Salary
$141,271.52 - $189,993.44 Annually
Location
San Diego, CA
Job Type
Full Time
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2025-05-2102
Department
MWD Program
Opening Date
05/30/2025
Closing Date
6/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
The Organization
JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!
We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply
The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 22 member agencies serving the region's $262 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.
The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.
The Imported Water Department
The Imported Water Department consists of the Colorado River Program and the Metropolitan Water District Program.
The Colorado River Program (CRP) oversees the Imperial Irrigation District water transfer agreement, the All-American and Coachella Canal lining projects, and cooperative projects with the Colorado River Basin States and Mexico. The program also aims to build community and regional support for the Water Authority in the Imperial Valley, especially relating to the Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA) and other water transfers. CRP is a small, diverse team with five staff members located in San Diego and one staff member located in Imperial Valley.
The Metropolitan Water District Program (MWD Program) is responsible for formulating and executing strategies that advance the Water Authority’s long-term goals for water reliability and sustainability at the Metropolitan Water District. These efforts align with the strategic objectives set by the Water Authority’s Board of Directors. In partnership with other Water Authority departments and Board leadership, the MWD Program identifies and assesses potential regional, multi-benefit solutions to ensure a more reliable and affordable water supply for San Diego ratepayers.
The Ideal Candidate
The Principal Water Resources Specialist reports to the Director of Imported Water and leads a team of two professional staff. This position plays a key role in advancing the MWD Program’s mission by producing reports, data analyses, and other strategic materials that inform decision-making. As a solutions-oriented think tank, the MWD Program values creativity, resourcefulness, and credibility, grounding its recommendations in facts and sound analysis.
The ideal candidate will possess strong research skills, analytical and critical thinking abilities, and excellent written and verbal communication. They should be proficient in applying deductive reasoning to drive outcomes and demonstrate a high level of precision, judgment, and discretion in their work. This position requires a collaborative mindset and the ability to navigate complex political and organizational dynamics. Maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders is essential. A strong understanding of water rights, water accounting practices, and project management is highly desirable.
This is a rare opportunity to work in a department tasked with developing and implementing strategies and high-profile projects that are critical for maintaining a cost-effective, reliable water supply for generations to come.
The successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities
- A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for working in a close-knit team
- Strong political acumen and situational awareness
- Proficiency in researching, interpreting, and applying technical data and information
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to distill complex concepts for diverse audiences
- Responsiveness and accountability in serving both internal and external stakeholders
- Attention to detail in preparing and reviewing work products
- Strong time management and prioritization skills across multiple projects and staff
- Innovation in developing ideas that enhance work quality and efficiency
- Project management skills to ensure initiatives meet scope, budget, and schedule
- The ability to mentor and inspire team members to drive performance and foster collaboration
The Position
The Principal Water Resources Specialist is responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, and actively participating in the work of a professional team focused on technical analysis, policy development, and strategic planning related to regional water resource issues. This includes evaluating water supply projects, forecasting water demand, and implementing water management programs that support the short- and long-term delivery of safe, reliable water to the Water Authority’s member agencies and the broader San Diego region. Serving as both a technical expert and project manager, the Principal Water Resources Specialist leads highly specialized and complex water resources initiatives.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Principal Water Resources Specialist oversees and participates in the work of a professional planning or program management unit and/or independently performs very complex data compilations, resource planning, water demand forecasting, economic analysis or other assignments associated with water supply development, long-range water resources and facility planning, water policy development, the conveyance and storage of water for Water Authority member agencies, and complex state and regional agency programs and policies; as well as the project management of highly specialized water resources programs, key planning studies and feasibility level studies of large water supply development projects, and preparation of a variety of very complex technical and policy oriented recommendations and reports. Assignments are general and broad-based and require the knowledge and application of advanced water resources planning and the exercise of judgment and initiative in coordinating work inside and outside the Water Authority.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.
- Plans, organizes, integrates and reviews the work of professional and technical staff and consultants engaged in data collection, review and analysis of regional water resource management and policy issues and requirements associated with Water Authority projects, program operation, and technical assistance in the planning and evaluation of water supply and facility projects; provides day-to-day leadership and works with others in ways that ensure a high-performance work environment that supports achieving the Water Authority's mission.
