Water Resources Specialist – Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed Water (2018 Salary)
The information contained in this announcement is subject to change without notice.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe following reflects the general duties and responsibilities of this position and should not be considered all inclusive. The incumbent is expected to meet the City’s standards for interpersonal and team behavior, customer contacts, and supervision. Incumbent may also perform other work as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or meet department needs.
Develops and delivers education through workshops, presentations, articles, site visits, and other technical materials. Coordinates program efforts with surrounding jurisdictions. Notifies the public when health and safety issues arise by preparing press releases, interviews with local media, preparation of door hangers, and issuing letters to water customers. Analyzes issues, reviews and researches technical and scientific data, analyzes probable causes of water quality or environmental problems and proposed solutions for their effectiveness in remediating identified problems. Reviews and comments on draft documents; negotiates with other jurisdictions to develop work plans for regional programs; works to ensure efficient coordination of effort and incorporation of City interests. Assists with water quality monitoring functions such as collection of water and soil samples and compiling statistics. Provides project management for assigned water resource projects such as conservation programs, drinking water reports and notifications, lake protection and restoration, stream protection and enhancement, and reduction of pollution sources. Prepares project scopes of work; schedules timelines; prepares quarterly, yearly, and final reports; assists in the consultant selection process; provides City support and materials to consultants; obtains various state and federal permits for projects; and other various project management tasks as required.
Prepares grant applications for federal, state, and local grant programs related to the protection and management of water resources such as surface, marine, and groundwater.
Develops databases, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing documents.
Supervises support staff, work study interns, and volunteers to accomplish the goals of the Water Resources division.
Attends evening and morning meetings on a regular basis, works overtime hours as needed and performs other duties as required.
Updates website material pertaining to the City’s water resources and utilities.
Employs community based social marketing theory and practice to encourage the public to adopt behaviors which sustain the region’s water resources and comply with the federal, state, and local law and ordinances. Uses various social media platforms to communicate with the public.
Coordinates open houses and public involvement for rate studies, comprehensive plans, policy and programmatic changes, grand openings, etc.
Functions as Public Information Officer/Communications Manager for the Water Resources Division of Public Works.
Water Resources Specialist duties are segmented into two functional areas; 1) support for the water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utilities, and 2) support for the storm and surface water utility. As needed and to cover during absences, there may be an overlap of general duties and responsibilities.
Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed Water Utility Education and Outreach Support
Examples of typical duties for the Water Resources Specialist supporting the water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utilities include the following:
Develops and implements the City’s water quality public outreach and education programs, with emphasis on enhancing and protecting water resources and water conservation. Develops programs to assist citizens and local businesses in understanding drinking water quality and conservation issues.
Creates the annual Consumer Confidence Report. Creates content for and updates water, wastewater, and reclaimed water pages on Lacey website.
Coordinates public engagement for the septic to sewer conversion program.
Administers the City of Lacey’s Alternate Day Irrigation Policy.
Ensures compliance with WDOH water use efficiency rule, calculates annual Distribution System Leakage, and manages the City’s water conservation program.
Represents the City in regional water resources planning and response efforts related to drinking water quality protection and enhancement. Sits on Technical Advisory Committees (TACs), Policy Advisory Committees (PACs), and advisory boards of various inter-jurisdictional and governmental programs. These committees include but are not limited to: WC3 and Reclaimed Water Policies Task Force. This work is coordinated with City Councilmembers through the Water Resources Manager, Public Works Director, and/or City Manager.
QualificationsThe typical qualified applicant will have a bachelor degree in environmental science, natural resources, communications, public relations, planning, or closely related field and three years of experience performing work related to water resources OR any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required.
MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must pass pre-employment medical testing for the ability to perform the essential functions of the position and maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Must pass a background investigation.
- Possession of a valid Washington State Driver’s License is required upon hire and a driving record acceptable to the City’s insurance carrier.
- Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the immigration Reform and Control Act.
- Possession of or ability to obtain within one month a valid first aid card.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Basic water resource principles, including the hydrologic cycle; stream, lake, and wetland ecology; non-point pollution sources and impacts, and associated local, state, and federal regulations related to water resources.
- Basic science including biology; meteorology; physics; and geology.
- Practical considerations and social and political realities associated with implementation of water resource protection measures.
- Grant preparation and management. Includes writing letters, grant applications, and public education and information materials that are clear, accurate, interesting, and effective.
- Education theory and practice, including evaluative methods and curriculum development.
- Public outreach programs that successfully result in bringing about improvements in water resource protection and water conservation measures.
- Various aspects of volunteer management, including recruiting, coordinating, scheduling, and maintaining volunteers to perform a variety of tasks.
- Water quality monitoring techniques, field collection techniques, equipment calibration and maintenance, and quality assurance procedures in the field.
- IBM compatible computers, databases, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, and other software applications.
- Thoroughly explain water resource protection issues and problems and possible solutions as well as the intent and reason behind any regulations. Must be flexible where appropriate and occasionally offers to follow up within two to three working days if unsure of information.
- Prepare and present water resource related topics to a broad range of audiences in an informative and interesting manner.
- Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, community groups, businesses, representatives of public and private agencies, and the general public.
- Develop and meet program goals; complete assignments on time.
- Work in rough terrain, at all times of day or night, in all weather conditions.
- Look for opportunities to build trust, is willing to give reasons why, follows up on answers, researches more data if needed, and reflect the City in a positive, service oriented manner.
- Plan, organize, and implement projects and assignments; portray an image of knowledge, confidence, professionalism, and caring to the general public.
- Work independently within general guidelines and direction.