The City of Santa Clara
Water Resources Specialist
An exciting opportunity is available to join the City of Santa Clara’s Water & Sewer Utilities Department as a Water Resources Specialist. This position offers the chance to be part of a small, dedicated team within the Compliance Division, supporting critical programs that protect and manage the City’s water resources.
About the Position
The Water Resources Specialist performs a variety of professional analytical and technical assignments related to:
- Water resource planning and management (potable and recycled water)
- Water conservation and efficiency programs
- Regulatory compliance and reporting
- Financial and operational analysis related to water and wastewater programs
The incumbent will play a key role in ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements, supporting the City’s commitment to sustainability and resource protection.
Work Environment
This classification is part of the classified service and is assigned to the Water & Sewer Utilities Department. The position works under general supervision, exercising independent judgment and initiative while performing the full range of duties supporting the Compliance Division and the Department as a whole. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and to collaborate across Divisions and Departments.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This classification is distinguished from the higher-level Compliance Manager position in that the latter manages multiple environmental and regulatory programs and ensures full compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and permits across several City departments, including Electric Utility, Water & Sewer Utilities, and Public Works.
The Department
The Water and Sewer Utilities Department is a utility enterprise that provides planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the City’s water distribution system, sewer collection system, and recycled water system. For more information about Water and Sewer Utilities please visit the department website.
Why Join Us
The City of Santa Clara is a recognized leader in sustainability and water resource management. As a Water Resources Specialist, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of water supply reliability, conservation, and environmental stewardship in our community.
Additional Information:
Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Completed City Application 2) Current Resume and 3) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of Nov 20, 2025 at 4:00 PM.
THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT.MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.
The annual salary range for this position is $116,173.44 – $148,626.24. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in, environmental studies, Biology, civil or environmental engineering or approved related field;
AND
- Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in water resources planning, water conservation, laboratory analysis of water or wastewater, water quality, regulatory compliance, or sanitary sewer regulatory compliance.
ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTION
- Completion of an advanced degree in environmental studies, civil/environmental engineering or public administration may be substituted for two (2) years of the qualifying experience for this position
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.
Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
VETERAN’S PREFERENCE POINTS: This position qualifies for Veteran’s Preference Points. Applicants who have separated from service (Active Duty Status) must submit proof of honorable discharge (Form DD214) with their application at time of filing or will be ineligible to have points added to their final score.
The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.