Associate Water Resources Specialist – Imported Water

Valley Water is seeking an Associate Water Resources Specialist to provide professional-level analytical and technical support for complex water supply planning and imported water initiatives critical to Valley Water’s long-term water reliability.

• Conduct studies, investigations, and analyses related to water supply planning, imported water management, regulatory processes, and related water resources issues.
• Research, collect, analyze, and interpret scientific, technical, regulatory, and policy information to support water supply projects and programs.
• Prepare technical memoranda, reports, analyses, and briefing materials related to water supply operations, planning, modeling, and regulatory compliance.
• Review and analyze water supply planning documents, environmental and regulatory reports, contracts, and related materials; prepare comments and recommendations under established guidance.
• Support the development, administration, and monitoring of water supply agreements, transfer arrangements, and related documentation.
• Apply water resources principles and practices to evaluate project alternatives, identify risks and issues, and recommend solutions.
• Coordinate with internal divisions and external agencies to support project implementation, data sharing, and information exchange.
• Serve as a technical resource in assigned areas of water resources expertise.
• Participate in meetings, technical advisory groups, and project teams related to imported water and water supply planning.
• Maintain project documentation, databases, and files using specialized software and tools.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal candidate criteria are considered ideal for this position.

• Four (4) years of professional-level experience with responsibility for water supply planning or distribution, environmental permitting, groundwater management, mitigation of natural resource impacts, hydrogeology, or closely related work.
• Experience supporting complex projects involving regulatory review, technical analysis, or policy evaluation.
• Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies.

• Project and program management, including budgeting, scheduling, and contract administration.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex and evolving water resources issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment consistent with policy and best practices.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners.

• Principles and practices of water resources management, groundwater and surface water systems, and natural resource management.
• Numerical modeling, forecasting, risk analysis, and statistical analysis methods.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies related to water resources and environmental protection.
• Water supply operations, groundwater monitoring, contamination and protection, and water quality standards.
• Project and program budgeting, funding, and contract administration practices.
• Natural resource restoration principles, including aquatic, riparian, wetland, and habitat improvement projects.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in water resources management, environmental science, natural resources management, planning, engineering, geology, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  Four (4) years of professional-level experience related to environmental permitting, water supply planning or distribution, groundwater management, hydrogeology, or mitigation of natural resource impacts.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license. Individuals who do not meet the driver’s license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.