The Planning and Assessment Unit conducts surface water monitoring, assesses surface water quality to determine if it protects beneficial uses, develops water quality restoration plans (i.e. TMDLs), and makes amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the Lahontan Region. The Lahontan Region covers 24% of the State of California, from the Oregon border to the Mojave Desert, and from the crest of the Sierra Nevada east to the Nevada border. Project work will require occasional travel.
The successful applicant will be responsible for writing plans to restore impaired waterbodies, protect high quality waters, and will develop updates to water quality standards and other elements of the Basin plan to improve the ability of the Water Board to maintain, protect, and restore the waters of Eastern California, and to respond to a changing environment.
The position will engage with, and be responsive to stakeholders, Tribal representatives, the public, and the needs of Water Board programs when developing TMDLs and Alternative Restoration Plans, creating Basin Plan amendments, and developing CEQA compliant documents for these planning efforts. The position is required to present findings and recommendations to the Lahontan Water Board during public meetings.
Ideally, the candidate is a proficient technical writer who demonstrates intellectual curiosity, creativity, and technical expertise that leads to development of well-crafted documents, including restoration plans and Basin Plan amendments. A qualified candidate will be a collaborative team player, clear communicator, critical thinker, and someone who works well independently and can craft clear narratives informed by data and policy analyses. Contact the Hiring Supervisor with any questions.