Environmental Specialist I (Water Use Efficiency)

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Environmental Specialist I in the Water Use Efficiency (WUE) Program. This program is a part of the City’s innovative Green Oceanside environmental division — a team that oversees Oceanside’s environmental stewardship initiatives and communicates goals and programs through social media, public events, and other outreach.

Green Oceanside is seeking a visionary problem-solver whose everyday role will be varied, but focused on the City’s water users and their water efficiency efforts.

The ideal candidate in this position will be expected to communicate clearly in writing, in conversations, and in presentations as you will be involved in customer service, education, outreach, and research. You will need to maintain current awareness of specific local, regional, and state programs that offer resources to our customers, and help ensure access for customers and the city.  This role will include leveraging water consumption and program participation data.   Working with the WUE supervisor, this Environmental Specialist I will manage their own project tasks and deadlines including monthly regulatory compliance submittals.  As a vital member of the WUE team, you will be part of analyzing and implementing improvements to programs and operations along with assorted administrative duties. A patient approach and helpful nature will get you far in this position.

Specific duties for this position include, but are not limited to: performing a variety of professional, administrative, and analytical work related to policy and program development of the City’s Water Use Efficiency (WUE) and conservation programs; developing and implementing programs and policies as they relate to the Long-term Water Use Efficiency Framework, MWELO, drought management, irrigation efficiency and sustainable landscaping; developing, implementing, and engaging in community outreach to provide public information, educational programs, and presentations related to WUE and the impact on our current and future water supply; assisting in drafting and editing ordinances, agreements, outreach material, and website content for a variety of conservation and water resource-related policies, projects, and programs; performing analytical work in support and development of program goals, performance measures, and source funding; researching, analyzing, and interpreting regulatory requirements and current legislation as they pertain to WUE and water resources; evaluating data, preparing reports, and drafting documentation for submission to local, regional, and State-wide legislative and regulatory agencies; coordinating with local member agencies on the implementation of the City’s residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, agricultural, and landscape WUE programs; representing the department and the City when attending workshops, serving on committees, and attending outside meetings and events; researching grant opportunities; preparing and administering grant funding; responding to inquiries from the public; informing, educating, and assisting customers, staff, and the general public with efficient water use and conservation; providing educational, technical, and regulatory information to staff and stakeholder groups; and assisting residents, business owners, and target user groups with the Water Smart Analytics software and customer engagement platform.

An Environmental Specialist I educates residents, multifamily tenants and property owners, visitors, businesses and the public on water conservation regulations, measures, principles and practices. Develops, implements, monitors and analyzes citizen participation programs; monitors, analyzes, and remains informed on federal and state legislation and regulations; works with internal and external customers and stakeholders to resolve questions, service requests and/or problems and complaints. Creates related public relations materials, such as webpages, fliers, pamphlets and videos; develops educational materials and provides training on environmental programs and regulations. Designs and implements water efficiency and conservation program; conducts data collections, interpretations, forecasting and research on water conservation and other water management programs; implements or requires implementation of best management practices or controls at industrial, municipal, commercial, and residential sites as needed. Provides information and assistance with water use ordinances for all industrial, commercial, municipal and residential sites. Develops, implements and administers Water Conservation Master Plan, Water Shortage Contingency Plan and other regulatory monitoring programs. Develops water efficiency programs for various customer classes; applies for and administers grants for environmental and educational projects. Prepares applicable reports required or requested by regulators or wholesalers, which involves interpreting technical data, creating charts and databases, and preparing reports; conducts public speaking including on video, as necessary; deals with the public tactfully and effectively; establishes and maintains cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of duties. Communicates clearly, concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing; understands and carries out oral and written instructions. Performs related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training

Experience: Two years of experience in environmental policy, environmental outreach, resource management, communications, public relations, or a related field.

One year of experience with water efficiency programs sustainability, communications, community planning, project management, public administration, environmental compliance, water user interface, commercial irrigation management, or other related environmental regulations, is highly desirable.

Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public policy, public administration, environmental studies, water or environmental policy, resource management, data management, or a related field.

License/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.

Environmental Conditions: Office and field environment; travel from site to site; extensive public contact; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, electrical energy, radiant energy, toxic materials, and inclement weather conditions; work in or with water, stormwater/urban runoff, and wastewater; exposure to chemical materials and/or hazardous waste in public rights of way.

Physical Conditions:  Essential    functions   may   require   maintaining    physical   condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; physical condition necessary for walking/hiking into waterway areas with unstable ground surfaces while carrying equipment not exceeding 30 lbs.; exposure to computer screens, speaking and hearing to exchange information; visual acuity to read and interpret specifications and regulations.

Selection Process: All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification.  The selection process may include any combination of a written exam, oral board exam, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the Eligibility List which will remain valid for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.

RESUMES ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS, SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.