Water Resources Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $171,392.04 - $184,558.44 Annually
Location : Santa Clarita, CA
Job Type: Full-time regular
Job Number: 2026-00088
Department: Water Resources
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 5:30 PM Pacific
The Position
To be considered for the position you must apply using the provided link:
DEFINITION
Under general direction, performs a variety of complex professional planning and research work related to water resources planning and policy development; develops strategies, policies, and programs to enhance local and imported water resource opportunities and regional environmental resources; compiles, integrates, and analyzes data related to resources planning, water demand forecasting, and economic analysis; manages specialized water resources projects and programs; conducts research and prepares complex technical and policy-oriented recommendations and reports; and performs other duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Water Resources Planner series responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform assigned duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines, and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to complete assignments. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements
This class is distinguished from the Principal Water Resources Planner in that the latter is the full supervisory classification with responsibilities for the supervision and evaluation of assigned staff.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Director of Water Resources. May exercise technical and functional supervision over and provide training to assigned staff.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Specific Duties

• Plans, develops, and manages the Agency's annual water supply operations and imported water programs specifically the State Water Project, including demand projections, delivery schedules, water balances, and coordination with DWR and regional partners.
• Manages water banking, storage, transfer, and exchange programs, including budgets, agreements, deliveries, accounting, partner coordination, and evaluation of new water supply opportunities.
• Analyzes water supply portfolio options and develops recommendations to improve water supply reliability, resiliency, and operational flexibility.
• Leads the development and implementation of the Urban Water Management Plan and annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment, coordinating consultants, staff, regulatory agencies, public outreach, and Board/Committee activities.
• Coordinates water resources planning activities, data, reports, and stakeholder relationships and provides technical and strategic support to management and the Board on water supply conditions and opportunities.

If assigned to Strategies, Policies, and Programs

• Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Plans, coordinates, and performs professional duties associated with water resources planning including current and long-range water resources and environmental planning, studies, and reports; conducts water demand/supply forecasting and ensures environmental compliance and mitigation.
• Manages projects including overseeing consultant work and establishing the scope, schedule, and budget for water resource projects; reviews the work products of contractors and assigned staff to ensure compliance with Agency policies and standards and alignment with water resource planning goals.
• Reviews and analyzes environmental and other engineering documents prepared internally or by consultants; prepares responses to issues that impact the Agency for review and approval.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to various legislative groups, special interest groups, outside agencies, boards, committees, and the public; represents the Agency in public forums and external meetings.
• Develops policy initiatives related to water and environmental resources; reviews, interprets, and analyzes local, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; provides updates and recommended changes to management.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

If assigned to technical and scientific support in hydrology, hydrogeology, biology, or environmental science
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Utilizes advanced instruments and technologies to evaluate flow rates, groundwater levels and water quality; employs remote sensing technology, data assimilation techniques, and numerical modeling to monitor and analyze changes in water cycles.
• Conducts research on aquatic ecosystems; collects and analyzes samples; observes and analyzes the impact of human activities on local ecosystems.
• Addresses issues related to data availability, analysis, and interpretation; stays updated with advancements in modeling and analytical tools.
• Translates research findings into policy issues and provides input and recommendations on Agency policy initiatives related to water and environmental resources.
• Participates in inter-disciplinary teams, offering technical expertise and assistance to support the Agency's water resource decisions.
• Manages projects including overseeing consultants; establishes the scope, schedule, and budget; ensures work complies with Agency policies and standards.
• Serves as subject matter expert; provides projections and recommendations for budget development, planning, and management.
• Prepares narrative and statistical reports in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Researches and incorporates Best Management Practices (BMP's) into project plans; offers recommendations and input on project planning and protocols.
• Responds to inquiries about compliance with environmental regulations, water use and/or water management information.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data on water and recycled water resource management for use in feasibility studies.
• Performs professional hydrologic or hydrogeologic duties supporting the design, development, operation, and maintenance of water facilities and systems.
• Assists in developing, conducting, monitoring, and evaluating comprehensive outreach, public education, training, and media activities.
• Reviews and analyzes environmental and other technical reports prepared internally or by consultants; validates data and computations and prepares departmental comments.
• Assists in developing and interpreting data for ground and/or surface water modeling; uses data for technical reports and public presentations.
• Develops and evaluates statistical models to forecast water resource requirements and future utilization scenarios.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS
When assigned to 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; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
When working in the field, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Agency sites; vision to inspect site conditions. The job involves fieldwork requiring walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 10 pounds, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. For more information, see, or the following link:
According to California state law, all Agency employees are disaster service workers and are expected to participate in emergency response initiatives. This could include contributing to the emergency planning process, participating in disaster exercises and training, as well as potentially responding to support actual emergency events. For more information, please see, or by clicking this link:
QUALIFICATIONS(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)
Education: and Experience:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental, natural, or physical sciences, natural resources management, urban or regional planning, environmental engineering, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in water resources management including planning, development and implementation of water resource projects.

OR

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental, natural, or physical sciences, natural resources management, urban or regional planning, environmental engineering, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in water resources management including planning, development and implementation of water resource projects.

Licenses and Certifications:

• None.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES (The following are a representative sample of the KSAs necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)
Knowledge / Skills of:

• Principles, theories, procedures, practices, information sources, and trends in the field of water resources, environmental planning, and natural resource management and conservation.
• Principles and practices of hydrology and hydrogeology including water cycle processes, groundwater flow and surface water dynamics.
• Aquatic ecosystems include species interactions, diseases, and impact of human activities on these systems.
• Principles, practices, theories, and methods of developing and using modeling tools.
• State and federal designations for protected species and habitats
• Principles and techniques of conducting water resources studies and analyses.
• Principles and practices of research, data collection and technical and statistical report preparation.
• Principles and practices of contract and project management
• Principles and practices of project budget administration and monitoring.
• Principles and practices of outreach, public education, and training.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Methods and techniques of effective recordkeeping.
• Advanced mathematical and statistical techniques.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Public speaking and presentation techniques.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Water demand/supply forecasting.
• Legislative processes.
• Agency and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.?
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Agency staff.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to:

• Coordinate assigned water resource projects with internal and external agencies and individuals.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, and procedures.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present scientific and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Provide technical oversight on all aspects of water resources and environmental planning.
• Understand water resource planning and approaches to estimate present and future water demand, available water supply, and cost considerations.
• Work closely with other water agencies, state agencies and other o