Project Employee- Water Efficiency Specialist

CLASS SUMMARY JOIN THE SPOKANE CITY WATER DEPARTMENT AND KEEP OUR CITY FLOWING! The City of Spokane Water Department is looking for a Project Employee to be a part of our winning team, contributing to the success of our city.
This is a Project Employee position that will work up to 40 hours per week and is typically lone year in duration.
This work is moderate/sedentary in nature, performed in varying weather conditions, and requires normal attention to prevent errors.
Facilitates the implementation of Water Department resource efficiency programs for all water system customers.
Complex technical and administrative work is required to complete well-defined assignments.
Errors in work are typically detected in later operations but can result in missed deadlines or delay of service.
Employee exchanges information regularly with internal and external contacts.
Work is sedentary and generally performed in a standard office environment with moderate noise conditions, but seasonal travel is required to conduct or monitor program elements in varying weather conditions outdoors.
This full-skill classification is responsible to provide technical guidance and administrative support in the development and promotion of water efficiency programs.
Incumbents work within established programs and task limits but are expected to apply acquired knowledge, skills, and experience to resolve individual problems as they arise.
Incumbents have regular contact with the public to provide information about efficiency programs and enlist customers into the programs.
It is distinguished from public information classifications by a requirement of training and experience related to conservation, landscape, irrigation or related field experience rather than education and public relations.
Supervision Received and Exercised: Employee receives general supervision.
Employee has no formal supervisory duties.
EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS The following Responsibilities and Requirements are functions the individual who holds or desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.
This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class.
It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities: • As a subject matter expert, educates commercial and residential customers about water-efficient landscapes, appropriate landscape irrigation scheduling, and programs and technology available to customers to assist in landscape transformations that result in water conservation.
Answers technical questions in person, over the telephone, or in writing from internal and external customers.
• Enrolls, reviews and recommends residential, commercial and industrial water department customers in water efficiency programs, such as turf replacement, irrigation upgrades, and landscaping, and interior retrofitting of plumbing fixtures.
• Conducts initial site evaluations as needed.
Reviews photos, sketches, and applications of proposed projects for compliance with codes, regulations, and ordinances.
Approves efficiency program applications.
• Conducts irrigation/landscape water conservation audits of residential and commercial irrigation systems and landscapes.
Identifies and assesses opportunities based on the customer's unique situation to improve water use efficiency through landscape changes, irrigation management and available technologies.
• May identify issues or conservation opportunities for customers for other water-using equipment such as pools, water softeners, hot water tanks, and indoor plumbing.
• Assists the Conservation Program Manager with educational outreach, including K-12 and Higher Education students, and at community events which may be outside of regular work schedule.
Writes and assists in developing program educational materials and forms such as application, inspection, and approval forms; outdoor watering guides; public presentations; and plant lists.
Conducts water efficiency program activities, lectures, and programs for a variety of audiences.
• Collects and reviews data related to water efficiency programs.
Creates and maintains spreadsheet to monitor program participants.
Refers customers to Utilities Billing for eligible rebates.
Estimates municipal water use savings through implementation of efficiency programs.
Evaluates the effectiveness of programs and recommends changes in programs or public outreach to Conservation Program Manager.
• Maintains associated records, databases, and prepares reports on programs.
• Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Knowledge of clerical procedures and business English.
• Knowledge of business software and ability to develop and maintain documents, including reports, forms, and spreadsheets.
• Ability to learn multiple database and software platforms.
• Ability to analyze data and draw conclusions from multiple data and information sources.
• Skill at communicating effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain records.
• Ability to anticipate and meet the needs of both internal and external customers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to receive, interpret, and respond to verbal messages and other cues such as body language in ways that are appropriate to listeners and situations.
• Ability to provide accurate information to the public in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to understand technical reports and publications.
• Ability to meet the required performance standards within the area of assignment.
• Ability to report to work on time, maintain a good attendance record, and work all designated work schedules.
Typical Equipment Used: Office equipment, personal computer, and associated software including the Microsoft Office Suite, camera, tablet, smartphone.
Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation): Ability to perceive words and information on printed and electronic media.
Ability to use a computer and other office equipment.
Ability to visually inspect landscapes and read program applications.
Ability to communicate in person or over a telephone.
Ability to move about the office to access office files and equipment, and to move about outdoors to inspect various customer properties.
Ability to move boxes of printed materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to four hours at a time, with one 15-minute break.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Combinations of education and experience that are equivalent to the following minimum qualifications are acceptable.
Open-Entry Requirements: Education: High School Diploma or GED and three years' experience performing conservation, landscape, irrigation or related field experience OR Bachelor's Degree from an institution accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency and 6 months of directly related experience.
Licenses and Certifications: Applicants must possess a valid driver's license or otherwise demonstrate ability to get to and from multiple work locations as required.
The City of Spokane is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Project employees are typically represented by the Managerial and Professional Association (M&P).
M&P Project Employees receive an annual cost of living salary adjustment and merit-based annual step increases.
Project Employees receive holiday pay for eight (8) fixed holidays.