Water Resource Specialist

About the role

The Water Resource Specialist is under the general supervision of the Water Resource Manager to coordinate workload, projects, and daily duties. This position assists in the implementation of the Village’s various Water Resource Initiatives, including but not limited to water rights administration, water conservation, asset management, source water protection, water development, watershed health, and GIS program.

Responsibilities

• Affords support in activities regarding the Village’s Water rights portfolio and the Village’s water development plan, including water rights administration and accounting, water rights permitting, acquisition of leased and/or purchased water rights, water rights lease and payment agreements, treated effluent contracts, water reuse programs, water conservation programs and environmental regulations and compliance as related to water rights administration.
• Affords support in implementation of the Source Water Protection Plan, Water Development Plan, Water Conservation Plan, Asset Management Plan, and Water Utility GIS program.
• Affords support in implementation of a water conservation program (including assisting with annual AWWA water audits), compliance, and public outreach functions.
• Gains an understanding of water diversion strategy, respective to the Village’s water right portfolio, snowpack and precipitation predictions, and planned or emergency infrastructure improvements.
• Gains an understanding of complying with conditions of approval related to approved water permits and maintenance of the five-year accounting of water rights, updated on a monthly basis and periodically reconciled with the OSE.
• Affords support in technical and policy research on water quantity and quality.
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of documents for internal and external use, such as reports, resolutions, ordinances, policy recommendations, fiscal impact reports, professional service contracts, grant applications, permit applications, request for proposals (RFP’s), agreements and other contracts, water storage contracts, return flow plans, and memorandums of understanding.
• Collaborates with local, state and federal agencies, boards, committees, advisory groups and other organizations, stakeholders and authorities on water resource management and conservation strategies.
• Develops and maintains cooperative working relationships with other governmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups.
• Pursues outside funding sources for the implementation of water utility initiatives.
• Affords support in implementation of water resource and conservation goals.
• Affords support in the review, analysis and interpretation of water quality data and assists in the recommendation and maintenance of practices required to determine and/or improve water quantity and quality for both customers and other stakeholders.
• Affords support in the research and review of current and developing federal, state and local water quality laws, regulations, and programs to determine potential impact on the Village.
• Prepares compliance reports and correspondence to government agencies; may serve as a liaison to federal, state and local water quality regulatory authorities under the guidance of Watershed and Water Rights Director.
• Affords support in coordination with State and Federal agencies regarding State & Federal Water Quality and other environmental regulations including but not limited to the Clean Water Act, Safe Water Drinking Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Endangered Species Act.
• Proactively participates and represents Village’s interests in regional, state, and local organizations dealing with water management and protection.
• Regularly attends meetings, training, and workshops as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Natural or Water Resources Management, Physical Science, or Geography (GIS) from an accredited college or university.
• Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field such as Business, Statistics and Environmental Science or GIS and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education.
• Experience using ArcGIS is required; experience using Pathfinder Office, Terrasync, and ArcOnline is preferred.
• High level of understanding of Microsoft Office applications preferred.

Specialization - GIS

• Implement Water Utility GIS program.
• Inputs, updates, edits, and maintains the Village’s GIS database and maps according to department policies and procedures using ArcGIS software.
• Cleans up data and makes corrections in response to changes and additional data sets integrated into GIS.
• Analyzes data to determine trends and patterns in water utilities.
• Updates the digital data layers and creates corresponding maps; compiles geographic data from a variety of sources; scans, rectifies, and digitizes data; builds topology.
• Performs quality control checks to assure integrity of GIS data and applications.
• Uses ArcGIS command and compilation methods to generate and utilize spatial overlays and models.
• Prepares maps, plans, charts and other graphics as directed.
• Frequently sorts, reviews, evaluates, and checks computerized data.
• Writes macros for linking and manipulating computerized data to generate maps, charts, and plans to facilitate planning and engineering projects.
• Develops and maintains the ability to query the databases, view useful information on-screen, and produce large format, presentation quality graphics and displays.
• Performs GPS/GIS related field work which may include use of GPS to collect and record site-specific data, maintain and configure GPS equipment, and the transfer of data from GPS to GIS database.
• Produces special purposes maps for the Village departments, the public, and public agencies as directed.
• Researches and compiles materials and maps; produces digital copies of Village data as requested.