Westlands Water District

Fresno, CA

SCIENCE ADVISOR

Bargaining Unit: At-Will
Salary Code: Band C
Fair Labor Standards Act Designation: Exempt
Revision Date: January 23, 2025

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under general direction of the Assistant General Manager – Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, performs work in support of science priorities for the District, advises on science, and serves as a liaison between the District and other science programs led by State and Federal agencies. This is an “at-will” 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. Communicates science related information to the District staff and local, State, and Federal agencies to ensure consistent application of programs and methodologies, while exercising independent judgment and communication skills.
  2. Analyzes, interprets, and reviews the scientific needs for fish and wildlife regulation and water project operations.
  3. Develops, contributes to, and implements robust scientific investigations to advance collective knowledge of aquatic species and related water management actions in the Delta and its tributaries.
  4. Recommends and participates in issues associated with the implementation of programs intended to protect and conserve aquatic species in the Delta and its tributaries.
  5. Advises District management of scientific needs under programs intended to protect and conserve aquatic species in the Delta and its tributaries to ensure use of sound scientific protocols in the implementation of these programs.
  6. Communicates findings and recommendations to District management and serve as the initial point of contact on general matters of science.
  7. Provides support services to attorneys for the District in litigation and administrative proceedings on issues involving science.
  8. 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 bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, or other directly related field, and eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in policy development, project management, resource negotiations, and development and implementation of solutions to complex problems related to water resources, two (2) years of which must have been at a management/supervisory level.

Knowledge of:

  • California water resource management, including the Central Valley Project and the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta.
  • State and federal Endangered Species Acts and their application.
  • California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Quality Act (NEPA) environmental compliance regulations and their application.
  • Biology, habitat, and ecosystem needs of native fish species in California’s Central Valley Delta ecosystems.

Skills/Abilities to:

  • Interpret and apply Federal, State, and Local Laws and Regulations including District and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Manage confidential information appropriately.
  • Exercise judgment with general policy guidelines.
  • Function in difficult and challenging situations.
  • Research, analyze, and make recommendations on complex issues.
  • Effectively and independently manage multiple work assignments, set priorities, and meet established deadlines.
  • Demonstrate and maintain a high degree of initiative, maturity, integrity, accountability, and good judgment.
  • Develop and maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels.
  • Manage projects and coordinate efforts of others.
  • Apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Prepare clear, accurate and concise reports and records.
  • Advance level use of Microsoft Office software including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Prepare and deliver clear and concise, well-organized, and interesting presentations to a wide variety of audiences with various levels of technical knowledge.
  • Operating a District vehicle while observing legal and defensive driving practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Possess the physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job.
  • Work hours other than normal working schedule.
  • Travel required.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

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