Water Resources Planner

The Position

FLSA: Exempt

Salary: $138,569.60 – $168,833.60 Annually

Desired Qualifications:  An environmental scientist/biologist to carry out analysis of aquatic ecosystems, collecting appropriate samples for field and laboratory analysis, and observing the health, relationships, and behavior of plants and animals in assigned areas to include species interactions, diseases, and migration patterns, and analyzing the impact of human activities on local ecosystems, supports the use, maintenance and improvement of modeling and analytical tools developed for water resources management and planning. *This position is assigned to technical and scientific support in hydrology, hydrogeology, biology, or environmental science.

DEFINITION 

Under general supervision; plans, coordinates, and participates in a variety of water resources supply planning and in the development of future water supply needs and sources to meet future water demand activities; conducts research activities and participates in various planning special projects; assists with the development of strategies, policies, and programs to enhance local and imported water resource opportunities and regional environmental resources; conducts project management of specialized water resources programs; prepares technical and policy oriented recommendations and reports; serves as a subject expert and resource on topics related to natural resource management; oversees professional, technical staff and consultants; may perform a variety of duties related to managing the State Water Project imported water supply and coordinates deliveries to meet water demand in the Santa Clarita Valley; and performs other related duties as required.

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Water Resources Planner classification performs more extensive and complex review, research, and report preparation. Incumbents prepare long-range planning reports. The Principal Water Resources Planner incumbents serve as lead person on major projects and short-range and long-range land use plans. Incumbents participate in project reviews as directed. The Senior Water Resources Planner incumbents serve as a lead person on major complex projects with substantial responsibility and impact.

TheAssociatePlannerclassificationworksundergeneralsupervisionandperformsprofessional level planning and research tasks for project reviews. Incumbents prepare less complex planning projects and related presentations and respond to questions from legislative groups, special interest groups, outside agencies, boards, committees and the public regarding the policies and procedures related to the Agency’s Water Resources and supply planning activities.

SUPERVISIONRECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Director of Water Resources. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLESOFESSENTIALFUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

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

If assigned to technical and scientific support in hydrology, hydrogeology, biology, or environmental science:

• 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 cycles.
• Researches and studies agency’s desirable aquatic ecosystems, collecting appropriate samples for field and laboratory analysis, and observing the health, relationships, and behavior of plants and animals in assigned areas to include species interactions, diseases, and migration patterns, and analyzing the impact of human activities on local ecosystems.
• Supports the use, maintenance and improvement of modeling and analytical tools developed for water resources management and planning.
• Be trained to provide support in translating research findings into policy issues and provides input regarding policy options for Agency management consideration.
• Supports other Agency staff participating in cross-functional, inter-disciplinary team(s) by providing technical support for the Agency’s water resource management decisions.
• Supports compliance with federal, state, local and other pertinent environmental mandates, laws, codes, rules, regulations, and agreements within assigned areas.
• Researches, analyzes, and interprets information and data.
• Conducts a variety of standard assigned studies and surveys.
• 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).
• Collects, assembles, analyzes, and interprets data pertaining to a variety of water and recycled water resource management issues including supply/demand projections, water use and treatment, recycled water availability, water quality, water management, financial analysis, and historical trends; provides data for use in feasibility studies.
• Supports performance of a variety of professional hydrologic or hydrogeologic duties supporting the design, development, operation, and maintenance of Stormwater reuse, water quality, and water production, storage, treatment and distribution facilities and systems.
• May review 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.
• May assist 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.
• 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 accommodations.

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 Water Resources Planner. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental, 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.).
• Three (3) years of experience performing professional level analytical and/or operational duties water resources planning or related work.

OR

• A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental, 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.).
• Two (2) years of experience performing professional level analytical and/or operational duties water resources planning or related work.

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 water resources, environmental planning, and natural resource management and conservation.
• Local, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Legislative processes.
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Research techniques, analytical practices, and statistical methods.
• Project management for water resources programs.
• Contract administration and agreement language.
• Budget preparation and monitoring.
• Project management concepts and techniques.
• Safe working practices.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Public speaking techniques.
• Research methods.
• Interpersonal skills including tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Operation of a computer and assigned software.
• Mathematical and measurement calculations.

 Ability to:

• Provide technical assistance on all aspects of water resources and environmental planning.
• Conduct research activities and participate in various planning special projects.
• Analyze technical planning problems, evaluate alternative approaches, and adopt effective solutions.
• Interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, laws, and ordinances.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, outside organizations, and the public.
• Analyze technical planning problems, evaluate alternative processes, and utilize statistical methods.
• Provide technical support on projects 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.
• Prepare and deliver oral presentations 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.
• Research topics related to water resources to compete complex tasks.
• Work closely with other water agencies, State agencies and other organizations to coordinate programs and develop programs of mutual interest.
• Operate a computer and assigned software.
• Plan, prioritize and organize work.
• Prepare and maintain records and technical reports related to assigned activities.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

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.