Principal Water Resources Specialist

The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County’s regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 22 member agencies serving the region’s $262 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.

The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region’s supplies, make major investments in the region’s water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region’s water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.

The Principal Water Resources Specialist is responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, and actively participating in the work of a professional team focused on technical analysis, policy development, and strategic planning related to regional water resource issues. This includes evaluating water supply projects, forecasting water demand, and implementing water management programs that support the short- and long-term delivery of safe, reliable water to the Water Authority’s member agencies and the broader San Diego region. Serving as both a technical expert and project manager, the Principal Water Resources Specialist leads highly specialized and complex water resources initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.

• Plans, organizes, integrates and reviews the work of professional and technical staff and consultants engaged in data collection, review and analysis of regional water resource management and policy issues and requirements associated with Water Authority projects, program operation, and technical assistance in the planning and evaluation of water supply and facility projects; provides day-to-day leadership and works with others in ways that ensure a high-performance work environment that supports achieving the Water Authority’s mission.
• Coordinates the activities of staff from other departments as it relates to programs managed by the incumbent.
• Participates in the preparation of the Departmental budget.
• Responds to Water Authority departments’ and member agency requests for information and support on water resources, water treatment technology, water supply regulatory criteria, local project funding and water management issues; oversees monthly member agency water billing process and information management system.
• Administers the Water Authority’s programs; works with MWD, member agencies, or other entities to develop and refine water supply and management programs and policies.
• Formulates and directs the development of policy recommendations for resource planning actions to increase the reliability of Water Authority’s water supply; coordinates interagency planning programs and objectives, and briefs Water Authority management, member agency managers and staff.
• Tracks, evaluates, prepares, and delivers reports and presentations on MWD’s water resources issues and programs to Water Authority management and Board.
• Works closely with other urban agencies, agricultural agencies, California Urban Water Agencies (CUWA), Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), and other organizations to pool resources for studies, development of position papers, and technical evaluations in areas of mutual interest.
• Reviews, analyzes, develops and advocates for state and local policies, legislation, and regulations related to water quality, supply, and demand management.
• Tracks and engages in the work of regulatory agencies to provide information, support and advocacy on behalf of the Water Authority and member agencies.
• Supervises the day-to-day operation and development of budgets for Water Authority programs including involvement of multiple public and private stakeholders; coordinates the activities of staff from other agencies as it relates to interagency programs.
• Coordinates with the State Department of Water Resources and stakeholders in developing and refining water management planning and funding programs.
• Prepares and monitors Board memos, correspondende and related documents.
• Serves as the Water Authority’s lead expert on MWD’s policies, operations, finances and water supply programs.
• Analyze, interpret and respond to complex water resources proposals and policies from MWD, including rate setting, demand forecasting, supply planning and infrastructure investments.
• Coordinate and collaborate with internal departments, member agencies, and regional stakeholders on MWD matters.
• Represents the Water Authority in high-level meetings, committees, and working groups, including MWD member agencies’ managers group and relevant subcommittees.
• Develop and present policy recommendations to Imported Water Director, executive leadership and board of directors.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams in the development of regional water management strategies, supply reliability assessments, and long-term planning documents.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting MWD operations and advocate for the Water Authority’s interest.
• Prepare technical reports, white papers, presentation and briefing materials on complex water resource and policy issues.
• Assists in developing, establishing and implementing work plans, goals, and objectives and monitors program and staff performance in meeting assigned priorities; supervises the acquisition of external sources of funding and establishes collaborative partnerships; oversees the reconciliation of programs costs; monitors MWD conservation program performance against stewardship fee payments; oversees contracts with member agencies, MWD and other parties to ensure cost effectiveness, value and compliance.
• Attends and participates in meetings and represents the Water Authority in MWD and member agency work groups, public meetings, and industry membership forums.
• Prepares and supports MWD delegates with analysis and key talking points on MWD-related issues.

Qualification Guidelines

The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural science, physical science, environmental engineering, civil engineering, economics, natural resources management, urban planning, regional planning, public administration or a closely related field supplemented by eight years of progressively responsible water resources planning or implementation experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two years of professional work experience.

Application Procedure

Tentative Exam Schedule
Application Deadline: 06/08/2025
Interview: Tentatively Scheduled for 06/23/2025