Water Resources Specialist

$75,000 DOE

Ada County is a great place to work! We have over 2000 employees dedicated to enhancing our community’s quality of life.  Our Development Services team is growing, and this is an excellent opportunity to be a part of taking this team to the next level.

We offer a competitive Total Rewards package that increases your base salary by 40%, including:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Participation in one of the nation’s best state retirement systems, with 11.96% employer contribution
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match, plus a 401(k)
• Paid parental leave, life insurance, and robust wellness programs
• Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing

Our Mission: Development Services staff helps guide growth on behalf of Ada County residents and leaders through every development (and building) activity.

Our Vision: Balancing growth for a sustainable future while maintaining the trust of those we serve.

Learn more about Ada County Development Servies by visiting our website. Ada County Development Services

Please Note:  Updated resume and cover letter are required.

POSITION GENERAL SUMMARY:
This position applies technical expertise to assist with water resources needs of the County under the direction of the County Engineer. Effectively using initiative, works with the County Engineer to achieve the goals, missions, and strategic directives of the Development Services Department’s strategic plan. The incumbent makes prudent policy decisions in stressful situations and possesses a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The incumbent works with a wide variety of stakeholders and is granted considerable latitude to exercise independent judgment. Completed work is reviewed from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, and effectiveness in meeting expected results.

• Conducts water resources and water-related studies and evaluations, and provides recommendations, to assist with planning applications and planning and zoning comprehensive plans;
• Monitors new water right applications in Ada County;
• Participates in protest hearings for water rights in Ada County;
• Provides advice, guidance, support, and coordination on hydrogeologic topics;
• Monitors the Idaho Water Resource Board (IWWB) and other state agencies for projects;
• Comments on water related items for cities in Ada County as requested;
• Updates water rights on county owned property;
• Advises on water wells on Ada County property;
• Participates in public education regarding the topic of groundwater, wells, and surface water use in Ada County;
• Provides water-related or hydrogeologic expertise, answers technical questions, and explains policy and procedure to developers, professionals, and the general public;
• Plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of aquifer recharge work;
• Prepares special and periodic reports.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Updates, creates, reviews and uses the Treasure Valley Groundwater Model in Ada County;
• Participates in groundwater monitoring and/or aquifer recharge projects;
• Develops plans and specifications for selected projects for bidding and construction;
• Provides construction management on selected projects;
• Performs related functions as required.

• A Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering from an accredited university, or equivalent combination of education and experience; 
• Four years of professional experience in water resources science, hydrogeology, civil engineering, or related field;
• Licensure in Idaho as a Professional Geologist (PG) or Professional Engineer (PE) is preferred, but not required;
• Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of civil engineering and hydrology; 
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal rules and regulations and county codes and ordinances related to the primary responsibilities of the position;
• Knowledge of local government and the development of policies, procedures, and ordinances;
• Knowledge of and familiarity with GIS, technical documents, and water resources modeling preferred;
• Skill in explaining complex information; 
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment;
• Ability to plan, interpret, prepare, and review specifications, plans, and designs; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; 
• Ability to deal professionally and tactfully with coworkers, clients, and external partners in a variety of circumstances and interactions;
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely in verbal and written communication.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Idaho driver’s license;

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment however the employee will occasionally be required to perform inspections in the field;
• The employee will be required to visit construction sites to gather information on various engineering aspects of the site;
• Visits in the field may require the employee to move over the land and inspect various sites and occasionally the incumbent must negotiate fences, hazardous, or steep terrain with rough, rocky, and/or wet surfaces.  

DISCLAIMER:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran’s Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed “key positions” in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.

Salary : $75,000