Water Resources Scientist

Job Summary

Performs administrative, technical, and professional planning work assisting the Water Resources Supervisor. Leads and manages water resource construction projects through the entire project lifecycle. Responsible for providing highly skilled project management and technical assistance for all aspects of water resource construction projects from the planning, design, coordination, and installation to coordinating with residents and meeting regulatory standards. Projects vary in size and include significant technical and structural components. Requires extensive experience in balancing project needs, scope, time, cost, risk, and quality while maintaining a positive project environment to lead and manage diverse resource needs and stakeholder expectations. Provides grant writing, coordination, and administration for water resources, other natural resource projects and technical support for Watershed Management organizations administered by the county. Assists with capital planning, budget preparation, and work plan development. Serves as a key technical expert on water planning issues and studies.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Manages, conducts, and/or coordinates water resources analysis and technical studies of various projects, developments, processes, technical studies, reviews, and plans affecting the county's water systems and natural resources; makes recommendations for appropriate actions. Responsible for overseeing and administering assigned grants. 
• Plans and executes water resource projects:
• Coordinates and manages activities of consultants, contractors, and institutional crews relating to projects.
• Acts as the county representative for assigned projects.
• Leads, conducts, and/or participates in various meetings.
• Drafts project charters. Assists with gathering project details and preliminary scope development.
• Estimates, prepares, and justifies project budget requests.
• Works both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Provides support in sustainable planning for assigned projects.
• Prepares and directs the preparation of complete bid documents and cost estimates for building construction projects.
• Ensures compliance and adherence to codes, statutes, county policies, and sustainable design.
• Creates and maintains standard project templates such as meeting agendas and minutes, action item lists, and contracts.
• Monitors project site safety and ensures safety procedures are documented and mapped.
• Coordinates contract administration, including bids, contracts, background checks, facility access change orders, site inspections, pay requests, punch lists, and final payments.
• Coordinates water resource projects with affected stakeholders and external agencies.
• Responds to customer requests for information or assistance. Ensures customer satisfaction at all levels.
• Motivates project team to maintain project schedule and budget control.
• Prepares project-related internal and external tracking, status sheets, costs, schedules and reports, notices, requests for Board action, and project updates.
• Assists others in planning for a safe and efficient water resources system (local, county, state) in the county.
• Engages in continuous process improvement providing expertise and consulting in the process of project management and cultivating soft skills of team dynamics, team building, and group motivation.
• Coordinates assigned grants and dedicated funds related to water and natural resource programs. Represents the county at meetings with agencies and other local units of government on technical water or natural resources issues and planning efforts. 
• Assists others in implementing the county erosion control inspection program; provides coordination in enforcement actions required for permitted and unpermitted grading activities; coordinates with staff and officials in other agencies in responding to wetland permitting issues. 
• Assists with implementing storm water permits held by the county, such as the NPDES MS4 permit; coordinates activities between divisions for permit elements. 
• Provides professional expertise related to geomorphology and stabilization of near-channel sediment sources and ephemeral erosion.  
• Serves as a technical resource for county staff, cities, townships, WMO's, and the general public regarding water resources related issues. 
• Assists with resident, developer, and engineer phone calls on development issues and flooding, storm water management, and drainage issues; helps others resolve issues. 
• Must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals. 
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree (Master's preferred) with an emphasis in Water Resources or Engineering and six years of experience in the water resources field with extensive knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology, geomorphology, water quality, and watershed science. Progressive experience managing complex natural resource projects is required. One year GIS, statistical analysis, and/or natural resource grant management experience required. The incumbent shall possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Water Resources Supervisor for assignments and directions as to specific project/program responsibilities. Work is reviewed through ongoing consultation with Water Resources Supervisor and through results achieved.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge –Knowledge of state, regional, and local statutes, policies, and ordinances pertaining to the county comprehensive plan and planning issues. 

Knowledge of the organization of county government. 

Knowledge of water resources (quality and quantity) and project management. 

Knowledge of the topography and political boundaries of the county. 

Knowledge of laws, ordinances, standards, and rules applicable to water resources management. 

Knowledge and expertise in geomorphology and stabilization of near-channel sediment sources. 

Knowledge and expertise in resiliency planning and implementation. 

Knowledge of best practices in project management methodologies and expertise in the use of accepted industry tools to plan, direct, evaluate, and control project delivery; including, issue resolution and risk mitigation strategies. 

Knowledge of environmental reviews and permits necessary to implement projects. 

Abilities –Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion. 

Ability to engage stakeholders in design, priority setting, and implementation phases of projects; successfully builds consent and coalitions of support for moving. 

Ability to read and interpret technical information. 

Ability to provide technical guidance to others on complex issues in terms they can understand and act upon. 

Ability to use maps and digital information for the performance of essential job tasks.

 Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties. 

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires field work, typically in a watershed/natural resource oriented setting; and inside work, typically in an office setting. One may be exposed to site hazards such as moving equipment; dust; bugs or animals; noxious plants; climate/weather conditions such as wind, heat cold; and treacherous surfaces when traversing uneven terrain on such sites.

Physical activities include light to medium work: Sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, driving, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, pushing, pulling, feeling, reaching, lifting, grasping, twisting above the waist, bending at waist, repetitive hand and arm motion, and fine finger manipulation in the use of a computer. Incumbent will exert force to maneuver items in work settings and lifts and/or navigate up to 35 pounds on a routine basis and up to 50 pounds on occasion in handling equipment or maneuvering objects necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.