Water Resource Program Manager

Job Title: Water Resource Program Manager
Department: County Manager
Reports To: Tim Bergman
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Hiring Range: $70,000- $80,000 annually

Position Summary
Lake County Government is establishing a water enterprise and augmentation plan. This position will lead the creation of the enterprise and augmentation plan in 2024 and then shift to the administration and management of the enterprise and augmentation plan. As the Water Resource Program Manager for Lake County, you will play a vital role in creating, implementing, managing, and overseeing various water resource programs and initiatives within the county. Your responsibilities will include coordinating water conservation and quality efforts, overseeing the County's water rights and resource administration, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure sustainable and efficient use of water resources and asset protection.
With the establishment of the Lake County Water Enterprise (LCWE) and implementation of Lake County's Blanket Augmentation Plan, the administration and management of water resources within the County organization will transition to a well-developed water utility service. This position will be responsible for collaborating with local, Arkansas Basin and statewide water stakeholders to develop and implement policies, procedures, and bylaws for both the water enterprise and augmentation plan
Under general direction, the program manager plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the activities and studies for the creation and implementation of an augmentation plan and water enterprise. This position will need to learn and understand the County's current water supply and water quality; research, evaluate, and improve existing water management plans, agreements, and storage abilities. The position will coordinate and lead projects to develop policy recommendations on complex water resource management issues and prepares and presents technical reports of findings and recommendations; and performs related work as required. This will include developing strategies, policies, and programs to enhance water resource opportunities and project implementation. This position is responsible for managing and integrating a wide variety of functions and programs in identifying and planning for future water resource requirements for the County. These activities will be accomplished in compliance with all applicable regulatory operational, procedural, and budget guidelines.
The Water Resources Program Manager will also provide highly responsible and complex technical support, advice and guidance to the Public Works Director, Community Planning and Development Director, County Manager and Board of County Commissioners. This position will collaborate with County stakeholders, County Attorney, County Water Counsel, and County Water Engineers to establish the LCWE and blanket augmentation plan. This position will report to the County Manager and will be guided by the policy decisions of the Board of County Commissioners.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Essential Functions

• Water Rights Administration:
  • Establish Lake County Water Enterprise
  • Manage accounting and reporting, regulatory compliance, administration and fee collection of customers, or work with qualified professionals on these tasks.
  • Manage and administer County owned water rights within the county, including tracking water allocations, transfers, and usage, as well as working closely with state agencies as appropriate.
  • Act as resource for local property owners and water right holders.
  • Participate in water rights negotiations, hearings, and legal proceedings as necessary.
  • Collaborate on land use files as a referral agency where the use of the water enterprise's resources is proposed or where development may have an impact on the water enterprise's service area or ability to provide service.
  • Ensure water conservation and efficiency are considered in the development of the water enterprise and augmentation plan.
  • Provide technical assistance and support to residents, businesses, and local stakeholders to promote water-efficient practices.
• Watershed Health Monitoring
  • Working with partners (land managers and stakeholders) to plan and implement projects and/or support County and partner activities regarding watershed health. Such activities could include, but are not limited to: forest health and wildfire mitigation activities, post-fire flooding mitigation, Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) goals and priorities.
  • Coordinate with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with water regulations.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:
  • Engage with local and regional governments, water districts, environmental organizations, agricultural stakeholders, and other relevant parties to foster collaboration on water resource management initiatives.
  • Facilitate public outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about water conservation, water quality, and other water-related issues.
  • Serve as a liaison between the county and regional, state, and federal agencies involved in water resource management.
• Data Analysis and Reporting:
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to water resources, including water usage, availability, and quality.
  • Prepare reports, presentations, and other materials to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders, decision-makers, and the public.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation related to water resource programs and activities.
  • Responsible for reporting, accounting, and compliance with the State Division of Water Resources for County owned water resources

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities
All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Services Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners.
Other Duties
Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, including environmental studies, land or water management, planning, or a related field, from an accredited institution.
• Four or more years of progressively responsible experience, including leadership, with a minimum of three years of experience in stakeholder relations, technical presentations, and working in a team environment.
• A combination of work experience and/or education that meets educational and experience requirements.
• Demonstratable community engagement and facilitation skills.

Physical Activity & Work Environment

• Sitting - More than 50% of the time
• Walking - Less than 50% of the time
• Standing - Less than 50% of the time
• Using hands/fingers to feel or handle items - More than 50% of the time
• Reaching, pushing, or pulling with arms/hands - More than 50% of the time
• Climbing - Less than 50% of the time
• Balancing - Less than 50% of the time
• Kneeling, crawling, or crouching - Less than 50% of the time
• Talking or hearing - More than 50% of the time
• Tasting or smelling - Less than 50% of the time
• Lifting, moving, or exerting force of up to 10 lbs. - Less than 50% of the time
• Lifting, moving, or exerting force of up to 25 lbs. - Less than 50% of the time
• Lifting, moving, or exerting force of up to 50 lbs. - Less than 50% of the time
• Lifting, moving, or exerting force of up to 100 lbs. - Less than 50% of the time
• Lifting, moving, or exerting force of more than to 100 lbs. - Less than 50% of the time
• Seeing up close - More than 50% of the time
• Seeing long distances - Less than 50% of the time
• Seeing color - More than 50% of the time
• Use of peripheral vision - Less than 50% of the time
• Perceiving depth - Less than 50% of the time
• Adjusting and focusing vision - More than 50% of the time
• Working outdoors in inclement weather - extreme hot - Not Applicable
• Working outdoors in inclement weather - extreme cold - Not Applicable
• Working indoors in an office environment - More than 50% of the time
• Working in high places - Not Applicable
• Working near moving mechanical parts and machines - Not Applicable
• Working in wet/humid conditions that are not weather related - Not Applicable
• Working in extreme cold conditions that are not weather related - Not Applicable
• Working in extreme hot conditions that are not weather related - Not Applicable
• Working with airborne particles or fumes - Not Applicable
• Working with toxic or caustic chemicals or agents - Not Applicable
• Working with explosives - Not Applicable
• Working in an area with a risk of exposure to radiation - Not Applicable
• Working in an area with a risk of exposure to electrocution - Not Applicable
• Working in a loud environment - Less than 50% of the time

EOE Statement
Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Lake County Benefits - Full-Time Employees

As a reflection of the value we place on the contributions of our employees, the County offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees. Please review the 2024 Benefits Guide for full details. The Guide provides information on Lake County Government's benefit offerings, including:

• Employer-Sponsored Medical and Dental Insurance Plans
• 100% Employer Paid Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Employer-Sponsored Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Term Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance Plans
• 401(a) and 457(b) Employer Matched Retirement Plans
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Days and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Public Health Emergency Leave
• Discounts on concerts, major sporting events, electronics, travel, cars and more!

Lake County Benefits - Part-Time Employees

Lake County is also proud to offer paid sick time off and flexible work schedules for our part-time employees.

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Expected Duration of the Application Process

Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.