Senior Water Efficiency Planner

POSITION SUMMARY

Northern Water is seeking a Senior Water Efficiency Planner to design and execute strategic water efficiency initiatives. This individual will lead efforts in research, program development, project management, policy and outreach to enhance water use efficiency across northeastern Colorado’s urban areas. By applying exceptional project management skills, the successful candidate will manage multifaceted and strategic water efficiency initiatives, facilitate and coordinate stakeholder groups, oversee consultant contracts, monitor and report on water efficiency policy, laws and regulations, and more. This is a dynamic position that provides meaningful and lasting impacts alongside opportunities for growth.

Northern Water is growing and we’re seeking employees who are passionately committed to helping us collect and deliver water to more than 1 million people and about 615,000 acres of irrigated farmland. Since 1937 our strong and stable reputation has attracted employees to be a part of our mission. We offer competitive pay, exceptional benefits and a workplace environment that offers great culture and collaboration. With more than 190 employees, most are based at our beautiful Berthoud, Colo. headquarters, and about 20 are based in scenic Grand County on the West Slope of the Continental Divide.

This is an exciting time to become a part of our organization as we embark on building two of the largest water storage projects in recent United States history. We’re proud of our reputation as a leading water delivery, conservation and management organization, not only in the western United States, but across the nation. Come join our team!

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

The Water Efficiency Department proactively promotes, supports and assesses water efficiency as an integral component of water management and long-range water supply planning. The department seeks to minimize agricultural dry-up, meet a portion of future water needs as intended in the Colorado Water Plan, increase Colorado-Big Thompson Project system resilience to drought and increased climate uncertainty, minimize structural and non-structural water development costs and support environmental conservation. Core activities include: tracking of regulatory issues; participation in water efficiency organizations and efforts; water management consultation; facilitating landscape grants and audits; offering conservation events, training and development; installation and maintenance activities in the demonstration gardens.

GENERAL STATEMENT

​The Senior Water Efficiency Planner works closely with Northern Water’s leadership to design and execute strategic water efficiency initiatives. This role leads efforts in research, program development, project management, policy, and outreach to enhance water use efficiency across northeastern Colorado’s urban areas. This position encompasses diverse aspects of water efficiency, including cost-benefit analyses, promoting water-smart practices, and supporting sustainable development, while collaborating with internal teams, external partners, and a broad range of stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides project management for multifaceted and strategic water efficiency initiatives.
• Facilitates and coordinates stakeholder groups to support program goals.
• Assists the Water Efficiency Manager in shaping the overall water efficiency program.
• Oversees consultant contracts often on complex projects and initiatives.
• Monitors and reports on water efficiency policy, laws, and regulations.
• Analyzes program data and conducts cost-benefit analyses.
• Cultivates partnerships, collaborations, and strategic relationships with external entities.
• Delivers educational programs through writings, webinars, classes, and other formats to diverse audiences.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attends and contributes to Northern Water events and activities.
• Pursues ongoing education in the water efficiency field through conferences, certifications, and training.
• Supports organizational sustainability initiatives as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, business, urban planning, landscape design or architecture, environmental studies or policy, geography, sustainability, or any relevant combination of equivalent education and/or experience is required.
• Graduate degrees, highly desirable.

Experience

• At least eight years of experience in water efficiency, urban planning, sustainable design and development, or related field, or any equivalent combination.
• Proven experience managing complex projects and initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in research, program or project development and deployment.
• Creating and conducting educational content and outreach initiatives.

LICENSE, CERTIFICATE, AND CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Colorado Driver’s License
• One or more water efficiency or sustainability certifications, such as LEED Accredited Professional or Green Associate, Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper, Watershed Wise Landscape Professional, Sustainable Landscape Management, or certifications offered by the Irrigation Association, is desirable, or the ability to obtain certification within the first 12 months.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or similar training is highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE

• In-depth understanding of water efficiency and water management principles.
• Proficient with relevant water efficiency and water management policies and regulations at federal, state, and municipal levels.
• Advanced knowledge of demand-side water management including landscape water management and water auditing.
• Basic hydrology, and Colorado water law.
• Principles of low impact development, sustainability, and conservation.
• Familiarity with the water efficiency industry and products.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office 365 suite and various collaborative platforms.
• Basic understanding of facility and commercial property management concepts desirable.
• Familiarity with urban planning and development concepts, including land use, design, comprehensive plans, development codes, and landscape standards, is desirable.

SKILLS

• Exceptional project management with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously to meet deadlines.
• Data analysis and mining techniques.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data interpretation and report writing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including public speaking and the ability to present complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Strong customer service orientation.

ABILITIES

• Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to foster positive relationships.
• Initiate self-directed learning to quickly adapt to new challenges and proactively acquire the knowledge and skills needed to handle unfamiliar tasks or tools.
• Effectively engage with a wide variety of stakeholders including municipalities, agricultural users, and government agencies.
• Work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires prolonged sitting, standing, and walking in the performance of daily activities.
• Ability to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the job's essential functions.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Work flexible hours to accommodate events, including early morning, late evenings, and some weekends.
• Maintain a personal appearance appropriate for job position and image of Northern Water.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of a post job offer physical examination.

BENEFITS

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• FSA
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Parental Leave
• Retirement Plan

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.

Northern Water provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Northern Water complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Northern Water also prohibits any form of workplace harassment in accordance with these laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.