Manager, Water Quality Assessment Section

Manager, Water Quality Assessment Section

As a member of the Science and Water Quality Management Branch, the Water Quality Assessment manager leads, supervises, and directs the work of a professional staff of engineers and scientists engaged in the development of water quality standards (including physical, chemical and biological criteria) for Basin waters and supporting regulations for maintaining and improving water quality; planning and conducting water quality monitoring studies in support of assessment activities;

and the preparation of water quality assessments including the biannual Section 305(b) report.

• Conduct water quality assessments.
• Lead and supervise development and updating of water quality criteria for conventional and toxic pollutants referenced in the Commission's regulations.
• Collaborate with staff to plan and execute field investigations, using complex data and statistical analyses to assess status and trends of Basin waters and recommend management approaches.
• Coordinate with state and federal staff to assess Basin waters, and supervise the evaluation of water quality data and the preparation of water quality assessments including the Section 305(b) report.
• Prepare engaging reports and presentations that effectively convey scientific findings to advisory committees, the public, the regulated community, and government agencies.
• Write technical reports documenting activities of the Water Quality Assessment team.
• Develop data analysis and visualization tools for effectively presenting data and communicating study results to Commission members and stakeholders.
• Represent the Commission on external committees and at meetings and conferences.
• Maintain and build collaborative relationships with Commission member agencies and external partners.
• Coordinate and oversee implementation of Quality Assurance and Quality Control policies and programs for the Commission.
• Manage and supervise grants and contracts related to monitoring and analytical laboratories.
• Prepare budgets, grant applications, cooperative agreements, and progress reports related to Water Quality Assessment activities.
• Manage and administer staff of the Water Quality Assessment Section, including staff administration (workplan development and evaluation, travel budget, timesheet, training, etc.).
• Oversee staff responsible for the maintenance of a small water quality laboratory.
• Provide technical guidance and reviews for report preparation.
• Supervise staff liaisons to Commission advisory committees.
• Participate in community outreach activities.
• Support cross-departmental activities through development of data evaluation tools to support water quality models.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in a science or engineering field related to water resources. A Master’s degree or Ph.D. is preferred. Coursework related to environmental science, water quality/chemistry, data science, hydrology, advanced statistics, water pollution control, or similar is desired.

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of water resources, including demonstrated success in conducting water quality monitoring and analysis, water quality criteria development and/or application, data assessment techniques including statistical analyses, and technical report preparation. A candidate with leadership, project management, and supervisory experience, and existing understanding of the Clean Water Act and Basin state water quality programs, is desirable.

Graduate work may be substituted for up to two years of required experience on a year-for-year basis.

• Design and implementation of field monitoring programs, including knowledge of fundamental sample collection equipment and best practices.
• Strong statistical background in analysis and interpretation of environmental data.
• Proficiency in databases, spreadsheets, and programming in R, Python, and/or similar tools to process and visualize environmental and geospatial data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to organize and…