County Groundwater Manager

Ventura County•Ventura, CA

About The Position

The County Groundwater Manager (Public Works Manager I/II) manages the Groundwater Resources Program section of the Water Resources Division within the County of Ventura Public Works Agency’s Watershed Protection District, under direction. The role assists in planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating program activities and performs related duties as assigned. The program supports implementation of the County’s Well Ordinance and General Plan efforts focused on groundwater resource protection. Its work includes field investigations and data collection, well permitting throughout most of Ventura County, development project reviews, and coordination with local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies. The program operates as a County team and is separate from the Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency. The Public Works Manager I and II are management classifications. The Manager I differs from Manager II in the latter’s greater budgetary responsibility, staff supervision, technical complexity, and decision impact. Manager II generally directs technical program activities of an independent work unit or specialized area; Manager III manages a major division within the Public Works Agency. These positions are not eligible for overtime compensation. The posted approximate salaries are $4,253.64–$5,955.69 biweekly for Public Works Manager I and $4,649.48–$6,509.91 biweekly for Public Works Manager II. Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with possible travel to construction and maintenance sites. Site work may involve proximity to equipment or machinery, uneven surfaces, exposure to dust, noise, chemicals, gas, fumes, or heights, and occasional inclement or hazardous conditions requiring moderate to heavy physical activities.

Requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, biology, environmental science, natural science, civil or environmental engineering, or a related discipline, and related experience; equivalent education and experience leading to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may qualify.
  • For Public Works Manager I: three years of related experience, including at least one year of direct supervisory experience.
  • For Public Works Manager II: four years of related experience, including at least two years of direct supervisory experience.
  • Possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license.
  • Professional certification may be required depending on assignment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated in the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
  • Thorough knowledge of public works management principles, practices, methods, and techniques appropriate to the position; project and program management; public works operations such as well construction, groundwater studies, and administration; applicable laws and regulations; and administration, supervision, and training.
  • Skill in using computers and applicable software.
  • Ability to apply technical knowledge to planning, designing, constructing, operating, maintaining, and administering groundwater-related public works programs and projects; manage projects; prepare and monitor budgets and grants; plan and perform environmental, hydrological, and geological studies and reports; communicate clearly; prepare complex reports and recommendations; manage, analyze, and interpret data; supervise staff and consultants; collaborate with diverse stakeholders; and maintain cooperative relationships with government officials and the public.
  • Knowledge of geology, hydrogeology, groundwater management, well construction practices, and related regulatory requirements and programs.
  • Ability to manage technical data and databases and interpret and enforce municipal ordinances and regulations.
  • Ability to walk on rough or uneven surfaces and withstand exposure to dust, noise, chemicals, gas, fumes, heights, and inclement weather or hazardous conditions requiring moderate to heavy physical activities.

Nice To Haves

  • State of California registration as a Licensed Geologist or Hydrogeologist.
  • Certification as a Professional Hydrologist from the American Institute of Hydrology.
  • Experience in geology, hydrogeology, well construction, groundwater management, or related programs.
  • Experience with database management.
  • Experience with municipal ordinance implementation and enforcement.

Responsibilities

  • Manage the Groundwater Resources Program section’s daily activities, including scheduling staff, setting priorities, overseeing work, and providing technical support.
  • Coordinate section work with other Public Works departments, County agencies and departments, and external governmental agencies.
  • Participate in identifying and allocating fiscal, staffing, and material resources and contribute to problem-solving, decision-making, and agency planning.
  • Direct, supervise, and participate in budget development and administration, including forecasting funding needs, researching funding sources, developing grant proposals when applicable, administering grants, and preparing federal and state reimbursement documentation.
  • Represent the Department to organizations, local communities, special interest groups, businesses, customers, and the general public.
  • Assist with or supervise hiring, training, counseling, and evaluation of assigned staff; recommend or impose management or disciplinary action.
  • Participate in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned areas; recommend service and staffing levels within departmental policy and provide technical advice to internal and external customers.
  • Compile or direct the compilation of data; analyze and interpret information needed to manage programs and projects.
  • Prepare or direct preparation of studies, correspondence, presentations, and reports.
  • Set up, maintain, and use databases and specialized public works computer systems.
  • Research, analyze, and interpret information and data needed to manage projects and implement requirements.
  • Conduct analyses and develop project plans.
  • Visit sites and perform field reviews of facilities and infrastructure, and direct repairs following disasters and emergencies when needed.
  • Investigate public complaints and resolve related issues and concerns when needed.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

  • Educational incentive: 2.5% for an associate degree, 3.5% for a bachelor’s degree, or 5% for a graduate degree.
  • Bilingual incentive: $0.69 per hour at Level I, $1.00 per hour at Level II, or $1.32 per hour at Level III, based on proficiency exam results.
  • Flexible workweek options, such as a 9/80 schedule, and hybrid telework schedules for some positions, subject to organizational needs and satisfactory performance.
  • Annual leave accrual of 208 hours per year for new regular, full-time employees in this classification, increasing to 288 hours after five years of service.
  • Option to redeem up to 100 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
  • Eligibility to participate in the County’s 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or Section 457 Plan; this position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on 401(k) contributions.
  • Flexible credit allowance for full-time employees to purchase medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from authorized plans.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses.
  • Participation in the County’s defined benefit pension plan, which has reciprocity with CalPERS.
  • 13 paid holidays per year, including a scheduled floating holiday.
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