Principal Water Resources Specialist

JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!

The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 24 member agencies serving the region's $245 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.

The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.

The Water Resources Department  

The Water Resources Department is responsible for water supply planning, conservation and long-term facilities planning. The department also administers the Water Shortage and Drought Response Program; provides member agency assistance in local supply development; engages in regulatory advocacy and regulation development; manages Water Authority involvement in the Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan and grants administration; and ensures environmental regulatory compliance of Water Authority programs and projects.

Water Use Efficiency (WUE) is responsible for offering a portfolio of water use efficiency programs for our region aimed at meeting long term water use efficiency goals. The WUE group applies for and manages grant funding for WUE projects and programs. They coordinate with a broad range of stakeholders including member agencies, Metropolitan Water District and state agency staff and provide information to the public on WUE and conservation.

The Ideal Candidate

The Principal Water Resources Specialist in the Water Use Efficiency Division will be responsible for supervising a professional unit and designing and implementing water-use efficiency and water conservation programs. The ideal candidate will be passionate about the need for sustainable water resources and making water conservation a way of life.  They will have demonstrated experience in supervising a work unit and possesses strong oral and written communication skills, and is capable of presenting complex materials and recommendations in a logical and persuasive manner to Water Authority management, member agency general managers, and the Board of Directors. The ideal candidate will also understand current and proposed regulations and will be able to represent and advocate the Water Authority's water policy and positions with staff and local governing bodies. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with diverse groups while advancing the Water Authority's interests are required to be successful in this position.

The Position

The Principal Water Resources Specialist plans, organizes, supervises and participates in the work of a professional unit engaged in technical analysis, policy development and planning of regional water resources issues, water supply projects, water demand projections, and implementation of water management programs affecting the short-term and long-term provision of safe and reliable water supplies to Water Authority member agencies and others in the San Diego Region; or serves as a technical expert or project manager for a highly specialized and very complex water resources project or program area; and performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Principal Water Resources Specialist oversees and participates in the work of a professional planning or program management unit and/or independently performs very complex data compilations, resource planning, water demand forecasting, economic analysis or other assignments associated with water supply development, long-range water resources and facility planning, water policy development, the conveyance and storage of water for Water Authority member agencies, and complex state and regional agency programs and policies; as well as the project management of highly specialized water resources programs, key planning studies and feasibility level studies of large water supply development projects, and preparation of a variety of very complex technical and policy oriented recommendations and reports. Assignments are general and broad-based and require the knowledge and application of advanced water resources planning and the exercise of judgment and initiative in coordinating work inside and outside the Water Authority.

Principal Water Resources Specialist is distinguished from Senior Water Resources Specialist in that an incumbent in the former class can be given very complex and highly difficult independent assignments and may also have unit management and supervisory responsibilities.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.

