Water Resources Engineeer​/Planner

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled.

The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Monday, June 29, 2026. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

A 3.7% cost‑of‑living adjustment will take effect on July 4, 2026, pending Board approval.

Under general direction, plans, organizes and implements innovative programs and projects related to surface and groundwater resource management, water infrastructure and energy management. Coordinates and oversees various planning efforts and serves as project manager. Performs complex technical analyses on a range of projects involving facility design, engineering economics, hydrologic and mathematical modeling, water quality, salt loading, surface and groundwater resources, supply reliability, groundwater banking, energy efficiency, energy management and risks and uncertainties.

A highly organized and detail‑minded professional that is a flexible self‑starter with broad experience and demonstrated abilities to pursue, evaluate and manage water and energy projects involving engineering from concept to operation. Advanced negotiation and communication skills to lead the development and implementation of innovative water and energy management programs and projects. Capable of presenting new ideas and programs to the Board of Directors and outside agencies.

Ability to manage groundwater management programs and projects involving multi‑agencies. Excellent verbal, written and public speaking skills. An innovative leader who can effectively lead multidisciplinary teams and consultants to work as a team to "get the project done". This position is distinguished from the Senior Water Resources Planner by its primary focus on management of projects involving engineering and groundwater management.

Plans, evaluates and manages the development of water resource and energy management programs and projects.

Conducts complex financial and engineering economic analyses related to water resource and energy management programs and projects.

Conducts and/or oversees risk and uncertainty analyses of water resource programs and projects involving infrastructure, water supply reliability and salt management.

Develops and reviews detailed technical data and reports related to water resources, water rights, water quality, hydrologic modeling, energy efficiency and energy management.

Manages surface and groundwater resource projects involving storage, water conveyance, recharge and recovery facilities.

Reviews, manages, and oversees work performed by consultants.

Prepares Requests for Proposals for retaining consultants on water resources or energy management projects.

Reviews detailed proposals and contracts.

Prepares, reviews, and presents agenda items and supporting material for Committee and Board consideration.

Prepares correspondence and technical reports in a professional manner.

Tracks industry developments and emerging technologies involving water resources and energy management.

Serves on various industry committees as needed as a representative of IRWD.

Complies with District safety work‑related practices and attends relevant safety training.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

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:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in engineering, geology, economics, business or environmental science or a related field. Master’s degree desired. For degrees obtained outside of…