Lisa M. Torres
El Paso
Summary
Experienced Environmental Science professional seeking opportunities to manage and lead environmental projects and initiatives. I bring environmental research, multimedia sampling, and regulatory compliance experience, with comprehensive training in technical and leadership competencies.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Environmental Protection Specialist
U.S. Section, International Boundary and Water Commission
07.2020 - Current
- Responsible for overseeing the Texas Clean Rivers Program (CRP). Track program expenditures, inventory equipment, and engage stakeholders and partners. Coordinate between state and federal agencies and laboratories to ensure program compliance. Develop quarterly reports for managers on the financial status and progress of the program.
- Conduct quality checks on field and lab data collected by diverse partners and field offices for fifty-six sampling locations across the Rio Grande watershed.
- Track and analyze data by identifying historical trends, outliers, and results exceeding action levels and creating graphs and statistical analyses for presentations to stakeholders and training purposes.
- Apply quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols to identify discrepancies and inadequacies in analytical reports, ensuring data accuracy.
- Adhere to the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and Surface Water Quality Monitoring (SWQM) procedures established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
- Review and update the QAPP annually and propose and advise on amendments as needed.
- Conduct systems audits to ensure adherence to the QAPP by planning agency participants and ensuring data quality.
- Address technical queries from field offices, partners, and laboratories. Advise partners and field offices on data collection, equipment, and guidance documents.
- Develop and implement plans with partners and field offices to achieve compliance with sampling procedures and QAPP.
- Administer laboratory contracts, ensuring water sample analytical methods are followed, analyses on all parameters on the chain of custody are performed, and analyses are charged correctly.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of environmental impact on cross-border water resources.
- Led training sessions for staff on environmental protection regulations and best practices.
- Analyzed data trends to identify potential risks to ecosystems and propose mitigation measures.
- Coordinated public outreach initiatives to promote awareness of environmental issues affecting local communities.
Environmental Scientist
U.S. Army Installation Management Command
09.2019 - 07.2020
- Managed stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water programs, ensuring compliance with the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and state (TX and NM) and federal regulations.
- Reviewed and provided feedback on scopes of work, environmental documents, reports, studies, and analytical analyses submitted by executing agencies or contractors.
- Coordinated with the Corps of Engineers to obtain input for cost-effective environmental projects, fostering efficient collaboration.
- Worked closely with on-base contractors to ensure compliance with current and future projects, maintaining an initiative-taking approach to environmental regulations.
- Conducted inspections at environmental facilities, ensuring adherence to the Army’s Environmental Program Assessment and Assistance System (EPAAS).
- Addressed non-compliance findings by developing and implementing plans to achieve and maintain compliance.
- Oversaw environmental projects and activities to enhance and protect air, land, and water resources while supporting the Army’s mission.
- Provided technical guidance to military personnel and management teams, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of environmental responsibilities.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure adherence to environmental policies and standards.
- Delivered weekly updates on ongoing projects to the branch chief, maintaining transparent communication channels.
- Responded to and managed spills on the installation, notifying relevant state agencies when necessary.
- Coordinated clean-up and waste disposal efforts, ensuring strict adherence to Army and state regulations.
- Conducted environmental assessments to identify contamination and compliance with regulations.
- Developed and implemented strategies for waste management and pollution prevention programs.
Natural Resource Specialist
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
02.2012 - 09.2019
- Directed and initiated investigations into regulated activities at facilities holding environmental permits to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The investigations encompassed waste, water, or air activities.
- Conducted inspections with a thorough review of engineering drawings, technical papers, maps, and diagrams submitted by regulated entities to ensure accuracy.
- Operated, calibrated, and maintained monitoring equipment for field operations, ensuring precise data collection.
- Prepared technical reports and submitted all required paperwork promptly to meet regulatory deadlines.
- Managed projects for multimedia environmental sampling, including preparing specifications and developing a sampling plan and cost estimates.
- Conducted emergency response investigations, overseeing remediation activities and assessing potential public health and environmental impacts.
- Provided expert advice and technical assistance to the public and the regulated community, assisting in interpreting state and federal rules.
- Prepared annual work plans for inspections specific to the PST program, coordinating with city contractors and overseeing city inspections.
- Assumed responsibility for training, mentoring, and assigning work and timelines while monitoring hours and signing timesheets for Mickey Leland summer interns and contractors.
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Science and Planning
John’s Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
El Paso, TX05.2006
Skills
- Hazardous materials handling
- Waste management compliance
- Environmental assessment
- Renewable energy systems
- Environmental compliance
- Environmental auditing
- Soil sampling
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Interests
Photography, astromony, history, music
Software
ArcPro
Quote
Everything in life is just for a while.
Philip K. Dick
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteHybridOn-SiteImportant To Me
Work-life balancePersonal development programsCompany CultureFlexible work hoursWork from home optionPaid time offTimeline
Environmental Protection Specialist
U.S. Section, International Boundary and Water Commission
07.2020 - Current
Environmental Scientist
U.S. Army Installation Management Command
09.2019 - 07.2020
Natural Resource Specialist
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
02.2012 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
Master of Science - Environmental Science and Planning
John’s Hopkins University