WATER RESOURCES PROGRAM MANAGER

Job Specifications

Class Code:	GC4
Analyst: SC

Date Originated: 03/21

Dates Revised:

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general direction of the Environmental Health Director, the Water Resources Program Manager is responsible for the overall direction, planning, and organization of the County's water resources management. Perform related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single position class that reports directly to the County Environmental Health Director and provides overall management and coordination of surface and ground water policy development and issues. This position will collaborate with local water districts, regional water agencies, and interest groups to promote the efficient use of water resources by identifying effective strategies for developing sustainable long-term water supplies and establishing a coordinated framework for ongoing implementation of water resources protection measures. The incumbent has the responsibility of ensuring implementation of multiple complex mandates, policies, and regulations, characterized by highly difficult and sensitive public, environmental, and legislative issues. The Water Resources Program Manager may have supervisory responsibility for positions assigned to program activities.

This position is distinguished from the Environmental Health Director in that the latter manages the entire division of environmental health.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Provide day to day management of the County's Water Resources activities ;
• Enforce compliance with County, State and Federal codes, regulations and guidelines;
• Oversee and manage the design, development, and evaluation of new water resource/quality programs which include ordinances, policies, procedures, IT needs, staffing, education, priorities, and outreach;
• Develop, support , and monitor related programs on groundwater supply and quality assessment, comprehensive erosion control practices, water quality data information coordination, stream flows and impacts on fish populations and habitats, as necessary to support the management of county water resources ;
• Conduct a variety of complex and difficult comprehensive research analyses, special assignments, projects, investigations, organizational and operational studies, generate findings and recommendations for policy consideration and recommends modifications for areas such as:
  • Water Quality
  • Water Quantity
  • Sustainable groundwater basin
  • Watershed protection and restoration for salmon and other species
  • Small water systems regulations
  • Water Quality sampling and analysis of surface water and beaches
  • Issuance of and posting of health advisories for both drinking, bathing, and fishing;
• Provide county-wide oversight on watershed and water management activities among County, water districts and regional agencies ;
• Serve and advise as division liaison to legislative bodies, governmental agencies, other departments and community groups, such as the Regional Water Management Group and Groundwater Sustainability Agencies and establish mechanisms for county-wide interdepartmental and interagency coordination;
• Coordinate assigned division activities with those of other divisions, departments, agencies and organizations to ensure effective cooperation on all governmental levels;
• Make presentations to the Board of Supervisors, various advisory boards and commissions, and prospective funding agencies on such matters as program status and direction, program budget issues and project proposals;
• Provide public outreach education, and technical assistance ;
• Oversee staffing of public commissions ;
• Plan, organize, manage, review and evaluate the work of professional and technical support staff.
• Participate in preparation of and administer the program budget ;
• Lead the writing of grant proposals for water quality management and implementation when awarded;
• Oversee and manage program grants ;
• Develop and implement a consistent and integrated strategy for water quality data collection, software reporting, and storage;
• Perform other related activities.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Thorough Knowledge of :

• Water resources planning and policy.
• State and federal laws, regulations and enforcement procedures related to the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, California Environmental Quality Act and similar environmental regulations.
• Programs relating to water resources.

Working Knowledge of:

• The principles and practices of environmental health, water resources/management and education for a public agency.
• Policy formulation and legislative processes for County government and local water agency programs, functions and services.
• Budgeting principles in a government agency.
• Public administration principles and practices, including strategic planning, goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Administrative principles and practices, including work organization and planning, employee supervision, performance evaluation and employee training and discipline.
• The principles of biology, geology, hydrology, water quality, and watershed management as it relates to water resources management.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct and control the work of a water resources management function within a local government.
• Interpret, analyze, explain and apply laws, rules regulations and ordinances.
• Evaluate programs, policies and practices.
• Define problems and recommend solutions.
• Conduct comprehensive research and analysis of water resources issues and generate findings and recommendations for policy consideration.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of individuals and groups, including elected officials, community groups, consultants, County departments, and other government agencies.
• Conduct meetings and serve as the County representative and technical advisor on assigned projects.
• Speak clearly, concisely and effectively at Public Hearings and before large groups.
• Assist in the design and implementation of computerized data management systems.
• Track, monitor, and advocate legislation.
• Prepare and present clear, concise oral and written reports.
• Evaluate, develop, and implement improvements for efficien cy in the coordination of water management solutions .
• Understand the goals, concepts , and principles of a water resources management program.
• Supervise, train and evaluate the work of staff.
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity and sound judgment in solving policy, administrative, operational and personnel problems.
• Respond appropriately to workplace conflicts/complaints.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain this knowledge would be:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in natural, physical or environmental science, water resources, planning, geology or a closely related field.

AND

Five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of water resource management. A master’s degree in natural, physical, or environmental sciences or related field may be substituted for one year of experience. Two of the five years must include supervisory experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License or the employee must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: Water Resources Manager 

Bargaining Unit:  11

EEOC Job Category:  02

Occupational Grouping:  74

Workers Comp Code: 0053