Water Resource Specialist

Village of Ruidoso • Ruidoso, NM

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Water Resource Specialist is under the general supervision of the Water Resource Manager to coordinate workload, projects, and daily duties. This position assists in the implementation of the Village’s various Water Resource Initiatives, including but not limited to water rights administration, water conservation, asset management, source water protection, water development, watershed health, and GIS program. This position works Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00 p.m. and is non-exempt for FLSA purposes. Under the general supervision of the Water Resource Manager, assists in implementation of all aspects of water rights administration, Water Conservation Plan, Water Development Plan, Source Water Protection Plan, Asset Management Plan, Watershed Health program, and GIS program, and other Water Resource initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Natural or Water Resources Management, Physical Science, or Geography (GIS) from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field such as Business, Statistics and Environmental Science or GIS and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
• Experience using ArcGIS is required
• Must be able to pass criminal history checks
• Must be able to pass a credit check
• Must be willing to take and pass a drug/alcohol test and comply with agency “Drug Free” Policy
• Must possess and maintain valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator’s permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required.
• Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law.
• MVR background checks will be conducted by the Village
• Must possess and maintain ArcGIS Foundations Certification within a year
• Knowledge of principles of land planning, surveying, mapping, cartography, and global positioning systems; including familiarity with reading parcel maps, geological survey maps, plats, plans, and blueprints
• Knowledge of aerial photography and satellite imaging
• Knowledge of principles and practices of GIS, including data compilation techniques, ArcGIS software applications, graphics applications and overlays, and spatial models for computer environments and peripheral devices
• Knowledge and ability of GIS database systems integration, and quality control and assurance techniques
• Knowledge of GIS mapping and data systems including use, operation, and customized mapping and database design
• Ability to prepare accurate, presentation ready maps from plans, sketches, verbal descriptions, and specifications
• Ability to maintain effective documentation and system backups of maps and data
• Ability to provide data and maps for detailed operation analysis
• Skill in reading, understanding, developing, manipulating and analyzing geographic information in a variety of data formats and projections from multiple public and private sources
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Natural or Water Resources Management, Physical Science, or Geography (GIS) from an accredited college or university.
• Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field such as Business, Statistics and Environmental Science or GIS and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education.
• Principles of surveying, mapping, cartography, and global positioning systems.
• Principles and practices of GIS, including data compilation techniques, ArcGIS software applications, graphics applications and overlays, and spatial models for computer environments and peripheral devices
• Global Positions Systems (GPS) platforms
• Prepare accurate, presentation ready maps from plans, sketches, verbal descriptions, and specifications
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; manage time and resources effectively; balance demands of multiple tasks and projects; initiate and complete long-term projects; effectively communicate orally and in writing; work independently and administer program areas with minimal supervision
• Balance a variety of duties, prioritize, and meet deadlines including analyzing problems, particularly overseeing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting respective deadlines.
• Effectively communicate in verbal and written forms
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers, supervisors, the public, and other agencies
• Organize and set priorities and prepare and deliver presentations.
• Global Positions Systems (GPS) platforms

Nice To Haves

• experience using Pathfinder Office, Terrasync, and ArcOnline is preferred
• High level of understanding of Microsoft Office applications preferred

