Environmental Resources Planner I/II (DOQ)

THE OPPORTUNITY
Do you have strong analytical skills and background in wastewater planning and wastewater regulatory programs? The Agency is seeking a creative individual with excellent critical thinking skills to serve as its next Environmental Resources Planner within the Planning & Resources Department. In this role, you will make a positive contribution to the Agency by working on complex water and wastewater projects and be responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the various elements of those projects. Incumbents will perform a wide range of professional tasks including but not limited to the following: reviewing and processing pretreatment and source control permitting and enforcement, developing long term wastewater planning documents, preparing feasibility studies, identifying future facilities/infrastructure projects, conducting/supporting utility rate and capacity fee studies, collecting water/wastewater fees, coordinating work with other Agency departments, external consultants, contractors, and entities, making detailed reports, and providing recommendations as part of a collaborative team.

This Position might be the perfect fit for you if:

Here at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, we are a leader in water and wastewater management and environmental stewardship. We strive to produce high-quality renewable products such as recycled water and top-quality compost to enhance and preserve the quality of life throughout our region. Our values go beyond just protecting the resources and the communities we serve. We are committed to applying ethical, transparent, and environmentally sustainable principles to all aspects of business and organizational conduct. We recognize that our commitment to the community starts with our employees. In order to ensure that our staff are able to continue to perform at a high level and provide unparalleled services throughout our service area, we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance.

There is one (1) vacancy in the Planning & Resources Department.

The candidate selected to fill the (1) vacancy may be selected from either this Environmental Resources Planner I/II (DOQ) recruitment or the active Assistant Engineer/Associate Engineer (DOQ) recruitment. Applicants interested in both positions must submit separate applications for each recruitment.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.

Under general supervision, analyzes and develops environmental and water resource programs and plans; independently conducts assessments to ensure Agency environmental compliance with state and federal laws and regulations; conducts comprehensive analyses and studies including capital improvement planning and the implementation of conservation, recycling and other capital improvement projects; and performs related duties as assigned.

Environmental Planner I is the entry-level professional class. Initially under direct supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of routine to moderately complex research, data collection and analysis projects requiring the use of judgment and initiative. This class is alternately staffed with Environmental Planner II, and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency that meet the qualifications for the higher-level class.

Environmental Planner II is the skilled, journey-level class in this series. Under general supervision, incumbents perform the full range of assigned duties with a significant degree of independence and sound judgment. Work requires the knowledgeable application of the principles and practices of environmental planning, water resources management and conservation as applied to a water/wastewater utility. This class differs from Environmental Planner I in the skill level required and the incumbent's necessary knowledge of water resource planning, scientific research and program management to ensure the analysis of current and future regional water resource needs, policies and regulatory requirements.

Organizes and carries out water and wastewater resource analyses, capital improvement analyses and special projects, including identifying the need for and objectives of the study; estimates staff hours and other resource requirements to complete projects; develops appropriate and efficient analytical and work methods for achieving research and planning results.

Develops and maintains models and analysis of water resource utilization levels and patterns to forecast long-term potable water demand, wastewater flow and water supply; evaluates and interprets economic and statistical analyses, planning data and other information in developing strategies and recommendations; analyzes market data, price trends and forecasts to develop assumptions and scenarios and evaluate potential resource acquisition and development opportunities; evaluates alternative plans and projects to determine whether they are practical and beneficial; develops and recommends long-term strategies to meet the Agency's infrastructure and financial requirements within a framework of regulatory/legislative mandates and changing market conditions.

Prepares detailed reports and technical research papers for presentation and/or publication; provides input and analysis for portions of the Agency's Ten Year Capital Improvement and Water Use Efficiency/Conservation (WUE) plans; prepares maps, graphs, stratigraphic cross-sections, diagrams and fact sheets; performs liaison and coordination duties with government and public agencies, research and regulatory organizations, universities and the public.

Researches, plans, implements and evaluates conservation programs, activities and initiatives to promote efficient water use; participates in the development of program goals and objectives; proposes program processes and recommends budgets; applies specialized conservation concepts in developing proposals for improved water usage for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers; conducts onsite audits and assessments and identifies water inefficiencies; provides detailed analyses and recommendations for improvement in water usage efficiency; develops and implements ongoing research to assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts on a regional basis.

Identifies and makes recommendations regarding alternate sources of water and water use possibilities.

Identifies public and private resources to support WUE program objectives; develops proposal and funding applications; drafts requests for proposals, including identification of goals and objectives and defining project scope; sets timelines; evaluates consultant/partner proposals and qualifications, recommending selection of successful contractors; drafts required ordinances and other related reports; develops and administers contracts for service and monitors work to ensure contract requirements are met.

Coordinates planning activities and program services and activities with other departments and outside agencies; develops partnerships, where applicable, with other water utilities and agencies; facilitates intergovernmental agreements when necessary; ensures that Agency goals are integrated into local and regional plans.

Acts as a subject matter expert to respond to public inquiries including elected officials; performs a variety of public outreach duties including conducting educational programs, Agency tours, presentations and the development of materials.

