"Alerted.org

Senior Water Resources Specialist

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/scvwd/jobs/newprint/5198261)

Apply



Senior Water Resources Specialist

Salary

$163,550.40 - $209,331.20 Annually

Location

CA, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

01956-E

Division

Watersheds Stewardship and Planning

Unit

Utility Planning & FAHCE Support

Opening Date

01/14/2026

Closing Date

1/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Description

Valley Water is searching for top-tier candidates to fill this exciting opportunity. Internal candidates will get first consideration.

Overview:

Are you interested in providing leadership and fostering collaboration in water resources strategies that bridge ecology and infrastructure? Learn more in the posting below.

The Senior Water Resources Specialist within the Water Utility Planning and Fish and Aquatic Habitat Collaborative Effort (FAHCE) Support Unit will be a key driver in implementing the FAHCE program. This is a leadership position that will play a role in developing and executing integrated environmental strategies that protect and restore watersheds, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance the long-term sustainability of Valley Water’s local water supply.

This role will provide senior-level execution of the FAHCE commitments, such as developing non-flow measures, annual reporting, project management, and , as well as supporting other environmental permitting and project management activities for other water utility projects.

Our Commitment:

We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:

Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

+ Lead implementation for the FAHCE Program, ensuring regulatory and programmatic requirements are met.

+ Prepare and complete annual reports, manage program budgets, and administer related contracts.

+ Coordinate and lead meetings with external partners and interested parties.

+ Develop and present Board and committee items, including staff reports and support materials.

+ Plan and develop habitat restoration projects aligned with program and regulatory objectives.

+ Prepare permitting documentation to support water rights compliance.

+ Obtain and update Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements (LSAAs) for Valley Water dams and diversions.

+ Provide permitting and environmental review support for Water Utility projects (e.g., pipelines, canals, and treatment plants) as needed.

+ Respond to emerging environmental and operational challenges, including efforts to protect water infrastructure from invasive mussels.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

+ Six (6) years of professional-level experience within the fields of environmental/natural resources permitting, habitat restoration, water supply planning, fisheries, ecology, and/or watershed management.

+ Experience working with State and Federal agencies negotiating permits and ensuring permit compliance.

+ Experience in preparing compliance reports.

+ Experience in project management.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

+ Work collaboratively and develop common understandings through effective communication

+ Improve and streamline environmental review and permitting processes

+ Represent Valley Water and engage with environmental regulators, interested parties, and the public

+ Work with different subject matter experts and across all levels of staff in the organization.

+ Strong organizational skills with strategic and analytical thinking.

+ Principles and practices of project/program budgeting, cost estimation, funding, project/program management, and contract administration.

+ Understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, and ordinances, and how they apply to water utility operations

+ Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

+ Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.

Ideal Knowledge:

+ Watershed management, aquatic ecology, and principles of habitat restoration

+ State and Federal regulatory laws, regulations, and natural resource permitting

+ Familiarity with Valley Water’s water supply infrastructure

Ideal Training and Education:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in water resources management, biology, natural resources management, aquatic ecology, fisheries management, geology, physical sciences, earth sciences, or a related field.

Required License or Certificate

To review the Classification Specification, please clickhere (https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/valleywater.org.us-west-1/s3fs-public/CS%20Senior%20WRS%205-2019.pdf)

Utility Planning and FAHCE Support Unit (Position Code 692)

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite.

Selection Process

(1) The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, application assessment, performance exercise, written exercise and/or interview.

(2) The Employment Application, Qualifying Information Questions and/or Supplemental Questions will be evaluated based on the ideal candidate criteria listed above. Resumes are highly recommended.

NOTE: Position and start date is subject to availability of funds. Valley Water retains the right to repost this position as deemed necessary.

Consideration may be given to existing applicant pools within the same classification.

Valley Water's Equal Opportunity Non-Discrimination Policy is available for review upon request.

Valley Water will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources in advance of any special needs by calling 408-630-2260.

Please be aware that once submitted all application materials become the property of Valley Water and will not be returned. Human Resources staff are not authorized to make copies of application materials for applicants.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District, now known as Valley Water, offers a comprehensive benefit package including, vacation, holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, EAP, life and disability insurance. In addition, Valley Water participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). To view a summary of benefits, clickhere (https://www.valleywater.org/benefits)

01

I acknowledge that I have entered my Work Experience and Education on the employment application, and I am aware these are required fields. If they are not completed, the application is considered incomplete, and I will be disqualified as an applicant for the position.

+ Yes

+ No

02

Please answer the supplemental questions thoroughly, clearly, and concisely as the responses provided (along with the application) will be carefully reviewed to determine which candidates will move forward in the recruitment process. Responses that refer to attachments (e.g., “see resume”) will not be considered. Each question must be answered in full to ensure a fair and complete evaluation. I have read this information and am aware of the importance of responses to the supplemental questions.

+ Yes

+ No

03

Did you graduate from an accredited four- year college with major coursework in Water resources management, natural resources management, planning, civil or other field of engineering, geology, physical sciences, earth sciences, natural sciences, or a related field?

+ Yes

+ No

04

Do you possess six (6) years of professional level experience within the fields of environmental/natural resources permitting, habitat restoration, water supply planning, fisheries, ecology, and/or watershed management?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Please describe your experience in environmental permitting, compliance, and/or aquatic ecology. In your response, include examples of your experience in water resources management, conducting environmental review, writing compliance reports, and obtaining permits from natural resource agencies.

06

Please describe your experience writing reports, managing budgets, schedules, and contracts.

07

Employment with Valley Water requires employees to take an Oath as a Disaster Service Worker within California and to live within 150 miles of Valley Water Headquarters in San Jose, California by the start date. Valley Water does not cover relocation costs. If you live further than 150 miles from Valley Water Headquarters, please discuss your willingness to relocate if offered the position. If this does not apply to you, write "N/A".

08

Please list the full name of the regular/permanent Valley Water employee who referred you to this position (only one name will be accepted, so if multiple are listed, the first name provided will be documented as the referring employee). If this does not apply to you, write "N/A".

Required Question

Employer

Santa Clara Valley Water District (CA)

Address

5750 Almaden Expressway

San Jose, California, 95118

Phone

1-408-630-2260

Website

https://www.valleywater.org

Apply

Please verify your email addressVerify Email