Responsibilities

• Assists with activities regarding the Village’s Water rights portfolio and the Village’s water development plan, including water rights administration and accounting, water permits, acquisition of leased and/or purchased water rights, water rights lease and payment agreements, treated effluent contracts, water reuse programs, water conservation programs and environmental regulations and compliance as related to water rights administration.
• Assists with implementation of the Source Water Protection Plan, Water Development Plan, Water, Conservation Plan, Asset Management Plan, and Water Utility GIS program.
• Assists with implementation of a water conservation program (including assisting with annual AWWA water audits), compliance, and public outreach functions.
• Gains an understanding of water diversion strategy, respective to the Village’s water right portfolio, snowpack and precipitation predictions, and planned or emergency infrastructure improvements.
• Gains an understanding of complying with conditions of approval related to approved water permits and maintenance of the five-year accounting of water rights, updated on a monthly basis and periodically reconciled with the OSE.
• Assists in technical and policy research on water quantity and quality.
• Under the supervision of the Water Resource Manager, prepares or assists in the preparation of documents for internal and external use, such as reports, resolutions, ordinances, policy recommendations, fiscal impact reports, professional service contracts, grant applications, permit applications, request for proposals (RFP’s) agreements and other contracts, water storage contracts, return flow plans, and memorandums of understanding.
• Coordinates with local, state and federal agencies, boards, committees, advisory groups and other organizations, stakeholders and authorities on water resource management and conservation strategies.
• Develops and maintains cooperative working relationships with other governmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups.
• Assists in the pursuit of outside funding sources for the implementation of water utility initiatives.
• Assists in implementation of water resource and conservation goals
• Assists with the review, analysis and interpretation of water quality data and assists in the recommendation and maintenance of practices required to determine and/or improve water quantity and quality for both customers and other stakeholders.
• Assists in the research and review of current and developing federal, state and local water quality laws, regulations, and programs to determine potential impact on the Village.
• Assists in the preparation of compliance reports and correspondence to government agencies; may serve as a liaison to federal, state and local water quality regulatory authorities under the guidance of Watershed and Water Rights Director.
• Assist Water Resource Manager in coordination with State and Federal agencies regarding State & Federal Water Quality and other environmental regulations including but not limited to the Clean Water Act, Safe Water Drinking Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Endangered Species Act.
• Proactively participates and represents Village’s interests in regional, state, and local organizations dealing with water management and protection.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services
• Under the supervision of Water Resource Manager, plans and implements watershed enhancement projects
• Coordinates water protection activities with stakeholders in watershed.
• Report to the Village Manager and to the Village Council if requested on the status of the Water Conservation Plan, Water Development Plan, Source Water Protection Plan, water rights purchases, conditions of permit, or any other water resource developments.
• Implement Water Utility GIS program
• Inputs, updates, edits, and maintains the Village’s GIS database and maps according to department policies and procedures using ArcGIS software
• Cleaning up data and making corrections in response to changes and additional data sets integrated into GIS
• Analyzes data to determine trends and patterns in water utilities
• Updates the digital data layers and creates corresponding maps; compiles geographic data from a variety of sources; scans, rectifies, and digitizes data; builds topology
• Performs quality control checks to assure integrity of GIS data and applications
• Uses ArcGIS command and compilation methods to generate and utilize spatial overlays and models
• Prepares maps, plans, charts and other graphics as directed
• Frequently sorts, reviews, evaluates, and checks computerized data
• Writes macros for linking and manipulating computerized data to generate maps, charts, and plans to facilitate planning and engineering projects
• Develops and maintains the ability to query the databases, view useful information on-screen, and produce large format, presentation quality graphics and displays
• Perform GPS/GIS related field work which may include use of GPS to collect and record site-specific data, maintain and configure GPS equipment, and the transfer of data from GPS to GIS database
• Produces special purposes maps for the Village departments, the public, and public agencies as directed
• Research and compile materials and maps; produces digital copies of Village data as requested
• Assists and works cooperatively with other Public Works Department staff on projects
• Provide assistance to departments, clients, and general public in obtaining information
• Provides technical information to citizens and Village staff as authorized
• Ability to recognize and keep confidential information private about customers and employees
• Maintains a high level of computer abilities and keeps up with changing technology.
• Completes personal timesheet accurately and timely.
• Ensures time is reported based on actual time worked
• Ensures that any on-the-job injury is reported immediately and followed up with appropriate forms and actions
• Reports any suspected fraud, waste, and/or abuse to Public Works Director or Village Manager
• Ensures any reports of harassment are immediately reported and appropriate actions are taken
• Attend meetings, training, and workshops as needed
• Strong reading skills of maps, engineering specifications, and property deeds
• Work closely with other GIS staff for data management and GIS projects

Benefits

• In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level