Assists in reviews and analyses of legislative, EPA and other agency regulations; reports on their impact on IEUA's programs and operations; assists with compliance and audit activities in support of water and air quality programs and related regulatory requirements to ensure plans and practices are established and maintained and regulatory requirements have been met; conducts facilities inspections; develops and maintains computerized tracking systems.

May assist in performing engineering design oversight and technical evaluations; may assist in administering professional service and construction contracts.

Assist senior staff in conducting field investigations and research for preliminary design evaluations in support of the Agency's capital programs.

May assist senior staff in designing recycled water retrofit systems, cross-connection improvement programs, and other related activities for the implementation of the RW Program.

Participates in developing and recommending strategies that plan for, identify and coordinate imported water, surface water, groundwater, recycled water and wastewater supplies, reliability and demand within the Agency's service region; may conduct computer modeling and analyses; assists in drafting short and long-term planning reports and technical documents; may compile, analyze and report on water production data; may track water production from multiple agencies; assists in identifying and recommending future facilities/infrastructure projects needed to meet regional service demands, integrating multiple planning documents and water policies/agreements.

Assists with the Metropolitan Water District resource programs and agreements; assists with program assessments; assists with creating monthly production certificates and processes invoices.

May assist with the coordination of the Non-Reclaimable Wastewater System disposal agreement with Los Angeles and Orange County sanitation agencies; may assist in preparing/administering contracts; may assist in conducting rate analyses and recommending rate structures; may assist in drafting new resolutions; assists with ensuring IEUA's compliance with applicable environmental regulations.

Assists in preparing and submitting various reports to regulatory agencies; assists in conducting monthly, quarterly, semiannual and annual monitoring and reporting as specified in regulatory permits for water, wastewater, recycled water, biosolids, industrial storm water, groundwater recharge and sanitary sewer flow; assists in performs air-quality reporting; may assist in performing compliance and audit activities in support of water and air-quality programs and related regulatory requirements to ensure that plans and practices are established and maintained and regulatory requirements have been met; may conduct facilities inspections; assists in developing and maintaining computerized tracking systems; may assists in the development, scheduling, coordination and reporting of special projects.

Assists with aspects of Environmental Management Programs, including permit requirements are met and tracking and overseeing implementation of new regulations; may act as liaison with regulatory agencies for regulatory compliance and inspections; creates and submits compliance and administrative reports; Assists in the review and analysis of EPA and other agency regulations and reports for their impact on the Agency's environmental compliance programs; assists in recommending and implementing approved changes to Agency ordinances as a result of regulatory changes; may schedule and conduct meetings with regulatory agencies to discuss permitting, monitoring, enforcement and regulatory issues and changes.

Assists in processing permit renewals, amendments and revision requests; responds to internal and external data requests; assists in preparing presentation materials and conducting Operator training on environmental compliance; assists in developing compliance guidance documents.

Keeps informed of major environmental/biological or wastewater pretreatment issues and regulations through conferences, workshops, seminars and publications.

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is:

Environmental Planner I - Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in environmental science, laboratory science, planning or a related field, and one year of professional-level experience in water/wastewater treatment, environmental planning, environmental compliance or environmental testing; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

An Environmental Planner I may be considered for advancement to Environmental Planner II after demonstrating proficiency to perform the full range of duties of the latter class. Proficiency criteria and the process for demonstrating performance at the levels established in the criteria are established jointly by hiring authorities and the Manager of Human Resources and are described in a separate document.

Typically, an Environmental Planner I is expected to be capable of meeting the proficiency criteria within a 12 - 24-month period, depending on an individual's prior experience and progression in performing the full range of Environmental Planner II duties as described in the established performance criteria.

A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency's vehicle insurance program.

Some assignments may require a Permitting Professional certificate issued by South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Principles and practices of water resource management and planning.

Applicable federal, state and local water, wastewater, recycled water, storm water and safety laws, regulations and standards.

Processes and practices of IEUA's wastewater treatment/pretreatment and distribution, recycled water, potable water and groundwater recharge systems.

Statistical analysis and modeling techniques used in water resource planning and ground water analysis, and computer software applications related to the work.

Principles and methods of planning and socio-economic research as they apply to the analysis of water demand/consumption.

Water conservation methods, practices and techniques, including accepted industry practices in conducting water audits.

Effective methods for communicating, developing support for and implementing conservation programs for specific water user groups.

Practices of sound business communications.

Principles and practices of public outreach and involvement, including marketing principles and practices.

Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.

Collect, analyze and integrate relevant data from various sources.

Perform complex water resource management, water conservation, water quality and environ-mental analyses using computer equipment, environmental, demographic and geographical databases, surveys and maps.

Conduct independent research studies, prepare studies/reports of current water resource developments and trends, analyze issues and problems, develop alternatives and make sound, appropriate recommendations.

Coordinate planning and program activities with multiple internal and external stakeholders and facilitate development of agreement and consensus.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Operate a computer and standard business software and advanced analytical and statistical software.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.

All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job-related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical examination. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background/reference check and pre-employment physical examination including a drug screen (for safety sensitive position) at no cost to the candidate. Please visit our website at www.ieua.org and select the Human Resources Department for additional information regarding the Agency, the hiring process and benefit information.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at ( 909 ) 993-1645 or hrdept@ieua.org at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

"The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences".