Senior Water Resources Planner/Hydrogeologist

The Position

Full-Time Position
FLSA: Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, directs, coordinates, and participates in a variety of water resources and supply planning activities focusing on groundwater management; develops strategies, policies, and programs to enhance local and imported water resource opportunities and regional environmental resources; independently performs complex data compilations, resources planning, water demand forecasting, groundwater modeling analysis or other such assignments; performs project management of key highly specialized groundwater resources programs; prepares complex technical and policy-oriented recommendations and reports; serves as a subject expert and resource on topics related to groundwater resources planning and management; leads, trains and provides work direction to assigned staff; and performs other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Senior Water Resources Planner/hydrogeologist can be distinguished from Water Resources Planner/hydrogeologist in that the Senior Water Resources Planner/hydrogeologist can be given very complex and highly difficult assignments. This is the fully experienced, journey level classification.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Director of Water Resources. May exercise supervision over assigned staff.

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists with implementation of Groundwater Sustainability Plans including technical analysis of groundwater conditions, analysis and management of projects, programs, and grants.

• Uses sensitive stream-measuring devices to assess flow rates, groundwater level measuring devices to assess water levels and sampling water quality and remote sensing technology, data assimilation, and numerical modeling to monitor and understand the change in local, regional, and global water resources.

• Addresses challenges regarding data availability, analysis, and interpretation, and takes the necessary steps to keep current with technological developments in modeling and analytical tools used to develop scope, feasibility, milestones, and completion schedules to include developing and maintaining modeling and analytical tools.

• Assists in translating research findings into policy issues and provides input regarding policy options to include making recommendations regarding agency policies initiatives relative to water and environmental resources for management consideration.

• Participates in cross-functional, inter-disciplinary team(s) to provide technical expertise to support the Agency's water resource decisions; provides technical assistance to other local organizations.

• Manages standard projects to include overseeing consultant work and establishes scope, schedule, and budget for water resource management work; reviews work products of contractors and other assigned staff for compliance with Agency policies and standards.

• Assures compliance with federal, state, local, and other pertinent environmental mandates, laws, codes, rules, regulations, and agreements within assigned areas.

• Assists in providing projections and recommendations related to budget development, planning, and management.

• Prepares narrative and statistical reports in accordance with regulatory requirements (such as the Field Operations Report, Watermaster Report, Groundwater Monitoring Report, Water Loss Report, Monthly Billed Consumption,).

• Research evolving Best Management Practices (BMP’s) utilized within the industry and incorporates these measures into project plans when applicable.

• Responds to inquiries about compliance with environmental/California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regulations, water use and/or water management information.

• Performs a variety of professional hydrologic or hydrogeologic duties supporting the design, development, operation, and maintenance of groundwater managed recharge, Stormwater reuse, water quality, and water production, storage, treatment and distribution facilities and systems.

• Assists in developing, conducting, monitoring, and evaluating comprehensive outreach, public education, training, and media activities.

• Provides direction and leadership on a project basis to professional, technical, support, consultant/contract, and volunteer staff.

• Reviews environmental impact reports and/or various other technical reports, some of which may be submitted by other agencies; validates data and computations and prepares departmental comments.

• Participates in developing and implementing short and long-range goals and objectives for the section.

• Assists in the configuration and development of data input files for ground and/or surface water modeling; interprets model output and processes data for technical reports and public presentations.

• Assists in developing and evaluating computer-generated statistical models of a variety of interdependent variables, using extrapolative and econometric methods to forecast water resource requirements in the Agency’s service area; assists in developing future water resource utilization scenarios and forecasting and explanatory models of water demand.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS  

This is both an indoors and outdoors position. Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various agency and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is a sedentary office classification. Standing in work areas and walking between work areas, may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and outdoors being exposed to a variety of weather conditions. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. 

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS  (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)
Education and/or Experience
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Senior Water Resources Planner/Hydrogeologist. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural or physical sciences, economics, natural resources management, urban or regional planning, environmental engineering, public administration, or a related field (hydrology, geology, chemistry, biology, ecology, etc.).
• Six (6) of experience performing professional level water resource planning. OR
• A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural or physical sciences, economics, natural resources management, urban or regional planning, environmental engineering, public administration, or a related field (hydrology, geology, chemistry, biology, ecology, etc.).
• Five (5) of experience performing professional level water resource planning.

 Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES  (The following are a representative sample of the KSA’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.) 
 
Knowledge/Skills of:

• Principles, theories, procedures, practices, information sources, and trends in the field of Hydrogeology, groundwater resources management, environmental planning, and natural resource management and conservation, groundwater monitoring, groundwater quality, and long-term water supply modeling and analysis. 
• Principles and practices of Groundwater modeling.
• Data compilation and analysis.
• Principles and practices of Project management for water resources programs.
• Local, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Terminology, symbols, methods, and techniques used in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and planning.

A good working knowledge of and experience with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.

• Research techniques, analytical practices, and statistical methods.
• Budget preparation and monitoring.
• Operation of a computer and assigned software.
• Local, state, and federal government organization and functions.
• Legislative processes.
• Safety principles and practices in the workplace.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, laws, and ordinances.
• Provide technical oversight on all aspects of water resources and environmental planning, and integrate, summarize, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., maps, calculations, environmental reports, feasibility studies) to research, analyze and formulate technical and project recommendations. 
• Analyze technical planning problems, evaluate alternative approaches, and recommend effective solutions.
• Work closely with other water agencies, state agencies and other organizations to coordinate programs and develop programs of mutual interest.
• Prepare a variety of technical reports to include preparing accurate technical reports, presentations, correspondence, and memos for a variety of audiences including staff, government and regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public.
• Effectively operate a personal computer and software.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate the work of project teams.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Operate a computer and assigned software.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, outside organizations, and the public.
• Follow safety procedures and policies.

Selection Process

HOW TO APPLY

Read the job notice thoroughly, note the minimum requirements of the position, and compile any information or documents necessary for the application. Complete and submit your application along with supporting documents such as resume and cover letter. It is important that your application is complete and thorough. Please include all requested information including education, certifications, and relevant experience.

Be advised that, while you may submit a resume with your application, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Incomplete applications will likely be rejected.

SELECTION PROCESS

Human Resources administers the Agency’s recruitment procedures to ensure a fair and unbiased selection. Applications may be removed from the process if they are incomplete or where the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications. Accepted applicants will interview before an unbiased, multiparty interview and scoring panel. Interviewed applicants will be scored on areas such as education, experience, demonstrated qualifications, communication skills, and interview presentation, among others. While seniority is considered, the Agency will choose the best qualified candidate regardless of time at the Agency. The Agency strives to fill each position with the most qualified candidate.

RECRUITMENT STATUS

Applicants will be provided notification electronically to the email provided in the application. To check the status of a submitted job application and to track the recruitment process, log in to governmentjobs.com by clicking the “Applicant Login” button on the Agency’s Job Opportunities page. Once you sign in, you will be directed to your Applications page where you can view the status of Submitted (and Incomplete) applications.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Agency selects applicants on the basis of applicant qualifications and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious or political affiliation, creed, citizenship status, military service status, marital status, pregnancy, age (over 40), national origin, ancestry, medical condition, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION OF DISABILITIES

The Agency will make reasonable accommodations for disabilities, both in the application process and in the performance of the job. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in the application process should contact Human Resources for assistance.

Questions or concerns related to the Agency’s Equal Opportunity Employer policy or any request for reasonable accommodation should be directed to Human Resources at (661) 297-1600.