Temporary Water Efficiency Specialist

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently hiring a Temporary Water Efficiency Specialist in the Water Efficiency Department. 

The position is limited to a duration of no more than six (6) months.

The Position

Under direct supervision, is responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of water efficiency programs working with customers and staff to reduce the District’s water demand. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 

Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level in the Water Efficiency Specialist series. Incumbents in this classification are responsible for performing a variety of functions related to water efficiency program implementation. This class is further distinguished from the Senior Water Efficiency Specialist in that the higher level has greater functional responsibility, completes more difficult and complex assignments, and has more specialized knowledge of water efficiency program planning and implementation.

For the full job description and responsibilities of the position, please click here.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs a variety of functions related to water efficiency program implementation Responds to inquiries in writing or on the phone about programs, provides information and materials as needed to customers to assist in saving water. Primary responder to water efficiency-related phone calls, emails, and walk-in customer inquiries.

Responds to assigned customer assistance requests in a timely manner.

Monitors monthly customer usage against allocations, and notifies customers of excess usage. Educates customers with regard to the IRWD budget based tiered rate structure, including evapotranspiration, provides seasonal watering schedule and information about low-water use plants and efficient watering practices.

Solicits, schedules and conducts on-site surveys/inspections for high use residential, commercial, industrial, and landscape customers, as assigned. Provides customers with assistance in detecting leaks, measuring landscape areas for water budgets, making recommendations on efficient water use techniques, equipment improvement, and other methods of achieving more efficient use.

Assists in the planning, development and implementation of residential, commercial, and institutional water conservation programs and projects. Provides data gathering and entry in support of conservation programs, research studies and grants. 

Assists with program participation monitoring and management of schedule, budget and consultant resources and coordination of contracts, agreements, and purchase orders.

Assists in preparing materials and packets for events. Helps develop content, attends and makes presentations at community workshops or events, and assists in publicizing the District’s water efficiency programs. Participates in tours and workshops in evenings and on weekends as necessary.

Confers with representatives of the landscape profession, other utilities, industry associations, and manufacturers and vendors of water devices as necessary to remain current on new developments in the field of water efficiency.

Represents the District at professional or industry group meetings.

Develops knowledge of proper plants and their irrigation needs for Southern California climate appropriate landscapes.

Uses a personal computer to enter, maintain, and analyze water use data, and prepares reports and correspondence.

Complies with safety work-related practices and attends relevant safety training.

Responsible for all other work related duties as assigned.

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:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis in environmental studies, environmental science, water resources, physical sciences, horticulture, or a related field.

Experience:

Work experience in water efficiency or related discipline is desirable.

Licenses/Certificates Required:

• A valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License is required.
• AWWA Water Use Efficiency Practitioner Level I certification preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Intermediate level of proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) or equivalent word processing, spreadsheet and database programs.

Ability to: 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the public, co-workers and supervisors using the principles of good customer service and effectively handle sensitive customer relation situations using tact and diplomacy.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of office, management, and field employees.
• Represent the District in a professional manner. Public-speaking skills. Interact with District staff, customers who are often upset and dissatisfied, and members of the public. 
• To add, subtract, multiply, and divide and calculate percentages, decimals and fractions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Walk long distances over uneven terrain. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, dust, air contaminants, or other materials in the field. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. 

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating “See Resume” is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District’s online application. To apply, click on the “Apply” link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for January 7, 2026): will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.