Water Efficiency Lead Specialist

SUMMARY: Under general supervision of the assigned supervisor, the Water Efficiency Lead Specialist coordinates and guides the work of staff engaged in implementing, administering, and evaluating water conservation programs that educate the public, commercial customers, professionals, and government agencies on efficient water use and conservation. The Lead provides functional direction by assigning daily tasks, offering technical guidance, and ensuring consistent program delivery while exercising significant independence in coordinating, monitoring, and implementing program activities. Incumbents conduct advanced field audits, interact with customers and the public regarding water conservation and water waste, and participate in the enforcement of water ordinances related to conservation programs. This advanced journey-level classification provides program expertise and staff coordination but does not include full supervisory authority such as hiring, formal performance evaluations, disciplinary action, program development, budget preparation, or overall staff management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: — Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Coordinate, monitor, and implement the City’s water conservation and water efficiency programs to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and performance objectives.

• Plan, assign, and oversee daily work activities of water efficiency personnel, including scheduling, coaching, training, and monitoring work to ensure safe and effective operations.

• Gather, analyze, and evaluate water use data; prepare written reports and recommendations to improve water use efficiency and program performance.

• Prepare and maintain records, reports, documentation, and program materials based on data collection and analysis.

• Assist in the preparation of presentations, reports, and communications for internal staff, management, and external agencies.

• Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment that encourages employee participation, professional development, and continuous improvement.

• Lead and implement water efficiency programs and drought response measures designed to reduce consumption, promote sustainable water use, and support long-term water supply reliability.

• Coordinate activities with District divisions, departments, external agencies, and regional partners; represent the City in meetings, workshops, and collaborative initiatives related to water conservation.

• Monitor legislation, regulations, and industry trends related to water efficiency and conservation practices and recommend program adjustments as appropriate.

• Assist in the preparation and administration of program budgets, procurement activities, and resource planning related to water efficiency initiatives.

• Conduct and oversee complex water audits for residential, commercial, institutional, and landscape accounts; analyze consumption data and prepare written recommendations to improve water use efficiency.

• Investigate and document water waste incidents, leaks, unauthorized water use, and violations of water-use policies and coordinate enforcement actions in accordance with applicable ordinances.

• Assist with the preparation, submittal, and administration of grant applications and funding requests supporting water efficiency projects and public outreach efforts.

• Develop and implement water conservation awareness campaigns, public education programs, and informational materials to promote efficient water use and community engagement.

• Engage with customers, property owners, businesses, and the public to answer questions, provide technical guidance, and recommend water-saving strategies.

• Coordinate with government agencies, water providers, and community organizations on joint projects and regional water conservation initiatives.

• Promote the implementation of water-efficient irrigation systems, landscape best practices, and emerging technologies to reduce water waste.

• Provide technical guidance and field leadership to water efficiency staff and contractors to ensure consistency, safety, and quality in program delivery.

• Participate in the development and delivery of workshops, presentations, and training sessions for customers, staff, and community partners.

• Safely operate City vehicles and equipment. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and four (4) years of experience working at a water utility or in a closely related water operations environment. Qualifying experience may include water meter reading and maintenance, customer service, meter replacement and installation, or operation and maintenance of water distribution systems. At least one (1) year of this experience must include lead or quasi-supervisory responsibility, such as directing the work of staff, coordinating projects or programs, overseeing contractors, or serving in a senior or lead capacity. While applicants meeting the minimum operational requirements will be considered, progressively responsible experience in water conservation, water efficiency, drought response, or related water resources programs is highly desirable.

Additional qualifying experience may include responsibility in one or more of the following areas:

• Program Leadership and Administration: Planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating water conservation or water efficiency programs; ensuring regulatory compliance; coordinating staff or contractors; and assisting with budget administration, procurement, grants, enforcement coordination, and resource planning.

• Technical Analysis and Reporting: Conducting or overseeing water audits and investigations; analyzing water use data; preparing technical reports and recommendations; and monitoring relevant legislation, regulations, and industry practices.

• Public Outreach and Interagency Coordination: Developing public education programs and outreach campaigns; preparing informational materials and presentations; representing the City in meetings; and coordinating with internal departments, external agencies, and community partners.

License(s)/Certifications:

• Must possess a valid California Class “C” driver’s license upon hire and maintain it throughout employment with the City of Victorville. The City reasonably expects driving to be one of the job functions for the position, and the City reasonably believes that using an alternative form of transportation would not be comparable in travel time or cost to the City.

• California State Water Resources Control Board Distribution Operator Grade 2 Certification within one (1) year of appointment.

• Water Use Efficiency Practitioner (WUEP) Grade 1, issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), within one (1) year of employment.

• Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) certification within one (1) year of employment.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures and the ability to interpret and apply them to complex assignments.

• Local, state, and federal laws, codes, and ordinances related to water conservation and the ability to explain and enforce requirements to the public.

• Principles and practices of water utility operations and water resource management. 

• Advanced principles and practices of landscape maintenance and irrigation system operations, including evaluation of large or complex irrigation systems.

• Residential and commercial water conservation measures and strategies for improving water efficiency programs.

• Public education, community engagement, and customer communication techniques for effective outreach.

• Applied research methods and program evaluation techniques.

• Project management principles for coordinating multiple projects and ensuring compliance with timelines and objectives.

• Principles and practices of staff coordination, training, and functional leadership.

• Budget preparation and expenditure control at the program or project level.

• Modern office practices, procedures, and software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and specialized conservation technologies.

• English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic mathematics for preparing reports, correspondence, and educational materials.

Skills and Ability to:

• Use initiative, discretion, and sound judgment to coordinate and oversee the work of staff.

• Define complex problems, evaluate data, and develop effective solutions for program implementation and enforcement.

• Manage situations requiring diplomacy and firmness, including escalated customer concerns and field conflicts.

• Interpret and apply City, state, and federal codes, laws, and regulations with independence and consistency.

• Use hand tools, measuring equipment, and field technology with advanced proficiency.

• Deliver presentations, workshops, and outreach activities to diverse audiences including schools, businesses, and community groups.

• Provide efficient customer service while serving as a technical resource for water conservation questions.

• Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written formats, including preparing reports, summaries, and public education materials.

• Operate personal computers proficiently and utilize common business software and specialized water conservation applications.

• Organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple assignments while meeting established timelines.

• Work independently with limited supervision and exercise judgment in coordinating program activities.

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, City staff, contractors, and the public.

• Provide informal training and functional direction to staff.

• Apply safe work practices and ensure safety procedures are followed by team members.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

(Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations)

This position primarily works in an indoor office environment but also requires fieldwork, which may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions such as wind, heat, cold, and rain. Employees may be required to climb ladders, traverse uneven surfaces, and perform activities involving balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. The position involves medium work, requiring the exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally (up to one-third of the workday), 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently (one-third to two-thirds of the workday), and up to 10 pounds of force constantly (two-thirds or more of the workday). Physical demands exceed those associated with light work. Incumbents may be required to assist with setting up displays, pop-up canopies, tables, and chairs. Employees must have the ability to see and hear within the normal range, with or without correction, and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. This role requires the stamina to work long hours, overtime as needed, and a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying shifts.