City of Rio Rancho Water Conservation Specialist

 

Department: Public Works  

Division: Utilities Conservation  

Reports to: Division Manager or Workgroup Supervisor  

FLSA Status:  non-Exempt  

Bargaining Unit: AFSCME  

Pay Grade: 18A  

Job Status: Permanent, Full-time  

Full Time Equivalent: 1.0  

 Position Summary

The Water Conservation Specialist develops, administers and coordinates the City’s water conservation program by providing educational and public relations programs for municipal departments, community organizations, and the general public to preserve the water resources of the community.

Education, Training and Experience � minimum required to proficiently perform the job

Education / higher education: AA Degree

Position Title: Water Conservation Specialist AF  

             For required college degrees, applicable field(s) of study: Water or Natural Resource Management, Business or Public Administration, or related field.

Minimum number of years of directly related experience: Four years experience performing water conservation functions and conducting public presentations. In lieu of a degree incumbent must possess 6 years experience.

Education and/or experience preferences: None 

Certifications, Licenses and Registrations

Drivers License requirement: Frequent Driver — Regular Driver’s License      Required Endorsements: None

Note — For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards.

Required certifications, licenses or registrations: Time given after hire/promotion to obtain certification or licenses: Within the first year of employment (based upon the availability of classes).

Preferred certifications, licenses or registrations: Completion of Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper or Irrigation Auditing Training.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required to proficiently perform the job

Knowledge: Water and wastewater conservation and general utility operations. Methods, procedures, objectives, and standard practices of water conservation, especially in a desert environment. City codes applicable to the water conservation and enforcement program. Technical programs, research, and trends in water conservation; research methodology. Analysis and interpretation, and database development and maintenance. Methods of public information and education, outreach, and marketing.

Skills:  Must be able to type rapidly and accurately enough to successfully produce documents/spreadsheets, communicate via e-mail, or perform data entry as necessary to accomplish the essential functions of the position.   Use of technology, equipment and software typically used in the office environment. Operation of standard office equipment including a personal computer utilizing word processing, spreadsheet and database applications and other related computer systems.

Abilities: Develop educational programs and to organize program materials.   Read, analyze, and interpret technical reports, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Write professional reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, and the general public. Work with mathematical concepts to analyze problems, interpret data and apply to practical situations found in the workplace.   Analyze standards and regulations and define the impact on the City. Maintain testing records, logs, compliance documents, and develop and maintain databases. Establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with staff, the general public and public officials.

Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities: Internal: Works with department supervisors,   managers, and colleagues on routine assignments and special projects. External:   Frequently interacts with businesses, vendors and consultants,   community organizations, media, schools, utility customers, and the general   public to promote water conservation.

Authorities and Accountabilities

Level of independent decision making: High–incumbent is expected to analyze complex situations and take appropriate action

Budgetary/Financial/Asset accountability: Low — Position is accountable to a Department Director or Division Manager and cannot make major decisions or obligate the City

Span of control: Responsibility for own work (no supervision or leadership expectations)

Essential Functions

The following functions are typical for this position. The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Performs the professional-level function of planning, developing, and administering the City’s Water Conservation Program.
• Tracks and monitors water consumption by water user classifications for statistical purposes and to develop water conservation targets. Analyzes water consumption and prepares reports and recommendations.
• Identifies water conservation measures and practices to improve water use efficiency.
• Identifies and secures private and public sector financing through grant writing processes and administration.
• Makes recommendations on proposed water conservation, irrigation systems, and landscape design regulation proposals to management.
• Writes technical reports, publications, and proposed regulations and/or ordinances.
• Prepares and submits the Water Conservation Program budget for review and approval and oversees adopted budget.
• Recommends revisions to City ordinances and policies to promote water conservation.
• Works in conjunction with other City departments to achieve more efficient water use at City facilities.
• Works with consultants and vendors in the development of the Water Conservation Program. Reviews and briefs all conservation projects with Environmental Programs Manager and Utilities Manager prior to implementation.
• Implements, coordinates, creates, and evaluates public education/awareness components of the Water Conservation Program, including presentations, advertising, and media placement.
• Initiates and carries-out collaborative water conservation efforts with regional, community, and customer service area water industry groups, and public and private agencies by arranging, advising and training on related issues.
• Directs water audits and oversees enforcement of water conservation ordinances.
• Reviews irrigation system and landscape plans and collaborates program issues with other Utility staff for City projects.
• Oversees advertising expenditures, bids specification preparation, and develops copy for release.
• Performs irrigation audits for water utility customers. These audits include site inspections and evaluations of irrigation systems, meter accuracy, xeriscape design, and leak detection. Identifies customer opportunities for water conservation and estimates implementation costs and water savings.
• Evaluates water rebate applications for correctness and applicability.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Daily activity level: Blend of sedentary and physical work

Physical characteristics: Job requires oral and aural communication; Job requires reading and comprehension of written materials; Job requires normal vision; Must be able to see in dim light; Grasping with hand, gripping; Keystroking or repetitive motion of hands/fingers/arms; Involvement in verbal or physical confrontations; Use of road work or landscaping tools; Climbing Ladders; Digging or working in trenches; Lifting/carrying/push/pull up to 40 lbs.; Working while standing for prolonged periods of time; Walking long distances; Shift work, including mid and grave; Working more than 5 days a week; Job involves driving most of the shift

Exposures: Exposure to biological agents, human/animal body fluids, blood borne pathogens, excrement or tuberculosis; Working outside in inclement weather conditions

Extraordinary working conditions: None

Hazardous equipment/machinery used: None

Required personal protective equipment: Latex gloves; Safety boots