Senior Water Resources Planner

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a Senior Water Resources Planner in the Water Resources & Environmental Compliance Department.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled.  The deadline for the next review of applications is 8:00 AM on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.  Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early.  Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

The District

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.
IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position
Under general direction, plans, organizes and implements innovative projects related to water resources development and management.  Coordinates and oversees various planning efforts and serves as project manager.  Performs complex technical analyses on a broad range of assignments involving, surface and groundwater resources, supply reliability, groundwater banking, water quality and salt management.  Incumbents may be assigned to a variety of projects and to specific specialty areas.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced level in the Water Resources Planner series performing complex assignments and typically serving in a lead capacity.  These assignments require considerable technical skill, specialized knowledge and independent judgment.  This position is distinguished from the lower-level positions in the series by the level of experience and technical specialization and the level of responsibility over these areas.  This position is distinguished from the Senior Energy and Water Resources Planner by its primary focus on the development and implementation of groundwater banking programs or complex water resources modeling and analyses, as assigned. The work requires a highly organized and detailed minded professional that is a flexible self-starter with broad experience and demonstrated abilities to pursue water resource projects from concept to operation.  Effective inter-agency relationship builder with negotiation and communication skills to lead the development and implementation of innovative water management programs.   Capable of presenting new ideas and programs to the Board of Directors and outside agencies.  Excellent verbal, written and public speaking skills.  An innovative leader who can effectively lead staff and consultants to work as a team to “get the project done”.

Plan, evaluate and develop water resource programs and opportunities involving other water agencies. 

Conduct complex financial, economic or  hydrologic modeling analyses related to water resources, supply reliability, salt management or water infrastructure projects programs as assigned. 

Develop and review detailed technical data and reports related to water resources, water rights, water quality, hydrologic modeling, salt management, supply reliability, as well as surface and groundwater management. 

Participate in the planning of water resource projects involving water conveyance, recharge and recovery facilities. 

Review and oversee work performed by consultants.

Prepare Requests for Proposals for retaining consultants on water resources projects.

Prepare and review detailed proposals, term sheets and contracts.

Prepare, review and present agenda items and supporting materials for Committee and Board consideration.

Prepare correspondence and technical reports in a professional manner.

Track industry developments and emerging technologies involving water resources management.

Serve on various industry committees as needed as a representative of IRWD.

Comply with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.   A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

A combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in engineering, geology, economics, business or environmental science or a related field.

Master’s Degree desired. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

Experience:
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in water resource planning and project management. Understanding of California water rights, California water supply systems, groundwater aquifer systems, water transfers, and exchanges is preferred.

A valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License is required.  

Professional license in engineering or geology is desirable

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of project management, surface and groundwater resource management and planning as well as water rights..  Knowledge of geohydrology is desirable.
• Current state, federal and local water policies and water issues.
• Understanding of advanced principles and mathematical reasoning and the ability to successfully apply that knowledge to solve scientific and mathematical problems.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with office/field employees, management as well as other agencies.  
• Effectively apply advanced skills in water resources related spreadsheet modeling. 

• Represent District in a professional manner when dealing with outside professional organizations and vendors.  
• Explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards, as well as follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others.
• Add, subtract, multiply, divide, calculate percentages.
• Apply advanced principles and mathematical reasoning to solve scientific and mathematical problems.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel). Highly competent with word processing, spreadsheets, databases.  
• Keyboarding abilities sufficient to perform the job.
• Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.  
• Remain calm in crisis and emergency situations.        
• Use discretion when handling and disseminating sensitive information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  This may involve repetitive hand movements for extended periods. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Occasional standing is required, such as when presenting. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requiring clear speech and hearing. Occasional travel may be required to other worksites or conferences for meetings, training, or other work-related activities. The job may require sustained concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain. The employee should be able to manage work-related stress in a fast-paced environment. These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions. Occasional visits to construction sites where noise level may be higher than typical office environment.  Ability to work in an environment which may expose employee to hazardous materials and environment.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.  Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application.  To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert.  Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Spark Hire: As part of our interview process, candidates will participate in a one-way video interview conducted through Spark Hire. This interview allows candidates to showcase their ability to communicate clearly and confidently in a recorded format. During the interview, candidates will respond to a series of pre-recorded questions, demonstrating their verbal communication skills, professionalism, and ability to articulate their qualifications efficiently.

Writing Skills Assessment:  This assessment is designed to evaluate candidates’ ability to communicate effectively and clearly through written content and their ability to analyze an Excel document.  Candidates will be tasked with crafting responses that demonstrate their proficiency in organizing thoughts, articulating ideas logically, analyzing data, and conveying information in a professional tone. This exercise will test grammar, clarity, and overall writing effectiveness in real-world contexts.

Oral Interview Examination:  will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
   
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.  

Salary : $114,114 - $165,924