County of Alameda

Under general direction, performs the most difficult professional planning program work including studies and projects; serves as the project manager for major planning and policy issues related to the operation of a major municipal water supply utility; serves as the section lead on the work of professional and technical staff; and performs related work as required.    

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

This classification of Senior Water Resources Planner, Zone 7, is located in the Water District and is the lead class in the professional planning classification series. Individuals in this class are usually project managers or have major responsibilities for system operation and management involving the lead of the work of other water resource planners, technical, operations and management staff.  This class is distinguished from the Principal Engineer/Geologist, Zone 7, in that the latter is a section manager responsible for the entire Integrated Water Planning section. This class is further distinguished from the Associate Water Resources Planner, Zone 7 class, in that the Senior Water Resources Planner has lead responsibility over professional and technical work of Assistant and Associate Water Resources Planners, Zone 7, and performs the most complex water resource planning work.

NOTE:  The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.  

1. Coordinates, directs, plans, organizes, assigns, reviews, and leads the work of lower level professional or technical staff; participates in employee selection of contractors, monitoring progress, negotiating, and issuing change orders and progress payments, and related matters.  
2. Plans, organizes, and reviews or performs the development of water demand projections, major planning programs including master plan development and capital project budgeting; coordinates and participates in the total planning and design of assigned projects, including development and evaluation of alternatives and operational scenarios, environmental requirements, permits, agreements, and preparation of final plans and specifications.  
3. Acts as project manager on water resource planning projects; directs the work of lower-level water resource planners and technicians; monitors progress; coordinates project activities and mediates problems; prepares or coordinates various project reports and documents.
4. Prepares and reviews policies and issues papers related to planning actions by Local Area Formation Commissions, cities, counties, related state law or proposed legislation, adopted growth management policies of cities and counties, and the relationship of the District with other agencies as defined by law.
5. Maintains and updates guidelines and procedures relating to preparation of environmental documentation as required by California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
6. Reviews existing and proposed local, state, and federal legislation/regulations for impact on Zone 7’s water resources planning and clean energy program activities, consults with department personnel; develops recommendations; and prepares proposed changes.
7. Monitors ongoing planning efforts by other agencies and changes in the law as they affect California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and/or the State Water Project and Zone 7’s mission as a water utility.
8. Monitors and coordinates Zone 7’s participation in the Power and Water Resources Pooling Authority (PRWPA), Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and other energy coalitions.
9. Uses and interprets land use and demographic projections produced by other agencies to assist in projecting Zone 7’s water demands.
10. Provides oversight and direction on ongoing planning programs, e.g., Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Development Impact fee Study including the M&I Connection Fee Program and the SDA 7-1 Exchange Fee Program; and the Asset Management Program (AMP).
11. Monitors energy and power issues and federal, regional, and state regulatory and legislation activities related to energy solutions and management; evaluates and implements cost-effective energy-efficient systems and alternative energy solutions that provide long-term power options.
12. Provides oversight and direction to Zone 7’s regulatory compliance programs (e.g., Alameda County Clean Water Program); serves as the primary agency contact with regulatory agencies (e.g., Regional Water Quality Control Board) regarding such programs.
13. Assists in section budget development and preparation, including projecting costs and monitoring and justifying expenditures.  
14. Develops, coordinates, and provides oversight of specialized planning programs as identified as necessary by the agency; including seeking to identify and review new clean energy opportunities and long-term power options.
15. Performs ongoing quality assurance duties by monitoring PG&E rate cases and tiers to ensure Zone 7 receives the lowest cost energy; and reviews opportunities for Zone 7 to participate in renewables, carbon reduction and electricity reliability.
16. Develops and maintains various databases, computer models and computer files; uses a variety of computer software or develops programs to solve specific engineering/geological problems.
17. Represents Zone 7 to contractors, consultants, utilities, groups, the public, other government agencies and committees including the State Water Contractors Energy Committee; coordinates work with other agencies; applies and explains Zone 7 policies, procedures, and standards.  
18. Extracts, reviews, and analyzes data to prepare reports consisting of specific program data to monitor progress toward goals; plans, organizes, and creates both internal and external documents related to the activities or operations of the water resource planning and clean energy programs and administrative reports; ensures discussion of the water/energy nexus.

EITHER I  

Experience:  

The equivalent of two (2) years of full-time experience in the class of Associate Water Resources Planner, Zone 7 in the Alameda County classified service.  

OR II  

Education:  

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, economics, environmental studies, or a closely related field.    

AND

Experience:  

The equivalent of four (4) years of full-time professional planning experience including one (1) year of urban planning or working for an utility district or department and two (2) years of leading or supervising experience over subordinate staff.  

Physical Requirements:

• Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required.
• Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  

Special Requirements:  

Must be willing and able to work in exposure to chemical, mechanical, and electrical hazards, and outdoors in all weather conditions.  

Licenses:  

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.    

NOTE:    The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:    The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Example of Duties” section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and trends in water resources and water operations including research techniques; codes, ordinance and laws related to planning and environmental protection.
• Organization of local governments including special districts; language and techniques used in planning and mapping.
• Principles and practices of project management and contract administration, including planning, organizing, delegating, scheduling, and controlling.
• Principles of supervision, including selection, training, and performance evaluation.      
• Applicable codes, regulations and standards relating to water resources and energy management.
• Principles and practices of energy system development and planning.
• Principles and practices of environmental impact assessment and regulatory processes related to energy programs and projects.
• Practices of researching, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to water resource planning and energy and power related issues.
• County and Agency personnel and administrative policies and procedures.
• Organizational practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development, and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures; statistical analyses and various methods of presentation of data and recommendations.
• Administrative principles and methods, including goal setting, planning, program and budget development and implementation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed. 

Ability to:

• Train and supervise professional and technical support staff.
• Effectively manage large-scale and/or complex water resources and energy planning projects, studies, and contracted services.
• Prepare and oversee preparation of plans, designs, sketches, estimates and specifications for technical reports.
• Apply water resource and energy planning principles and the use of computer programs to the solution of water resource planning and energy problems.
• Conduct water resource planning and energy studies and analyses.
• Analyze and interpret complex data and reports reaching sound conclusions and forecasts.
• Read, understand, and interpret engineering/geological data, maps, survey notes, legal descriptions, and other material.
• Reach collaborative solutions, using problem-solving skills.
• Interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with Zone 7 policies and procedures, complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the Zone 7 in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with public, other agencies, developers, engineering firms and contractors and other employees.
• Perform administrative work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative in assigned area.
• Analyze, interpret, draw conclusions, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Interpret budgetary and financial statements.
• Devise methods and procedures for obtaining a variety of data.
• Develop, implement, and interpret goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department.
• Maintain accurate data and records; prepare clear, concise, and complete reports and other written material.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

NewSpec 4968

DR:sa 05/27/2021

CSC Date: 07/14/2021

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.