Senior Water Loss Prevention Specialist

Irvine Ranch Water District; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Irvine Ranch Water District is seeking a Senior Water Loss Prevention Specialist to design and implement loss prevention programs, track performance, and prepare enforcement documentation. The role involves field inspections, coordination with developers and inspectors, and data-driven reporting to support water efficiency initiatives.

Successful candidates will have strong reading of plans, data analysis skills, and experience with MS Office.

Qualifications

• Two years of college education in Water Utility Science or related field.
• Four years of experience in field-related water system inspections, meter installation/testing, or related water loss work.
• Ability to read maps/plans and interpret regulations.
• Knowledge of reporting requirements for water loss data and program evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with designing and implementing water efficiency programs related to water loss prevention.
• Maintain program database and track activities; provide data for reports.
• Prepare documentation for enforcement and back-billing recommendations.
• Coordinate with developers/inspectors for metered flushing and large meter applications.
• Read IRWD atlas/plans and interpret IRWD codes; present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Reading plans/maps

MS Office

Data analysis

Education

Two years college in Water Utility Science

Water Distribution Grade I

Project Management Certificate

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a Senior Water Loss Prevention Specialist position in the Water Efficiency Department.

The District

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are the code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

THE POSITION

Under general direction, assists with designing, planning, organizing and implementing water efficiency programs related to non-IRWD distribution system water loss prevention and revenue recovery. Assists with targeting program activities to reduce real and apparent water loss, and tracking and reporting data from field investigations for use in water loss reporting and program evaluation.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Water Efficiency Manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is the journey-level in the Water Loss Prevention series. This position is responsible for the development of new water loss prevention programs, procedures, educational materials, providing input on state and internal water loss prevention policies, performing program evaluation, preparing reports and presentations to internal and external audiences, and evaluating new water loss prevention methods and technologies. The Senior Water Loss Prevention Specialist is distinguished from the Water Efficiency Manager in that the incumbent in the latter class has management responsibilities for the Water Efficiency and Loss Prevention programs.

Maintains program database and track program activities to ensure work is completed in a timely manner and all necessary data is collected. Responds to information requests related to specific incidents or summary level data on program activities and effectiveness.

Prepares documentation to support enforcement actions to prevent water loss and protect the District’s water supply.

Prepares back-billing recommendations based on the findings from field inspections and other data sources.

Evaluates program performance and water savings/loss prevention related to program activities.

Monitors program performance to ensure compliance with policies and procedures. Establishes and maintains processes and procedures to ensure appropriate internal controls are effective. Provides policy recommendations to support water loss programs as needed.

Performs site inspections of meters and potential unauthorized connections, as needed.

Coordinates with developers and IRWD Construction Inspectors to install and inspect on-site connections related to large metered flushing when necessary.

Coordinates with Development Services, Inspections and the Field Services Manager to prepare and processes large meter applications for metered flushing and establish accounts for bill processing.

Reads and interprets plans and specifications to IRWD codes and investigates a variety of potable and recycled metered systems, including looped and pooled meter configurations.

Completed special research projects and pilot studies related to water loss programs, as assigned. Develops and makes presentations at community and industry workshops or events. Represents the District at professional or industry group meetings to keep current on new developments in the field of water loss programs.

Communicates information regarding water efficiency programs. Prepares reports to management on program activities.

Represents the District with outside agencies, customers and in community events and meetings regarding water loss prevention, interact with member of the public, developers, contractors, job site superintendents, property managers, landscape managers, staff, and other agencies as appropriate.

Ability to read IRWD atlas, plans, and maps.

Complies with District work-related safety practices and attends relevant safety training.

Maintains District vehicle, tools, equipment and supplies in good working order.

Coordinates and attends meetings and functions outside the normal workday. Participates in workshops on weekends as necessary.

Responsible for all other job related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Education and Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education

Two (2) years of college education in Water Utility Science, construction inspections, meter maintenance and testing, backflow and cross connection, or other area related to water loss control programs.

Experience

Four (4) years of experience working in field-related water system inspections, meter installation or testing, backflow testing/cross connection and comprehensive understanding of components and functions of public water and sewer systems. Ability to read maps, plans and interpret Title 23 State Water Loss Regulations, knowledgeable about reporting requirements of the AWWA water loss audit data requirements and effective program strategies to address real and apparent water losses.

License/Certifications

Valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License.

Water Distribution Grade I and Project Management Certificate is required within one year of start date.

Knowledge of

• Knowledge of potable and recycled water systems and appurtenances.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems, timers and other appurtenances.
• Current techniques, devices, practices, and institutional process related to water loss.
• Current legislation related to water loss mandates.

Ability to

• Ability to read the IRWD atlas, plans, and maps.
• Word-processing, spreadsheet, database and other computer applications related to data management and analysis.
• Use tact, discretion, patience and understanding in dealing with staff, developers, contractors, workers, customers and the members of the public.
• Perform in a fast-paced, team-oriented, continuously changing, work environment.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees and management. Represent District in a professional manner when dealing with outside customers and suppliers.
• Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate fractions, decimals and percentages. Ability to convert water equivalents and flow rates.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Keyboarding abilities sufficient to perform the job.
• Ability to use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions. Read and interpret complex data and information. Observe and interpret situations. Work on multiple, concurrent tasks. Must be organized with the ability to multi-task and make decisions independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing 50 pounds, and up to 90 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.