Director of Science

Bargaining Unit: At Will
Salary Code: Band C
Fair Labor Standards Act Designation: Exempt
Revision Date: March 11, 2022

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Science manages the District science efforts. The Director of Science engages in key scientific issues affecting watershed health and fish and wildlife in the Sacramento – San Joaquin Rivers Delta watershed, including those associated with adaptive management, habitat restoration, water project operations, and other measures impacting fish and wildlife. The Director of Science advises the District’s Board of Directors through District management staff and serves as a liaison between the District and multi-disciplinary forums with state and federal agencies, other public water agencies, and other science efforts in the watershed. This is an “at-will management” position in which the incumbent serves at the discretion of the General Manager.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

The information below is meant to serve as examples of the job duties and responsibilities for this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed.

1. Engages with multi-disciplinary and multi-agency science processes associated with the implementation of the programs intended to protect and/or provide for the viability of species in the Sacramento – San Joaquin Rivers Delta watershed, such as adaptive management processes, habitat restoration programs, and other collaborative science efforts and workgroups.
2. Prepares technical comments on science reports, policies, programs, and procedures, as applicable.
3. Synthesize and analyze scientific data and studies and present findings to management staff.
4. Advises the District’s Board of Directors through management staff of new or additional science that could inform management decisions.
5. Engages with local, State, and Federal agencies.
6. Provides support services to attorneys for the District in litigation and administrative proceedings.
7. Research and prepare reports on relevant scientific topics.
8. Serves as the initial point of contact on general matters of science.
9. Presents before Federal, State, and local agencies, including in regulatory forums.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

Any combination of equivalent education and experience that has led to the acquisition of the knowledge required by the position. A typical way of acquiring the knowledge would be:

A doctorate degree in Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field and a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience.

or

A master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field and a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of fish and wildlife biology and aquatic ecosystems.
• Knowledge of or experience with one or more of the endangered species within the watershed.
• Ability to synthesize complex concepts from literature and to process and analyze results and data.
• Ability to produce quality work products in a timely manner.
• Ability to make presentations, including to Boards, committees, and in regulatory processes.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to utilize critical thinking skills to convey information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to use standard statistical packages for data management.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others, establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, outside agencies, and the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Possess physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

• Possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License with a driving record acceptable to the District’s automobile insurance provider.