Christina Claxton

Experienced environmental and water quality professional with nearly 20 years of progressive experience in municipal water quality, wastewater, industrial pretreatment, laboratory analysis, regulatory compliance, and environmental program management. Proven ability to administer complex regulatory programs, develop and implement policies and procedures, conduct inspections and audits, analyze environmental data, prepare regulatory reports, and coordinate with internal departments, regulatory agencies, industrial users, and facility owners. Strong technical background in wastewater, drinking water, industrial waste streams, TMDL/WAAP programs, laboratory quality assurance, ELAP requirements, and SCADA data analysis.

Skilled at interpreting complex regulations, resolving compliance issues, managing special projects, and communicating technical information clearly and effectively.

Environmental Programs Manager - City of San Luis Obispo - San Luis Obispo, CA

(2019-01 - 2024-12)

• Administered municipal Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment and Pathogen TMDL/WAAP programs, including development of permits, priorities, policies, objectives, and implementation strategies.
• Managed program documentation, databases, records, and compliance information to track implementation, regulatory requirements, and program progress.
• Directed and participated in the preparation and timely submission of regulatory correspondence, technical reports, procedures, ordinances, policies, and other program materials.
• Represented the City during regulatory compliance inspections and audits and coordinated corrective actions, required correspondence, and program modifications.
• Collaborated with multiple City departments, industrial users, facility owners, and other stakeholders to resolve issues involving private wastewater and stormwater discharges and industrial wastewater.
• Developed and implemented short- and long-range program objectives and strategies to maintain regulatory compliance and address current and emerging environmental requirements.
• Conducted special assignments, pilot studies, investigations, and environmental projects both within and outside the department.
• Monitored changes in federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, and emerging technologies; evaluated potential impacts and recommended appropriate policy, procedural, and operational changes.
• Prepared and reviewed written and electronic regulatory reports and submissions for state, local, and federal agencies involving drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, and related environmental media.
• Applied knowledge of industrial wastewater pretreatment principles, TMDL/WAAP requirements, enforcement policies, funding sources, and regulatory programs to support municipal environmental objectives.
• Conducted and/or participated in industrial facility and process inspections related to wastewater and water quality compliance.
• Interpreted, applied, and explained complex environmental laws, codes, regulations, ordinances, permits, and compliance requirements to staff, stakeholders, and regulated entities.
• Prepared clear and concise technical reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, informational materials, ordinances, justifications, and supporting documentation.
• Maintained accurate program logs, records, compliance documentation, and work activity reports.
• Resolved conflicts and effectively communicated with industrial users and facility owners to obtain cooperation and achieve regulatory compliance.
• Analyzed and interpreted laboratory and treatment plant operating data to identify trends, evaluate conditions, reach sound conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Applied supervisory principles and practices including work planning, scheduling, employee training, and performance evaluation.

Water Quality Lab Analyst - City of San Luis Obispo - San Luis Obispo, CA

(2005-01 - 2019-12)

• Performed chemical, physical, and biological analyses to evaluate compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements and treatment process control parameters.
• Analyzed and characterized raw water, treated water, wastewater, industrial waste streams, soil, sludge, and other environmental samples.
• Collected samples from creeks, spill sites, manholes, sewer lines, storm drains, and other locations; operated and maintained automatic sampling equipment.
• Analyzed and interpreted laboratory data, identified abnormal or atypical results, and provided operational recommendations supported by clear tabular and graphical summaries.
• Maintained compliance with established Chemical Hygiene Plan, laboratory Quality Assurance (QA) program, and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Maintained detailed written and computerized records of laboratory analyses, sample collection, QA activities, and regulatory data.
• Prepared chemical reagents, laboratory supplies, and glassware required for analytical testing.
• Conducted and evaluated special monitoring projects and coordinated sample collection schedules with appropriate City personnel.
• Wrote, reviewed, and revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sample collection, analytical methods, and QA procedures; recommended updates to laboratory manuals.
• Monitored laboratory inventory and equipment condition and ordered supplies and materials as needed.
• Performed preventative maintenance and monitored analytical instrumentation to support accurate and precise measurements and maintain Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) requirements.
• Participated in ELAP laboratory audits and supported continued state and federal laboratory certification and compliance.
• Maintained current knowledge of emerging analytical methods, instrumentation, environmental technologies, and federal and state regulations.
• Accessed and interpreted Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system data and trends to support process evaluation and correlate operational information with laboratory results.
• Assisted with development and improvement of laboratory systems and procedures and supported evaluation and acquisition of new equipment and materials.
• Maintained a safe, clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment while following established safety procedures.
• Completed required written and electronic regulatory and operational reporting.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Microbiology - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (2007)