Marin Water

Water Conservation Specialist

Hybrid - Corte Madera, CA
Full-Time
Application Deadline: 10/25/24

Water Conservation Specialist I, II, or III

The District has one open, full-time position of Water Conservation Specialist I, II, or III in the Water Efficiency Department of the Water Resources Division. This position requires an on-site day-to-day presence (non-telecommuting role) and will be staffed at a level commensurate with the qualifications of the selected individual as determined by the District. Interested persons must submit a completed District application and supplemental questionnaire responses to the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline.

Join us in our mission to protect our most valuable resource. Submit your application today for Water Conservation Specialist I, II, or III and pave the way for a sustainable tomorrow!

Benefits include:

·        Competitive salaries

·        Tuition reimbursement

·        12 District paid holidays

·        A variety of benefit options available (medical, dental, vision)

Water Conservation Specialist I:    $7,778-$9,361 per month

Water Conservation Specialist II:   $8,853-$10,615 per month

Water Conservation Specialist III:  $9,273-$11,251 per month

The Division

In the face of historic climate change-driven drought conditions and resultant impacts to water storage levels, Marin Water recently created a new Water Resources Division to give a high level of attention to our needs related to a resilient water supply. The Water Resources Division is responsible for key District departments including Backflow & Reclamation, Water Quality Field Services, the Water Quality Lab, and Water Efficiency.

Water Conservation Specialist I:

Under close supervision, analyzes customer water use; participates in District water conservation programs; performs interior and exterior water audits; and does related work as required.

Water Conservation Specialist II:

Under general supervision, analyzes residential and non-residential customer water use: determines water allocations, including those for major accounts involving complex situations; performs various ordinance compliance inspections; performs interior and exterior water consultations; participates and implements landscape water management and other conservation programs; and does related work as required.

Water Conservation Specialist III:

Under general supervision, this position conducts research, planning, development, implementation, administration and evaluation of water conservation program activities for residential, industrial, commercial and institutional consumers; conducts studies, analyzes data, prepares reports on a wide variety of technical water efficiency matters and performs a variety of other tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility, and performs other related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Water Conservation Specialist I:

This is the entry-level classification in the Water Conservation Specialist series. Incumbents, work under close supervision, performing the less complex water conservation duties, involving water use calculations and analysis.

The Water Conservation Specialist I is distinguished from the Water Conservation Specialist II, which is the journey level classification. The Water Conservation Specialist II establishes water allocations for the more complex accounts and implements water conservation programs. On a training or emergency basis, the Water Conservation Specialist I may be assigned more complex water conservation duties normally performed by the Water Conservation Specialist II.

Positions in the Water Conservation Specialist series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Water Conservation Specialist II level are normally filled by advancement from the Water Conservation Specialist I level; progression to the Water Conservation Specialist II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; (iv) the incumbent satisfactorily meeting the internal promotional criteria; and (v) management approval for progression to the Water Conservation Specialist II level.

Water Conservation Specialist II:

This is a journey level classification in the Water Conservation Specialist series.  Incumbents work with a minimum of supervision and are assigned more difficult and complex duties.

Water Conservation Specialist III:

This is the advanced journey level classification in the Water Conservation Specialist series and is distinguished from the Water Conservation Specialist II by its lead responsibilities in the planning, development, implementation and administration of multiple projects and data. Public relations, written and oral skills are extremely important as this position has frequent contact with the community in situations that require technical expertise and effective communication. This position also requires the ability to work on several assignments simultaneously and meet multiple deadlines.

The deadline for the first review of applications is on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024 at 11:59 P.M Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly as this recruitment may close at any time without notice.

Water Conservation Specialist I:

Typical duties may include but are not limited to the following:

·        Researches and analyzes customer’s water use records;

·        answers consumer inquiries in person and by telephone regarding water use and water conservation programs;

·        researches, creates, and maintains records, files, and directories;

·        participates in a variety of water management and conservation programs;

·        conducts interior and exterior water audits for a variety of users;

·        receives phone calls from customers for scheduling appointments for water use surveys;

·        enters water use survey data into customer data base program;

·        performs field inspections making field measurements, calculations, sketches and inspects for plumbing fixtures;

·        schedules and coordinates customers who request to attend District sponsored residential workshops and seminars;

·        prepares and distributes necessary correspondence, reports, and records to District customers and employees;

·        gives presentations in support of school education programs;

·        uses a computer to enter, access and update information;

·        interacts with other departments regarding consumer accounts and billings;

·        prepares and conducts water conservation presentations for the public; and

·        performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Water Conservation Specialist II:

Typical duties may include but are not limited to the following:

·        Performs analysis of complex water uses, problem accounts, and major residential and non-residential customers;

