Senior Water Resources Planner

The Position

Under general direction, plans, organizes and implements innovative projects related to water resources development and management. Coordinates and oversees various planning efforts and serves as project manager. Performs complex technical analyses on a broad range of assignments involving, surface and groundwater resources, supply reliability, groundwater banking, water quality and salt management. Incumbents may be assigned to a variety of projects and to specific specialty areas.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced level in the Water Resources Planner series performing complex assignments and typically serving in a lead capacity. These assignments require considerable technical skill, specialized knowledge and independent judgment. This position is distinguished from the lower-level positions in the series by the level of experience and technical specialization and the level of responsibility over these areas. This position is distinguished from the Senior Energy and Water Resources Planner by its primary focus on the development and implementation of groundwater banking programs or complex water resources modeling and analyses, as assigned. The work requires a highly organized and detailed minded professional that is a flexible self-starter with broad experience and demonstrated abilities to pursue water resource projects from concept to operation. Effective inter-agency relationship builder with negotiation and communication skills to lead the development and implementation of innovative water management programs. Capable of presenting new ideas and programs to the Board of Directors and outside agencies. Excellent verbal, written and public speaking skills. An innovative leader who can effectively lead staff and consultants to work as a team to “get the project done”.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Plan, evaluate and develop water resource programs and opportunities involving other water agencies.

Conduct complex financial, economic or hydrologic modeling analyses related to water resources, supply reliability, salt management or water infrastructure projects programs as assigned.

Develop and review detailed technical data and reports related to water resources, water rights, water quality, hydrologic modeling, salt management, supply reliability, as well as surface and groundwater management.

Participate in the planning of water resource projects involving water conveyance, recharge and recovery facilities.

Review and oversee work performed by consultants.

Prepare Requests for Proposals for retaining consultants on water resources projects.

Prepare and review detailed proposals, term sheets and contracts.

Prepare, review and present agenda items and supporting materials for Committee and Board consideration.

Prepare correspondence and technical reports in a professional manner.

Track industry developments and emerging technologies involving water resources management.

Serve on various industry committees as needed as a representative of IRWD.

Comply with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker:

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

A combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in engineering, geology, economics, business or environmental science or a related field.

Master’s Degree desired. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required

Experience:

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in water resource planning and project management. Understanding of California water rights, California water supply systems, groundwater aquifer systems, water transfers, and exchanges is preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

A valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License is required.

Professional license in engineering or geology is desirable

Knowledge of:

Ability to:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. This may involve repetitive hand movements for extended periods. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Occasional standing is required, such as when presenting. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requiring clear speech and hearing. Occasional travel may be required to other worksites or conferences for meetings, training, or other work-related activities. The job may require sustained concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain. The employee should be able to manage work-related stress in a fast-paced environment. These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions. Occasional visits to construction sites where noise level may be higher than typical office environment. Ability to work in an environment which may expose employee to hazardous materials and environment.