Water Resources Specialist

~ The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is a regional greenbelt system in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is comprised of over 60,000 acres of land in 26 open space preserves protected for public enjoyment, making a preserve system of diverse and unparalleled beauty in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. ~

Our Preserves include redwood, oak, and fir forests, chaparral-covered hillsides, riparian corridors, grasslands, and wetlands along the San Francisco Bay. Ranging from 55 to over 18,000 acres, 24 preserves are open to the public free of charge, 365 days a year. Visitors will find over 225 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging terrain.

Our mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. 

Position Overview 

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is seeking a skilled and motivated Water Resources Specialist to join our team of resource management professionals working to protect and restore the natural environment within Midpen's 63,000 acres of land in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the San Francisco Peninsula. 

Responsibilities 

About the Position: 

• The Water Resources Specialist position is responsible for cataloging, organizing, tracking and long-term planning for water resources management in the District's open space preserves.
• This person will survey, manage and obtain water rights licenses and permits and generate required reports for submittal to regulatory agencies and other governing bodies, and engage in related activities in the restoration and management of aquatic resources.
• General responsibilities of this position will also include managing consultants and contractors; writing detailed technical summaries and reports for District staff and the public; preparing grant applications; and conducting surveys in the field.
• The Water Resources Specialist will function within a team environment with other Resource Management staff.
• The position is located in the District's Los Altos office, reporting to the Senior Resource Managment Specialist.
• Work will occur in both a field and office environment, with travel from site to site, and field data collection. When conducting field assignments, work may include traversing rough, difficult terrain in inclement or hot weather with exposure to poison oak.
• You may view our website to gain an understanding of District operations and organizational values. 

Qualifications 

Basic Requirements: 

• Knowledge of California water-related regulations, beneficial uses, and water rights reporting.
• Knowledge of hydrology, principles and practices of aquatic resource management and environmental planning.
• Ability to plan and conduct water use/hydrological monitoring, analyze and interpret data, use GIS software, and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to secure and maintain records for regulatory agency permits, and manage complex projects utilizing consultants and contractors.
• Knowledge of CEQA and environmental planning desired but not required. 

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: 

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in watershed science/management, hydrology, water law/policy, engineering, ecology, biology, earth sciences or other closely related subject.
• A Master's Degree is desirable.
• In addition, three years increasingly responsible experience in the field of resource planning and management is desirable. Requires excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required. 

Compensation: Salary is $7,364 - $9,173 per month. The Open Space District provides an excellent benefits package including health, life & disability insurance as well as CalPERS pension. Please see the Benefits page of the District website for details. 

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Here!" to apply online. You'll be asked to upload the following four application items are required in order to be considered for the position: 

• CalOpps employment application;
• Resume;
• Letter of interest in the position; and
• Supplemental question responses.

You may paste a resume in the application (Step 5) or upload a single PDF of your resume AND letter as one of the final steps of your application. Supplemental questions may be previewed at the beginning of the application; we recommend completing your responses on a separate document and pasting them in the application. 

Note: Applications accepted until 5:00pm Monday, April 18, 2016. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the position. Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for interviews. 

Recruitment Timeline: 

• Interviews: First round interviews with selected candidates will be conducted May 4th, followed by selected finalist interviews May 12th AND 16th.
• We highly recommend planning your schedule accordingly as these dates have been confirmed and cannot be adjusted. 
• Interviews will be conducted at our Los Altos office. 

~ The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources Department. ~