·        studies and reviews various landscape, grading and irrigation plans for compliance with District ordinances;

·        analyzes complex water use problems and makes recommendations as to their resolution;

·        performs field inspections for installation of water saving plumbing fixtures and            landscape/irrigation components;

·        reviews and analyzes consumer’s water use records, and establishes annual water budgets;

·        compiles and analyzes statistical data;

·        participates in a variety of District water management and conservation programs;

·        prepares and conducts water conservation workshops and seminars:

·        conducts interior and exterior water audits for a variety of customers;

·        meets with and answers customer’s inquiries and interprets District policies as required;

·        prepares detailed correspondence, reports, and records,

·        researches and maintains records and files;

·        operates a personal computer and a variety of computer software, office equipment and tools;

·        may train and direct the work of others;

·        follows applicable safety rules and regulations;

·        performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

 

Water Conservation Specialist III:

Typical duties may include but are not limited to the following:

·        Plans, develops, implements and administers the district’s water conservation projects;

·        Uses data and analysis to help make informed decisions and help streamline the most effective use of resources and efforts.

·        Prepares, analyzes and evaluates proposed water management costs, water consumption figures, and other statistical data and estimates water savings potential;

·        Evaluates and recommends water conservation technologies to support water conservation programs and initiatives;

·        Conducts interior and exterior water audits by inspecting residential, industrial, commercial and institutional sites for indoor and outdoor water use practices and makes recommendations for improving water use efficiency;

·        Leads, plans, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of water efficiency staff;

·        Provides input for inclusion in employee performance evaluations;

·        Confers with owners and/or their representatives to identify and discuss water conservation opportunities in landscape irrigation and commercial and industrial processes as assigned;

·        Performs a variety of field work as assigned, including performing inspections, representing the district at outreach events, evaluating irrigation systems, and measuring landscaped areas;

·        Studies and reviews various landscape, grading and irrigation plans for compliance with district ordinances;

·        May train, oversee, and check the work of others;

·        Answers questions and provides information to the public, investigates complaints and recommends corrective actions as necessary to resolve complaints, makes formal presentations to boards, committees, other agencies and consumers;

·        Interprets and applies policies regarding water use, meets with and answers consumer inquiries and interprets district policy;

·        Works with program staff, and leads as appropriate, to create a high performance, service-oriented work environment that supports district’s mission, organizational goals and service expectations;

·        Prepares clear and concise records, technical reports and correspondence; maintains and researches records and files;

·        Prepares presentations for water conservation workshops and seminars and represents the district in meetings with outside local and regional agencies;

·        Confers with representatives of the landscape profession, other utility agencies, industry associations, and manufacturers and vendors of water devices as necessary to obtain and provide technical information; researches new developments and alternative options for water using fixtures, equipment and processes that have potential application to residential, industrial, commercial and institutional customers;

·        Operates computer and a variety of equipment and tools;

·        May assume a temporary acting assignment for supervising departmental staff;

·        Ensures that safe working conditions are maintained; and

·        Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

Water Conservation Specialist I Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

·        Basic principles, practices, and methodologies of water conservation;

·        principles of basic to moderate mathematical calculations;

·        creating/storing word processing and spreadsheet computer files, in a network Windows environment;

·        computer entry and retrieval;

·        techniques for effectively interacting with the public, in person and by telephone; and

·        proper spelling, grammar, punctuation and writing practices.

 Ability to:

·        Make accurate mathematical calculations of moderate difficulty;

·        analyze problems, examine alternatives and recommend solutions;

·        interpret, apply and explain policies and procedures;

·        explain basic water conservation methods and products to the public;

·        type with sufficient speed and accuracy to enter data and produce correspondence;

·        prepare and maintain clear and concise records, reports and correspondence;

·        interact effectively with the public, in person and by telephone;

·        operate a variety of standard office equipment including a computer and calculator;

·        interview and accurately record customer responses regarding indoor and outdoor water use habits;

·        establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;

·        lift and carry objects up to twenty-five pounds;

·        maintain a physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; and

·        follow applicable safety rules and regulations.

Training and Experience: Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

·        Completion of twelfth grade or its equivalent; and one year of experience in water conservation, or a directly related field; and demonstrated customer relations experience. Landscaping knowledge is desirable, but not required.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

·        Possession of an Irrigation Association (IA) Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor certificate or equivalent is required within twelve (12) months of the date of hire.

·        Possession of an appropriate California driver’s license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and satisfactory driving record.

Water Conservation Specialist II Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

·        Principles, practices and methodologies of water conservation;

·        principles and practices of horticulture, landscaping, and irrigation systems;

·        basic principles of interior plumbing and various water saving plumbing fixtures;

·        creating/storing word processing and spreadsheet computer files in a Network Windows environment;

·        proper spelling, grammar, punctuation and writing practices.

