Lead Alternative Water Supply (AWS) and Conservation Specialist

South Florida Water Management District
West Palm Beach, FL

Alternative Water Supply (AWS) and Conservation Specialist

WPB Adm Headquarters (B2)

 4501BR

Job Description

The District is recruiting for a Lead Alternative Water Supply (AWS) and Conservation Specialist that can be underfilled, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and years of experience. The Alternative Water Supply (AWS) and Conservation Specialist serve as the District’s program lead and technical authority for the planning, coordination, and implementation of water conservation and AWS initiatives, including use of brackish water and reverse osmosis, reclaimed water and utility aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) systems. 

This position is in a team-oriented environment and is responsible for leading the development and evaluation of AWS and conservation programs that enhance water availability, improve regional water use efficiency, and support long-term water resource sustainability, including the District’s water supply planning efforts. Work includes monitoring, coordinating, and participating in multi-agency projects; assessing the technical and economic feasibility of AWS and conservation projects; and supporting cooperative funding and regional water supply planning efforts. The incumbent provides scientific and technical expertise in areas such as desalination, reclaimed water systems, conservation technology evaluation, and program performance monitoring.

The position requires extensive interaction with internal and external stakeholders, including local governments, utilities, regional water supply authorities, and state agencies. The incumbent represents the District in technical and policy forums, public meetings, and interagency workgroups.

The successful candidate will demonstrate leadership, analytical, and communication skills; possess the ability to integrate technical findings into planning decisions; and provide guidance to District management and partners regarding AWS and conservation strategies designed to achieve sustainable water supply outcomes across South Florida.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
•    Integrates AWS and conservation objectives within regional water supply plans, cooperative funding programs, and other District projects.
•    Develops and maintain strategies that ensure consistency with the District’s mission, policies, and legislative directives.
•    Provides technical and programmatic leadership to staff, consultants, and stakeholders engaged in water conservation and AWS initiatives.
•    Coordinates with internal bureaus and divisions to align AWS and conservation program activities with regulatory, planning, and permitting functions.
•    Conducts and oversee scientific analyses of AWS feasibility, reclaimed water utilization, and conservation potential.
•    Analyzes regional and utility-scale water use data to identify trends, evaluate program outcomes, and forecast future demand.
•    Serves as the District’s subject matter expert for AWS and conservation matters in coordination with utilities, local governments, and other agencies.
•    Represents the District on interagency workgroups, technical committees, and public forums.
•    Fosters collaborative partnerships with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, other water management districts, utilities, regional water supply authorities, and private sector partners.
•    Coordinates with the Office of Communications and Public Affairs to promote awareness of conservation and AWS efforts.
•    Oversees performance tracking, data management, and reporting for AWS and conservation projects.
•    Evaluates progress toward achieving regional water supply sustainability and conservation savings targets.
•    Conducts occasional travel within the District’s 16-county region to attend interagency meetings, verify project implementation, or perform on-site evaluations of AWS and conservation activities.

Employment Guidelines: 

Lead Scientist: Typically has a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Water Resources, Engineering, or a related Natural or Physical Science discipline, and at least eight (8+) years of qualifying experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within the scientific discipline and the ability to apply such experience to support the District’s strategic goals and objectives. Experience should include demonstrated leadership in the development, coordination, and implementation of complex water resource programs or projects, including Alternative Water Supply (AWS), reclaimed water, and water conservation initiatives.

Senior Scientist: Typically has a Master’s Degree in Natural or Physical Sciences and at least six (6+) years of qualifying experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within the scientific discipline that can be applied to support the District’s strategic goals and objectives.

Scientist 4: Bachelor’s Degree in Natural or Physical Sciences and at least four (4+) years of qualifying experience. Master’s Degree in Natural or Physical Sciences preferred.

Scientist 3: Bachelor’s Degree in Natural or Physical Sciences and at least two (2+) years of qualifying experience.

Scientist 2: Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural or Physical Sciences and at least one (1+) year of qualifying experience.

License(s) / Certification(s): 
Valid State of Florida Driver's License required.

Senior Engineer/Staff Engineer: Valid State of Florida Professional Engineer (P.E.) License is required and keeps licensure status current.

Senior Scientist (Hydrogeologist): Valid State of Florida Professional Geologist (P.G.) License is required and keeps licensure status current.

 Engineering Specialist 4: Incumbent continues the process for attaining State of Florida Professional Engineer License by receipt of Engineer Intern (ET) Certification and continuing to accumulate acceptable experience for work time licensure requirements.

Physical Requirements/ Working Environment:

General office environment with periodic field visits and travel to meetings or project sites. Due to the District’s response role in emergency management, this position may at times be required to provide support before, during, and after major storm events or other declared emergencies, depending on assigned emergency response role.

Veterans' Preference
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.

Americans with Disabilities Act:
The South Florida Water Management District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Bureau at HR_Solutions@sfwmd.gov

Organization

FC3203221 WATER SUPPLY PLNG & IMPL SECTION