- Coordinates the activities of staff from other departments as it relates to programs managed by the incumbent.
- Participates in the preparation of the Departmental budget.
- Responds to Water Authority departments' and member agency requests for information and support on water resources, water treatment technology, water supply regulatory criteria, local project funding and water management issues; oversees monthly member agency water billing process and information management system.
- Administers the Water Authority's programs; works with MWD, member agencies, or other entities to develop and refine water supply and management programs and policies.
- Formulates and directs the development of policy recommendations for resource planning actions to increase the reliability of Water Authority's water supply; coordinates interagency planning programs and objectives, and briefs Water Authority management, member agency managers and staff.
- Tracks, evaluates, prepares, and delivers reports and presentations on MWD's water resources issues and programs to Water Authority management and Board.
- Works closely with other urban agencies, agricultural agencies, California Urban Water Agencies (CUWA), Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), and other organizations to pool resources for studies, development of position papers, and technical evaluations in areas of mutual interest.
- Reviews, analyzes, develops and advocates for state and local policies, legislation, and regulations related to water quality, supply, and demand management.
- Tracks and engages in the work of regulatory agencies to provide information, support and advocacy on behalf of the Water Authority and member agencies.
- Supervises the day-to-day operation and development of budgets for Water Authority programs including involvement of multiple public and private stakeholders; coordinates the activities of staff from other agencies as it relates to interagency programs.
- Coordinates with the State Department of Water Resources and stakeholders in developing and refining water management planning and funding programs.
- Prepares and monitors Board memos, correspondende and related documents.
- Serves as the Water Authority’s lead expert on MWD’s policies, operations, finances and water supply programs.
- Analyze, interpret and respond to complex water resources proposals and policies from MWD, including rate setting, demand forecasting, supply planning and infrastructure investments.
- Coordinate and collaborate with internal departments, member agencies, and regional stakeholders on MWD matters.
- Represents the Water Authority in high-level meetings, committees, and working groups, including MWD member agencies’ managers group and relevant subcommittees.
- Develop and present policy recommendations to Imported Water Director, executive leadership and board of directors.
- Lead multidisciplinary project teams in the development of regional water management strategies, supply reliability assessments, and long-term planning documents.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting MWD operations and advocate for the Water Authority’s interest.
- Prepare technical reports, white papers, presentation and briefing materials on complex water resource and policy issues.
- Assists in developing, establishing and implementing work plans, goals, and objectives and monitors program and staff performance in meeting assigned priorities; supervises the acquisition of external sources of funding and establishes collaborative partnerships; oversees the reconciliation of programs costs; monitors MWD conservation program performance against stewardship fee payments; oversees contracts with member agencies, MWD and other parties to ensure cost effectiveness, value and compliance.
- Attends and participates in meetings and represents the Water Authority in MWD and member agency work groups, public meetings, and industry membership forums.
- Prepares and supports MWD delegates with analysis and key talking points on MWD-related issues.
Principal Water Resources Specialist
Work Schedule:
The Water Authority has embraced a hybrid work schedule to offer employees flexibility and work-life balance. An option to telework up to 3 days per week and work onsite 2 days per week is available for this position. Employees authorized to telework must be able to report to Water Authority facilities as needed, depending on the operational needs of the department and/or area of assignment. Additionally, employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa office work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. This position will require travel to MWD Headquarters in Los Angeles several times a month or as needed.
Qualification Guidelines
The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural science, physical science, environmental engineering, civil engineering, economics, natural resources management, urban planning, regional planning, public administration or a closely related field supplemented by eight years of progressively responsible water resources planning or implementation experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A Master's degree in a related field may be substituted for two years of professional work experience.
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural science, physical science, environmental engineering, civil engineering, economics, natural resources management, urban planning, regional planning, public administration or a closely related field supplemented by eight years of progressively responsible water resources planning or implementation experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A Master's degree in a related field may be substituted for two years of professional work experience.
Application Procedure
To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.
Tentative Exam Schedule
Application Deadline: 06/08/2025
Interview: Tentatively Scheduled for 06/23/2025
To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.
The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.
The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org.
Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.
Employer
San Diego County Water Authority
Address
4677 Overland Avenue
San Diego, California, 92123
Phone
858-522-6660
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