Senior Water Resources Specialist

Valley Water is searching for top-tier candidates to fill this exciting opportunity. Internal candidates will get first consideration.

Are you interested in providing leadership and fostering collaboration in water resources strategies that bridge ecology and infrastructure? Learn more in the posting below.

The Senior Water Resources Specialist within the Water Utility Planning and Fish and Aquatic Habitat Collaborative Effort (FAHCE) Support Unit will be a key driver in implementing the FAHCE program. This is a leadership position that will play a role in developing and executing integrated environmental strategies that protect and restore watersheds, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance the long‑term sustainability of Valley Water’s local water supply.

This role will provide senior‑level execution of the FAHCE commitments, such as developing non‑flow measures, annual reporting, project management, and supporting other environmental permitting and project management activities for other water utility projects.

We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

• Lead implementation for the FAHCE Program, ensuring regulatory and programmatic requirements are met.
• Prepare and complete annual reports, manage program budgets, and administer related contracts.
• Coordinate and lead meetings with external partners and interested parties.
• Develop and present Board and committee items, including staff reports and support materials.
• Plan and develop habitat restoration projects aligned with program and regulatory objectives.
• Prepare permitting documentation to support water rights compliance.
• Obtain and update Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements (LSAAs) for Valley Water dams and diversions.
• Provide permitting and environmental review support for Water Utility projects (e.g., pipelines, canals, and treatment plants) as needed.
• Respond to emerging environmental and operational challenges, including efforts to protect water infrastructure from invasive mussels.

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

• Six (6) years of professional‑level experience within the fields of environmental/natural resources permitting, habitat restoration, water supply planning, fisheries, ecology, and/or watershed management.
• Experience working with State and Federal agencies negotiating permits and ensuring permit compliance.
• Experience in preparing compliance reports.
• Experience in project management.

• Work collaboratively and develop common understandings through effective communication.
• Improve and streamline environmental review and permitting processes.
• Represent Valley Water and engage with environmental regulators, interested parties, and the public.
• Work with different subject matter experts and across all levels of staff in the organization.
• Strong organizational skills with strategic and analytical thinking.
• Principles and practices of project/program budgeting, cost estimation, funding, project/program management, and contract…