Temporary Water Efficiency Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently hiring a Temporary Water Efficiency Specialist in the Water Efficiency Department.

The position is limited to a duration of no more than six (6) months.

The District:

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position

Under direct supervision, is responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of water efficiency programs working with customers and staff to reduce the District's water demand.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level in the Water Efficiency Specialist series. Incumbents in this classification are responsible for performing a variety of functions related to water efficiency program implementation. This class is further distinguished from the Senior Water Efficiency Specialist in that the higher level has greater functional responsibility, completes more difficult and complex assignments, and has more specialized knowledge of water efficiency program planning and implementation.

For the full job description and responsibilities of the position, please click here.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs a variety of functions related to water efficiency program implementation Responds to inquiries in writing or on the phone about programs, provides information and materials as needed to customers to assist in saving water. Primary responder to water efficiency-related phone calls, emails, and walk-in customer inquiries.

Responds to assigned customer assistance requests in a timely manner.

Monitors monthly customer usage against allocations, and notifies customers of excess usage. Educates customers with regard to the IRWD budget based tiered rate structure, including evapotranspiration, provides seasonal watering schedule and information about low-water use plants and efficient watering practices.

Solicits, schedules and conducts on-site surveys/inspections for high use residential, commercial, industrial, and landscape customers, as assigned. Provides customers with assistance in detecting leaks, measuring landscape areas for water budgets, making recommendations on efficient water use techniques, equipment improvement, and other methods of achieving more efficient use.

Assists in the planning, development and implementation of residential, commercial, and institutional water conservation programs and projects. Provides data gathering and entry in support of conservation programs, research studies and grants.

Assists with program participation monitoring and management of schedule, budget and consultant resources and coordination of contracts, agreements, and purchase orders.

Assists in preparing materials and packets for events. Helps develop content, attends and makes presentations at community workshops or events, and assists in publicizing the District's water efficiency programs. Participates in tours and workshops in evenings and on weekends as necessary.

Confers with representatives of the landscape profession, other utilities, industry associations, and manufacturers and vendors of water devices as necessary to remain current on new developments in the field of water efficiency.

Represents the District at professional or industry group meetings.

Develops knowledge of proper plants and their irrigation needs for Southern California climate appropriate landscapes.

Uses a personal computer to enter, maintain, and analyze water use data, and prepares reports and correspondence.

Complies with safety work-related practices and attends relevant safety training.

Responsible for all other work related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree with emphasis in environmental studies, environmental science, water resources, physical sciences, horticulture, or a related field.

Experience:

Work experience in water efficiency or related discipline is desirable.

Licenses/Certificates Required:

• A valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License is required.
• AWWA Water Use Efficiency Practitioner Level I certification preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Intermediate level of proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) or equivalent word processing, spreadsheet and database programs .

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the public, co-workers and supervisors using the principles of good customer service and effectively handle sensitive customer relation situations using tact and diplomacy.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of office, management, and field employees.
• Represent the District in a professional manner. Public-speaking skills. Interact with District staff, customers who are often upset and dissatisfied, and members of the public.
• To add, subtract, multiply, and divide and calculate percentages, decimals and fractions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Walk long distances over uneven terrain.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, dust, air contaminants, or other materials in the field. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District's online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for January 7, 2026): will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive, and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWD does not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Eligible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in a deferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidays plus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: 12/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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