Ability to:

·        Make mathematical calculations of moderate difficulty;

·        read and interpret landscape, grading, and irrigation plans and specifications to determine policy and ordinance compliance;

·        perform data entry and retrieval at an intermediate skill level;

·        proficiently operate a personal computer and utilize word processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs;

·        understand, interpret and enforce District policies/ordinances that require field verification inspections to achieve compliance;

·        prepare and maintain accurate and detailed records, reports and correspondence;

·        perform field measurements, calculations, and sketches;

·        analyze complex problems and identify alternatives and recommend solutions;

·        establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;

·        deal effectively and tactfully with consumers and their account representatives and officials;

·        lift and carry objects up to fifty pounds;

·        maintain a physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time;

·        follow applicable safety rules and regulations;

·        depending upon job assignment, drive a vehicle;

·        travel to alternative work locations and offsite meetings.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would lead to the acquisition of knowledge and abilities listed above. Examples of qualifying education and experience are:

·        Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in physical science, landscape architecture, horticulture or closely related field and one year’s experience performing residential and/or non-residential landscape audits, water usage investigation and analysis, and related water conservation activities;

·        Graduation from an accredited college with an associate degree in physical science, landscape architecture, horticulture or closely related field and two years of experience performing residential and/or non-residential landscape consultations, water usage investigation and analysis, and related water conservation activities;

·        Completion of twelfth grade or its equivalent; and four years of experience performing residential and/or non-residential landscape consultations, water usage investigation and analysis, and related water conservation activities.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

·        Possession of an Irrigation Association – Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor’s certificate or equivalent within one year from the date of employment;

·        Possession of or the ability to obtain an appropriate California driver’s license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and satisfactory driving record.

Water Conservation Specialist III Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

·        Principles, practices and techniques of water conservation;

·        Principles and practices of landscape maintenance and irrigation systems;

·        Principles and practices of techniques of data management and analysis.

·        Current legislation relative to water conservation issues and state-of-the-art programs involving water use and conservation;

·        Principles, practices and techniques of program and project planning, evaluation and management;

·        Principles and practices of administration, including budgeting and records maintenance;

·        Business letter writing and report preparation including proper spelling, grammar, punctuation and technical writing expertise;

·        Computer software applications and technology related to water resources planning and modeling, word processing and spreadsheets;

·        District safety regulations.

Ability to:

·        Organize, plan, implement, administer and evaluate of a wide variety of water conservation program activities;

·        Conduct complex and specialized water resource planning studies and analyses;

·        Utilize sophisticated computerized operations models to make planning projections;

·        Make mathematical calculations of complex difficulty;

·        Read and interpret plans and specifications to determine policy and ordinance compliance;

·        Understand, interpret and enforce policies and ordinances;

·        Prepare and maintain clear and concise records, reports and correspondence;

·        Analyze complex problems, examine alternatives and recommend solutions;

·        Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;

·        Develop and maintain databases related to conservation and communications;

·        Deal effectively and tactfully with consumers, major account representatives and officials;

·        Prepare and present written reports and oral presentations including technical material for non-technical audiences;

·        Follow applicable safety rules and regulations;

·        Drive a vehicle and travel to off-site locations depending upon job assignment.

Training and Experience: Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

·        Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree or major coursework in physical or natural science, landscape architecture, horticulture or closely related field

and;

·        Five years experience in water conservation and landscaping, performing customer consultation, water usage investigation and analysis, and program implementation for residential and commercial customers.

OR

·        Graduation from an accredited college with an associate degree in physical or natural science, landscape architecture, horticulture or closely related field with seven years of experience in water conservation and landscaping performing customer consultation, water usage investigation and analysis, and program implementation for residential and commercial customers.

OR

·        Completion of twelfth grade or its equivalent; and nine years of increasingly responsible work in water conservation services that include the following elements: performing customer consultation, water usage investigation and analysis, and program implementation for residential and commercial customers.

Licenses and/or Certifications

·        Possession of an Irrigation Association – Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor’s certificate is desirable;

·        Possession of an American Water Works Association – Water Conservation Practitioner certification desirable;

·        Possession of or the ability to obtain an appropriate California driver’s license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and satisfactory driving record.

Other Requirements for all levels of Water Conservation Specialist

Per California Government Code, Title 1, Division 4, Chapter 8, Section 3100 “all public employees are hereby declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.”

The deadline for the first review of applications is on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024 at 11:59 P.M Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly as this recruitment may close at any time without notice.

Recruiter Information:

Human Resources