• Plans, organizes, integrates and reviews the work of professional and technical staff and consultants engaged in data collection, review and analysis of regional water use, water use efficiency (WUE) program and policy issues and requirements associated with Water Authority WUE projects, WUE program operation, and technical assistance in the planning and evaluation of water supply and facility projects; provides day-to-day leadership and works with others in ways that ensure a high-performance work environment that supports achieving the Water Authority's mission.
• Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the performance of professional and technical staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; recommends compensation and provides other rewards to recognize performance; with management concurrence, takes disciplinary action up to and including termination to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with Water Authority personnel policies and labor contract provisions.
• Participates in formulating regional water reuse, water-use efficiency and shortage management strategy and policy by representing and advocating the Water Authority's positions at state agencies, state legislature and state-wide forums and regional task forces.
• Supervises, develops, and evaluates water-use efficiency programs, policies and procedures; coordinates and evaluates of the Water Conservation Program with assigned staff and consultants to achieve goals, objectives and work standards; prepares policies and interprets laws, regulations, and standards.
• Supervises water use efficiency program grants, partnerships, collaborative agreements and promotional initiatives with various funding partners and collaborators; directs grant writing, negotiations, and implementation of collaborative efforts to achieve program goals and ensure fulfillment of contractual obligations.
• Supervises and participates in the development of water conservation programs, databases, analyses and reports; assists in establishing the scope, schedule and budget for programs, initiatives and studies; monitors and reviews work products and activities for quality assurance, compliance with policies and standards, cost controls, and fulfillment of contract terms.
• As a Project Manager, oversees the evaluation and selection of consultants retained to perform specialized and complex technical studies and analyses on issues such as the development of water supply projects, water demand forecasting, water supply reliability and economics, water rates, water management programs, climate change adaptation, and computer modeling and database management; establishes project schedules; drafts or reviews professional service Requests for Proposals (RFP) and project funding proposals; sets scopes of work, negotiates and oversees administration and management of agreements for professional services; reviews work in progress and approves final draft work products.
• Coordinates the activities of staff from other departments as it relates to programs managed by the incumbent.
• Participates in the preparation of the departmental budget.
• Responds to internal and external requests requests for information and support on water resources, water treatment technology, water supply regulatory criteria, local project funding and water management issues; oversees monthly member agency water billing process and information management system.
• Leads the preparation of Urban Water Management Plan, Water Shortage Contingency Plan, Integrated Regional Water Management Plan, and Climate Action Plan.
• Oversees administration of the Water Authority's reclamation and groundwater funding programs; negotiates agreements for storage of Water Authority water; works with MWD, Bureau of Reclamation, Environmental Protection Agency, California Department of Water Resources, State Water Resources Control Board, member agencies, or other entities to develop and refine water supply and management programs and policies.
• Formulates and directs the development of policy recommendations for resource planning actions to increase the reliability of Water Authority's water supply; coordinates interagency planning programs and objectives, and briefs Water Authority management, member agency managers and staff.
• Tracks, evaluates, prepares, and delivers reports and presentations on water resources issues and programs to Water Authority management and Board.
• Works closely with other urban agencies, agricultural agencies, California Urban Water Agencies (CUWA), Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), and other organizations to pool resources for studies, development of position papers, and technical evaluations in areas of mutual interest.
• Negotiates delivery procedures for international emergency deliveries.
• Responds to media requests, serves as spokesperson for the Water Authority and participates in media interviews.
• Reviews, analyzes, develops and advocates for state and local policies, legislation, and regulations related to water quality, supply, and demand management.
• Serves on the Board of various organizations and technical committees on behalf of the Water Authority.
• Tracks and engages in the work of regulatory agencies to provide information, support and advocacy on behalf of the Water Authority and member agencies.
• Supervises the day-to-day operation and development of budgets for Water Authority programs including involvement of multiple public and private stakeholders; coordinates the activities of staff from other agencies as it relates to interagency programs.
• Coordinates with the State Department of Water Resources and stakeholders in developing and refining water management planning and funding programs.
• Reviews and develops recommended positions on legislation; provides language for bills, interacts with legislative staff and testifies before legislative committees.
• Assists in developing, establishing and implementing work plans, goals, and objectives and monitors program and staff performance in meeting assigned priorities; supervises the acquisition of external sources of funding and establishes collaborative partnerships; oversees the reconciliation of programs costs; monitors MWD conservation program performance against stewardship fee payments; oversees contracts with member agencies, MWD and other parties to ensure cost effectiveness, value and compliance.
• Attends and participates in meetings; represents the Water Authority in regulatory processes, public meetings, and community, industry and membership forums; collaborates with consultants and contractors; prepares communications on technical and complex water-use efficiency programs and issues.

For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this class specification, please click on the following link: Principal Water Resources Specialist

Qualification Guidelines

The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural science, physical science, environmental engineering, civil engineering, economics, natural resources management, urban planning, regional planning, public administration or a closely related field supplemented by eight years of progressively responsible water resources planning or implementation experience.

Licenses and Other Requirements
A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy. 

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by  Sun day, August 8, 2021, at 11:59 p.m.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. 

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices. 

To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663. 

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin. 

Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663. 

Information

• Location: San Diego, United States

Industry experience

Education: Bachelor

Seniority: Manager, Director, Professor

Years of experience: 5 to 10 years

Taxonomy

• Water Resources Engineer
• Water Resources
• Water Resources Management
• Water Resources Department
• Water Resources Management
• Water Resources
• Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)