ensure transparency and easy access during audits or regulatory reviews.
Audits, Inspections & Internal Controls
- Support TCEQ inspections and internal compliance audits.
- Assist in the development and implementation of corrective action plans in response to non-compliance findings.
- Ensure internal controls are in place for accurate reporting, data integrity, and SOX-compliant processes.
Operational Support
- Assist local operations with compliance tasks such as chlorine residual monitoring, system logs, and tank inspections.
- Support the timely issuance of emergency notifications (e.g., boil water notices, pressure loss events).
- Monitor operator certification requirements and ensure renewals are tracked and completed.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (Cont.):
Stakeholder Communication & Reporting
- Act as a liaison between internal teams, external stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and customers.
- Prepare customer notices, public communications, and reports as needed.
- Collaborate with other departments to ensure consistency in compliance practices and operational efficiency.
Compliance Policy Development & Maintenance
- Contribute to the development, implementation, and maintenance of internal compliance policies, procedures, and programs.
- Track changes in federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring internal departments are informed and compliant.
- Assist in the preparation and distribution of compliance training materials and track staff participation.
Incident Investigation & Corrective Actions
- Assist in investigating compliance violations, incidents, and non-conformance issues.
- Prepare follow-up reports and ensure corrective actions are documented and implemented.
Compliance Database & System Management
- Maintain and update compliance databases, ensuring accurate records, logs, and reporting systems.
- Ensure compliance-related data transparency and proper tracking for audits and regulatory reporting.
Qualifications:
Compliance Specialist I
Required Qualifications
- One (1) year or more of experience supporting compliance, regulatory reporting, environmental programs, water quality, utility operations, or a related function.
- Experience working in a regulated environment with established policies, procedures, reporting requirements, or regulatory oversight.
- Superb organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, maintain accurate records, and prioritize competing responsibilities.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to analyze information for accuracy and completeness.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, documentation, and stakeholder communications.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in water, wastewater, natural gas, electric utility, environmental, public health, laboratory, or related regulated industries.
- Knowledge of federal, state, or local regulatory compliance programs.
- Experience supporting audits, inspections, corrective actions, or compliance reporting activities.
- Associates or Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Public Administration, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
Compliance Specialist II
Required Qualifications
- Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience in compliance, regulatory affairs, environmental programs, utility operations, water quality, or a related field.
- Experience interpreting regulations, policies, or standards and applying them to operational or business processes.
- Experience independently preparing reports, maintaining compliance documentation, and coordinating responses to regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to identify compliance risks, investigate issues, develop corrective actions, and manage follow-through to resolution.
- Proven analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the water utility industry or another highly regulated industry.
- Knowledge of drinking water regulations, environmental regulations, utility operations, or public utility compliance programs.
- Experience supporting regulatory inspections, audits, internal controls, or compliance management systems.
- Experience working with compliance databases, reporting systems, or document management platforms.
- Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.
What we offer:
Health & Wellness -
- Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
- Free access to an online wellness resources platform
Work Life Balance -
- Start at 20 Vacation Days
- 80 Hours of Sick Time
- 13 paid holidays
- 3 weeks paid parental leave
Financial -
- Competitive 401K company contribution and match
- 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
Base hourly range: $22.62 - $32.69 (Level 1) or $24.87 - $35.94 (Level 2) per hour, depending on qualifications
Application Process: To be considered for this position, submit a complete electronic application including cover letter and resume via our website.
https://www.careers.nwnatural.com/nwnaturalwater
Deadline: 12/1/26
Disclosure: We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural Water participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
E-Verify Information
NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
All applications must be submitted through NW Natural Water's Electronic Application System. Resumes submitted via email, fax or mail will not be accepted in lieu of an electronic application.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
NW Natural Water does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural Water valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural Water HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural Water. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural Water as a result of the referral or through other means.