Water Resource Specialist

Job Position #124 • Department: Community Works/Water Administration • Location: West Annex, 805 Municipal Drive (2nd Floor) • Regular/Full-Time

Pay

• Water Resource Specialist “L”: $53,347.42 – $82,997.82/annually
• Water Resource Specialist (EIT) “M”: $58,018.48 – $90,159.47/annually
• Water Resource Specialist (PE) “O”: $69,572.67 – $108,191.62/annually

Schedule

• Days: Monday – Friday
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Works under the supervision of the Water/Wastewater CIP Administrator; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.
• Operates a motor vehicle to carry out department and City business.
• Develops, reviews, and revises the City’s 40-Year Water Plan, documenting water rights, current usage, and projecting water demands over a 40-year planning period.
• Develops a Water Conservation Plan for the City’s Water Utility System, identifying and recommending future conservation measures, policies, and implementation strategies.
• Administers and maintains the water rights portfolio, ensuring compliance with New Mexico state statutes, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Performs technical research for capital improvement projects and assists in preparing plans, designs, and construction of public works projects (streets, sewer, water, storm, or irrigation systems).
• Coordinates and oversees design projects performed by consulting engineering firms, including bid and contract preparation and facilitation of pre-bid and pre-construction meetings.
• Performs inspections, designs, and prepares specifications, maps, and profiles under supervision.
• Determines applicable codes, regulations, and requirements for assigned projects; performs technical research and economic analyses.
• Communicates with the Water/Wastewater Administrator and Public Works Director regarding division progress, activities, and public/media contacts.
• May serve on employee committees, supervise interns or temporary employees, and review plats and building permits for compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, water resource engineering, hydrology, or a closely related field; a Master’s degree may substitute for two years of experience.
• Two years of experience in planning, development, conservation, administration, and management of surface water resources.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record for the past three years.
• Comprehensive knowledge of water rights laws, New Mexico Environment Department and U.S. EPA regulations, and interstate stream compacts.
• Knowledge of mathematics, hydrology, land surveying principles, aerial photography, map interpretation, and geographic information systems.
• Skill in performing specialized engineering investigations, writing technical reports, and general correspondence.
• Working knowledge of personal computers, word processing, spreadsheet software, and modeling techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, establish working relationships, and handle stressful situations.
• Ability to meet deadlines and follow verbal/written instructions.

Qualifications by Level

• Water Resource Specialist (L): Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, water resource engineering, hydrology, or a closely related field; ABET-accredited degree preferred. Upon passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and earning EIT certification, qualifies for the (M) pay grade.
• Water Resource Specialist (EIT) (M): Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certificate required; New Mexico EIT strongly preferred. Must acquire EIT within two years. Upon passing the Professional Engineering exam and earning PE licensure, qualifies for the (O) pay grade.
• Water Resource Specialist (PE) (O): Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required; New Mexico PE strongly preferred. Must acquire PE within two years.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands, reach with hands and arms, sit, talk, or hear. May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Requires color vision. Work is generally in a quiet office setting.