What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Resources Engineeer/Planner position at Irvine Ranch Water District?
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A 3.7% cost-of-living adjustment will take effect on July 4, 2026, pending Board approval.
The District:
IRWD Values
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:
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Conducts complex financial and engineering economic analyses related to water resource and energy management programs and projects.
Conducts and/or oversees risk and uncertainty analyses of water resource programs and projects involving infrastructure, water supply reliability and salt management.
Develops and reviews detailed technical data and reports related to water resources, water rights, water quality, hydrologic modeling, energy efficiency and energy management.
Manages surface and groundwater resource projects involving storage, water conveyance, recharge and recovery facilities.
Reviews, manages, and oversees work performed by consultants.
Prepares Requests for Proposals for retaining consultants on water resources or energy management projects.
Reviews detailed proposals and contracts.
Prepares, reviews, and presents agenda items and supporting material for Committee and Board consideration.
Prepares correspondence and technical reports in a professional manner.
Tracks industry developments and emerging technologies involving water resources and energy management.
Serves 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- 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. Demonstrated experience in energy efficiency and energy management fields is desirable.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of project management, surface and groundwater resource management and planning as well as water rights.
- 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.
- Understanding of engineering design, California water rights, water supply systems, groundwater aquifer systems, groundwater management, water transfers and exchanges.
- Risk and uncertainty modeling principles is preferred. Knowledge of groundwater hydrology in the Central Valley and Southern California is desirable.
Ability to:
- Communicate effectively with office/field employees, management as well as other agencies.
- Effectively apply advanced skills in water resources related spreadsheet modeling.
- Prepare maps, graphs, plans, charts, and diagrams.
- 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.
ADDITIONAL 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.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer