Water Resources Specialist - Water

Reporting to the Water Resources Utility Capital Program Manager, under general direction, the Water Resources Specialist is responsible for managing public information, education and outreach efforts regarding the City’s water quality programs. This position is responsible for duties which include, but are not limited to, providing project management on assigned activities or issues; responding to citizen inquiries; and coordinating with other local jurisdictions regarding the City's Water Resources Management Program encompassing conservation issues, salmon enhancement programs, surface and stormwater runoff, groundwater protection, and drinking water and wastewater issues and concerns.

Please note: The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make changes to this posting at any time.

First round interviews are tentatively scheduled for October 26, 2026.

Second round interviews are tentatively scheduled for November 6, 2026.

*This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.*These duties include but are not limited to the following: 

• Develops, implements and delivers education and public outreach to assist citizens and local businesses in understanding the City’s drinking water quality and City’s storm and surface water quality programs.
• Performs program education through workshops, presentations, articles, site visits, and other technical materials. Coordinates program efforts with surrounding jurisdictions.  Notifies the public when health and safety issues arise by preparing press releases, interviews with local media, preparation of door hangers, and issuing letters to water customers. 
• Analyzes issues, reviews and research technical and scientific data, analyzes probable causes of water quality or environmental problems and proposed solutions for their effectiveness in remediating identified problems. Reviews and comments on draft documents. Negotiates with other jurisdictions to develop work plans for regional programs. Works to ensure efficient coordination of effort and incorporation of City interests.  
• Assists with water quality monitoring functions such as collection of water and soil samples and compiling statistics. 
• Leads assigned water resource projects relating to conservation programs, drinking water reports and notifications, lake protection and restoration, stream protection and enhancement, and reduction of pollution sources.  Prepares project scopes of work (e.g. scheduling timelines, assisting in the consultant selection process), provides City support and materials to consultants, obtains various state and federal permits for projects, and prepares various other project management tasks as required. Prepares quarterly, yearly, and final reports.
• Prepares grant applications for federal, state, and local grant programs related to the protection and management of water resources such as surface, marine, and groundwater.
• Develops databases, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing documents.
• Provides leadership and guidance to work study interns, volunteers and outside contractor placements (i.e. AmeriCorps crew) to accomplish goals of Water Resources division. 
• Creates content and updates Lacey website material pertaining to the City's water, wastewater and reclaimed water pages, as well as the stormwater pages.
• Employs community based social marketing theory and practice to encourage the public to adopt behaviors which sustain the region's water resources and comply with the federal, state, and local law and ordinances.  Uses various social media platforms to communicate with the public.
• Coordinates open houses and public involvement efforts for rate studies, comprehensive plans, policy and programmatic changes, grand openings, and other efforts.

Specific functions within Water Resources Specialist Job Class include, but are not limited to:
Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed Water Utility Education and Outreach Support:

• Creates the annual Consumer Confidence Report.  Submits required documentation to Washington State Department Of Health (WDOH) yearly. Distributes the CCR/Water Quality Report to utility customers, city public facilities, and at public events using multiple media tools as required by WDOH.
• Coordinates public engagement for the septic to sewer conversion program.
• Administers the City of Lacey's Alternate Day Irrigation Policy.
• Ensures compliance with WDOH Water use efficiency rule, calculates annual Distribution System Leakage, and manages the City's water conservation program.
• Participates on the Water Shortage Response Work Group (WSRG) as a member of that team, facilitates the meetings and will work with the team to implement water shortage plans if necessary.
• Represents the City in regional water resources planning and response efforts related to drinking water quality protection and enhancement. 
• Sits on Technical Advisory Committees (TACs), Policy Advisory Committees (PACs), and advisory boards of various inter-jurisdictional and governmental programs such as WC3 and Reclaimed Water Policies Task Force.  This work is coordinated with City Councilmembers through the Water Resources Manager, Public Works Director, and/or City Manager.

Storm and Surface Water Utility Education and Outreach Support

• Manages, administers, and tracks all NPDES Phase II education and outreach requirements.
• Coordinates and supervises citizen volunteers engaged in habitat improvement and other related activities.  
• Administers AmeriCorps grant and provides guidance to Lacey's AmeriCorps placements or Water Resource Assistants.  
• Serves as the City's coordinator for Stream Team and regional environmental education program (REEP) efforts.
• Plans and participates in numerous evening and weekend outreach events such as Lacey Fun Fair.  
• Represents the City in regional water resources planning and response efforts related to fisheries and shellfish protection, and management of surface water runoff. 
• Sits on Technical Advisory Committees (TACs), Policy Advisory Committees (PACs), and advisory boards of various inter-jurisdictional and governmental programs responsible for water resource protection issues related to, conservation, groundwater management, and overall watershed management. This includes Environmental Education TAC, Nisqually River Council, Henderson Inlet Watershed Council, Watershed Resource Inventory Area 13, STORM, Henderson and Nisqually Shellfish Protection Districts, and South Sound Green advisory group. This work is coordinated with City Councilmembers through the Water Resources Manager, Public Works Director, and/or City Manager.

Other Duties Assigned

• Performs other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover for absences. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
 A Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, communications, public relations, planning, or closely related field AND one (1) years of experience performing work related to water resources or performing education and outreach work related to conservation programs. 
   
An Associate’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, communications, public relations, planning, or closely related field AND three (3) years of experience performing work related to water resources or performing education and outreach work related to conservation programs.

 * May have a combination of experience, education, and training that would substitute for the above requirements. 
  
 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree in Environmental Science.

 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE(S): 

• Must pass a thorough background investigation and successfully complete pre-employment medical testing for the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures and techniques. 
• Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license at time of hire OR must obtain within 30 days from date of hire and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City’s insurance carrier.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the immigration Reform and Control Act.
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid first aid card within six (6) months of the date of hire.

Knowledge of:

• Basic water resource principles, including the hydrologic cycle; stream, lake, and wetland ecology; non-point pollution sources and impacts, and associated local, state, and federal regulations related to water resources.
• Basic science including biology; meteorology; physics; and geology.
• Practical considerations and social and political realities associated with implementation of water resource protection measures.
• Grant preparation and management.  
• Education theory and practice, including evaluative methods and curriculum development.
• Public outreach programs that successfully result in bringing about improvements in water resource protection and water conservation measures.
• Various aspects of volunteer management, including recruiting, coordinating, scheduling, and maintaining volunteers to perform a variety of tasks. 
• Water quality monitoring techniques, field collection techniques, equipment calibration and maintenance, and quality assurance procedures in the field.
• Computers running Windows operating system, databases, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, and other software applications.

Skill in:

• Presenting on complex topics to large and diverse audiences.
• Demonstrating the expected standards of behavior and performance for employees.
• English language usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Managing and prioritizing multiple projects. 
• Preparing grant applications, and public education and information materials that are clear, accurate, interesting, and effective.

• Managing large volunteer work parties of all ages to do multiple tasks at a project or event.  

Ability to:

• Thoroughly explain water resource protection issues and problems and possible solutions, and the intent and reason behind any regulations.  
• Demonstrate flexibility when learning and offers to follow up others when unsure of information.
• Prepare and present water resource related topics to a broad range of audiences in an informative and interesting manner.
• Communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences in a clear, comprehensive, effective, and professional manner; both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, community groups, businesses, representatives of public and private agencies, and the general public.
• Develop and meet program goals, and complete assignments on time.

• Greet the public courteously and convey a sincere willingness to be of service and/or be open to resolving the situation at hand and taking the time to ensure message is easily understood.

• Look for opportunities to build trust, is willing to give reasons why, follows up on answers, researches more data if needed, and reflect the City in a positive, service-oriented manner. 
• Plan, organize, and implement projects and assignments.
• Portray and image of knowledge, confidence, professionalism, and caring to the general public.
• Work independently within general guidelines and direction.
• Meet City's standards for interpersonal and team behavior, and customer contacts.