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Job Description
Associate Water Resources Specialist Imported Water
Valley Water
Salary: $144,539.20 - $185,057.60 Annually
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01960-E
Location: CA, CA
Department: Water Supply
Closing: 2/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Overview:
Valley Water is seeking an Associate Water Resources Specialist to provide professional-level analytical and technical support for complex water supply planning and imported water initiatives critical to Valley Water's long-term water reliability.
This position will provide support in the following areas:
- Development of water supply planning projects, including the Sites Reservoir Project, Sisk Dam Raise Project, and groundwater banking initiatives.
- Development and administration of water transfer agreements and other agreements needed to flexibly convey water to Valley Water facilities.
- Review, analysis, and comment on Bay-Delta regulatory issues affecting imported water supplies.
The Associate Water Resources Specialist works with a high degree of competence and judgment on assigned analyses, studies, and project components, while operating within established program direction and in coordination with senior staff and project leads.
Our Commitment: We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.
About Valley Water:Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San Jose, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Conduct studies, investigations, and analyses related to water supply planning, imported water management, regulatory processes, and related water resources issues.
- Research, collect, analyze, and interpret scientific, technical, regulatory, and policy information to support water supply projects and programs.
- Prepare technical memoranda, reports, analyses, and briefing materials related to water supply operations, planning, modeling, and regulatory compliance.
- Review and analyze water supply planning documents, environmental and regulatory reports, contracts, and related materials; prepare comments and recommendations under established guidance.
- Support the development, administration, and monitoring of water supply agreements, transfer arrangements, and related documentation.
- Apply water resources principles and practices to evaluate project alternatives, identify risks and issues, and recommend solutions.
- Coordinate with internal divisions and external agencies to support project implementation, data sharing, and information exchange.
- Serve as a technical resource in assigned areas of water resources expertise.
- Participate in meetings, technical advisory groups, and project teams related to imported water and water supply planning.
- Maintain project documentation, databases, and files using specialized software and tools.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
Ideal Experience:
- Four (4) years of professional-level experience with responsibility for water supply planning or distribution, environmental permitting, groundwater management, mitigation of natural resource impacts, hydrogeology, or closely related work.
- Experience supporting complex projects involving regulatory review, technical analysis, or policy evaluation.
- Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies.
Ideal Skills and Abilities:
- Project and program management, including budgeting, scheduling, and contract administration.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex and evolving water resources issues.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information clearly.
- Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
- Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment consistent with policy and best practices.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners.
Ideal Knowledge:
- Principles and practices of water resources management, groundwater and surface water systems, and natural resource management.
- Numerical modeling, forecasting, risk analysis, and statistical analysis methods.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies related to water resources and environmental protection.
- Water supply operations, groundwater monitoring, contamination and protection, and water quality standards.
- Project and program budgeting, funding, and contract administration practices.
- Natural resource restoration principles, including aquatic, riparian, wetland, and habitat improvement projects.
Ideal Training and Education:
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in water resources management, environmental science, natural resources management, planning, engineering, geology, or a related field.
- Experience: Four (4) years of professional-level experience related to environmental permitting, water supply planning or distribution, groundwater management, hydrogeology, or mitigation of natural resource impacts.
Required License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
To review the Classification Specification, please click https://tinyurl.com/2bwkfjvp
Imported Water Unit (Position Code 624)Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.
This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite.
Selection Process
(1) The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, application assessment, performance exercise, written exercise and/or interview.
(2) The Employment Application, Qualifying Information Questions and/or Supplemental Questions will be evaluated based on the ideal candidate criteria listed above. Resumes are highly recommended.
NOTE: Position and start date is subject to availability of funds. Valley Water retains the right to repost this position as deemed necessary.
Consideration may be given to existing applicant pools within the same classification.
Valley Water's Equal Opportunity Non-Discrimination Policy is available for review upon request.
Valley Water will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources in advance of any special needs by calling 408-630-2260.
Please be aware that once submitted all application materials become the property of Valley Water and will not be returned. Human Resources staff are not authorized to make copies of application materials for applicants.
To apply, please visit https://apptrkr.com/6884213
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Valley Water
Show moreThe Santa Clara Valley Water District, now known as Valley Water, is a special district, governed by a seven-member board of directors, and is responsible for water supply, flood protection and watershed management in Santa Clara County. The district encompasses all of the county’s 1,300 square miles and serves the area’s 15 cities, 1.7 million residents and more than 200,000 commuters. Our responsibilities flow from our dual missions: to provide high quality water, and to manage flood and storm waters along the county’s 700 miles of creeks and rivers.
The mission of the district is a healthy, safe, and enhanced quality of living in Santa Clara County through the comprehensive management of water resources in a practical, cost-effective and environmentally sensitive manner.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District, now known as Valley Water, manages an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water, flood protection and stewardship of streams on behalf of Santa Clara County’s 2 million residents. The district effectively manages 10 dams and surface water reservoirs, three water treatment plants, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, nearly 400 acres of groundwater recharge ponds and more than 275 miles of streams.
We provide wholesale water and groundwater management services to local municipalities and private water retailers who deliver drinking water directly to homes and businesses throughout Santa Clara County.
Who We Are
A seven-member Board of Directors governs Valley Water. We are an ethnically diverse, family friendly organization with employees who are committed to public service and work collaboratively with other agencies (all levels of government, community-based organizations, and neighborhood organizations) in carrying out our mission.
Be a Part of It
Valley Water strives to attract, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce. Many of our employees have worked at the district for more than 20 years. Our employees come from diverse, cultural and professional backgrounds. The district promotes high performance, diversity and equal employment opportunities. We offer careers in a wide range of fields.
We Value Our Employees
- The district’s salaries and benefits are highly competitive.
- The district supports employee development through tuition reimbursement, certification, management development training, safety training, on-line training and apprenticeship programs.
- Please use the links at left to explore our current job openings, salary and classification information, benefits packages, Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity programs.
We Value Excellence
The district values Excellence in Innovation, Integrity, Transparency and Teamwork. Our Workforce Development Program helps to guide our employees into the future by providing a systematic framework to facilitate the efficient, effective use of resources, which guides the development of a training curriculum based on business needs to enhance job knowledge and skills of the District’s workforce, and promotes professional development.
We Support Veterans
The Veteran’s Employee Resource Group provides assistance and supports Veteran affairs at Valley Water. Over the past ten years the district has participated in external support activities including care package drives for troops stationed overseas, as well as participating in the “Cell Phones for Troops” program.
In recognition of our employees who are veterans, a celebration is held annually around Veteran’s Day and features speakers and topics of historical interest.
We Value Diversity
The district is committed to creating an inclusive work environment which recognizes and supports the diversity of our community and enriches our perspectives.
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