Water Use Efficiency Specialist I

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of specialized administrative duties in support of the Agency’s water conservation initiatives; receives and responds to customer inquiries regarding water use restrictions, water conservation practices, and the Agency’s programs and rebates; evaluates residential and commercial water usage and educates customers on the significance of water efficiency and the programs available to them; gathers, compiles, and reviews data related to conservation and compliance activities and prepares and submits state mandated conservation reports; and performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level classification in the Water Use Efficiency Specialist series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine administrative support duties in support of the Agency’s conservation initiatives, while learning Agency policies and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives immediate supervision from the Sustainability Manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participates in the implementation of a variety of water management and conservation programs; receives and responds to inquiries from residential, commercial, and industrial customers regarding regulatory water-use restrictions, water conservation practices, and the Agency’s rebate program guidelines and procedures.
• Processes, reviews, and approves rebate applications; contacts customers for additional information; coordinates inspections with consultants as required; processes monthly rebate check requests.
• Evaluates customer water use, history and trends to identify anomalies; recommends modifications to reduce water consumption; gathers required documentation and calculates and processes leak adjustments as needed.
• Performs research, compiles, summarizes, and interprets data from various sources; prepares and submits monthly, quarterly, and annual reports ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Receives and responds to water waste reports; investigates reported incidents of water waste and coordinates with Agency departments to address and resolve issues; maintains detailed records of waste reports and follow up actions; provides updates to management as requested.
• Assists in event planning and outreach events including special events, landscape courses, and water use and conservation learning; performs event set-up and breakdown; organizes outreach materials and event equipment; engages with residential customers at community events; provides information about rebate programs and other initiatives.
• Organizes and maintains accurate and detailed databases, files, and records; verifies accuracy of information, researches discrepancies, and records information.
• Composes, types, edits, and proofreads a variety of documents, including memos, reports, and correspondence; verifies and reviews forms for completeness and conformance with established regulations and procedures.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, technologies, and new developments in the field of water use efficiency.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various agency and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification as well as classification that works in the field while attending public outreach and community events. Standing in work areas and walking between work areas, and in the community, may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Incumbents may also work outdoors at events and while performing outreach in all weather conditions. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. For more information, see SCV Water Employee Manual Policy No. 4 – Americans with Disabilities, or the following link: SCV Water Employee Manual.

According to California state law, all Agency employees are disaster service workers and are expected to participate in emergency response initiatives. This could include contributing to the emergency planning process, participating in disaster exercises and training, as well as potentially responding to support actual emergency events. For more information, please see Section 6.10 of SCV Water Employee Manual Policy No. 6 – Recruitment and Hiring, or by clicking this link: SCV Water Employee Manual.

QUALIFICATIONS (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and / or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Water Conservation Specialist I. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:

• An associate degree in environmental studies, landscape architecture, horticulture, or a related field.
• One (1) year of experience in customer service, public agency programs, water use and conservation programs, or related experience. 

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, or evidence of equivalent mobility, to be maintained throughout employment.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES (The following are a representative sample of the KSAs necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge / Skills of:

• Basic principles, practices, and methodologies of water use efficiency programs.
• Principles and practices of research, data collection and technical and statistical report preparation.
• Mathematical calculations.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Methods and techniques of effective recordkeeping.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Agency and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Agency staff.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to:

• Promote water conservation initiatives and assist with educational and outreach activities.
• Research, compile, and summarize information from a variety of sources.
• Understand, explain, and apply the best practices of water use and conservation.
• Make accurate mathematical calculations of moderate difficulty.
• Maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping and tracking systems.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines and follow-up on assignments. 
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Agency staff, outside organizations and the public.