Recycled Water Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Thursday, July 9, 2026, so please hold that date. 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE STATEMENT:

The successful candidate is a collaborative and adaptable professional who brings both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills to the role. They have demonstrated experience or a clear ability to effectively communicate, both written and orally, and coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, construction and landscape contractors, and internal City departments. This individual is skilled at interpreting civil and landscape plans and translating technical requirements into practical applications, ensuring projects meet regulatory standards and program goals. With a solid understanding of water systems, cross-connection control, backflow prevention, hydraulic principles, and irrigation systems, they can confidently support compliance efforts while maintaining positive, solution-oriented working relationships. They approach their work with a proactive mindset, sound judgment, and a commitment to delivering high-quality service to both internal teams and the community.

In addition to their communication strengths, the ideal candidate is detail-oriented and organized, with experience in (or the ability to quickly learn) data management systems and software tools used for tracking, analysis, and reporting. They can manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment and adapting to evolving program needs, regulatory changes, and project demands. A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to navigate both field and administrative responsibilities are essential. This candidate not only contributes to program success but also enhances team collaboration and continuous improvement efforts.

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs a variety of professional and technical assignments in the development, implementation, and administration of the City’s recycled water and cross connection control programs, including the expansion of programs, building plan review, ensuring compliance with regulations, periodic reporting, administration of permit programs, and public education and outreach in support of assigned programs.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification performs complex work requiring independent judgment and initiative in the development, implementation, and administration of recycled water and the cross-connection control programs. This classification is distinguished from the Water Resources Program Manager in that the latter has overall management responsibility for the staff and activities of the Water Resources Program. This classification is distinguished from the Water Resources Technician in that the latter performs less complex technical, customer service, and outreach duties.

SUPERVISION

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from the Water Resources Program Manager and may exercise technical or functional direction over lower-level staff. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Plans, develops, and implements recycled water and cross connection control programs.
• Monitors, maintains, and expands recycled water irrigation program, including recommending program, policy, and municipal code modifications and revisions.
• Reviews irrigation plans for compliance with the City’s recycled water program and state and local regulations.
• Coordinates and performs on-site inspections of recycled water irrigation systems for compliance with state and local regulations.
• Prepares and submits recycled water program mandated reporting.
• Trains irrigation and construction contractors on the safe and legal use of recycled water.
• Updates recycled water site maps using the geographic information system.
• Monitors recycled water irrigation use for compliance with state regulations and makes recommendations on programs to maintain compliance with associated regulations.
• Processes recycled water construction permits and ensures that recycled water filling stations meet City requirements.
• Coordinates with the County to request and monitor recycled water cross connection testing. Performs backflow device and cross connection system audits; coordinates backflow device repairs; administers the County’s non-compliance/shutoff list for the cross-connection control program.
• Assists with short-term and long-term recycled water program planning, including projects, reports, assessments, and master plans.
• Provides technical expertise to City staff and the public on how to achieve the program objectives. 
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes data to monitor programs, conduct studies, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws; prepares oral and written reports and recommendations. 
• Prepares and implements a public information program to increase public awareness of recycled water and cross connection control programs. 
• Represents the City in interdepartmental, community, and professional meetings as required.
• Performs regulatory monitoring and evaluation activities for assigned programs; documents problem areas and researches and recommends solutions.
• Ensures compliance with City ordinances through public outreach, customer support, and issuing citations.
• Assists management in the preparation of the Water Resources budget; monitors and tracks the recycled water program and cross connection control budgets.
• Assists management in the production of water resources assessments and plans.
• Trains, leads, and oversees work conducted by lower-level staff. 
• Interprets Federal, state, and local regulations; coordinates their application to City operations and to the public.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required. 

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding recycled water systems and approved uses.
• Irrigation systems and backflow device types and appropriate uses.
• Principles and practices of program development and implementation.
• Practices and methods for developing public education and outreach programs and materials.
• Basic budgetary and fiscal practices and procedures.
• Statistical and research methods as applied to collection and analyzing data related to the recycled water program.
• Data and record keeping methods and principles.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including computer applications related to the area of assignment.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with contractors, government agencies, community groups, and various business, educational, and other organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person, over the phone, and via email.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and coordinate recycled water programs and projects.
• Clearly and accurately communicate the goals of the recycled water program to the public, City Council, other City staff, landscape and property management professionals, community groups, and others. 
• Make effective presentations to organizations and stakeholders regarding the recycled water program.
• Provide professional and technical support in the creation of codes and policies related to assigned program areas.
• Prioritize and coordinate work in a deadline and project-oriented environment.
• Analyze, interpret, and explain applicable laws, codes, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
• Prepare accurate, effective, clear, and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, public information and education materials, ordinances, and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate logs and records of work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and sound judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
• Effectively represent the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and other individuals and organizations.
• Review legislative and technological changes and recommend operational and code changes as appropriate.
• Work in a team atmosphere and participate on a variety of departmental and City-wide committees to enhance the provision of City services.
• Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.
• Effectively communicate in both oral and written forms. 
• Effectively use and learn to use computer programs and systems related to the functions of the job. 
• Analyze and accurately interpret and evaluate technical issues and make appropriate recommendations for actions. 
• Use database management and geographic information systems to organize and display data. 
• Read and interpret building and construction plans.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in environmental science, city planning, engineering, or a related field;

and

Three years of experience providing technical support to recycled water or water-related programs, preferably including some experience testing cross connection system or installing irrigation systems;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
• AWWA Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification within one year of hire (ongoing maintenance of this certification is not required after acquisition of the Cross Connection Control Specialist Certification) Cross Connection Control Specialist certification within three years of hire.
• Water Distribution Grade 2 certification or Water Treatment Grade 2 certification is highly desirable.

BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE, THE CANDIDATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO:

• Pre-Employment Physical
• Live Scan Fingerprinting – DOJ

Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice

The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.

La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.

For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.