Associate Water Resources Specialist – Imported Water (20703241)

Overview:

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.

This position will provide support in the following areas:

• Development of water supply planning projects, including the Sites Reservoir Project, Sisk Dam Raise Project, and groundwater banking initiatives.
• Development and administration of water transfer agreements and other agreements needed to flexibly convey water to Valley Water facilities.
• Review, analysis, and comment on Bay-Delta regulatory issues affecting imported water supplies.

The Associate Water Resources Specialist works with a high degree of competence and judgment on assigned analyses, studies, and project components, while operating within established program direction and in coordination with senior staff and project leads.

Our Commitment: 
We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

 

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

• 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.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• 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.

Ideal Knowledge:

• 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.

Ideal Training and Education:

• 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.

Required License or Certificate

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.

To review the Classification Specification, please click here

Imported Water Unit (Position Code 624)
Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

 

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite.