Job description:
Job Title: Sr. Water Projects Coordinator
Organization: Community Water Center
Salary Range: $85,000 – $95,000 per year
Salary range listed is a good-faith estimate of the pay range CWC reasonably expects to pay for this position upon hire.
FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt
Location: Visalia, CA
Location: Based in Visalia, CA. All candidates for this position must be able to report in-person at least two days per week for office or community engagement work. Staff are expected to report in-person more than two days a week if needed based on job responsibilities or requested by supervisor. This position will require travel to communities throughout the Central Coast and San Joaquin Valley as needed.
Organization Description
The Community Water Center (CWC) acts as a catalyst for community-driven water solutions through organizing, education, and advocacy in California. CWC has offices in Visalia, Watsonville and Sacramento, CA. The Center employs four primary strategies in order to accomplish our goals:
● Educate, organize, and build the capacity of low-income communities and communities of color to address local drinking water challenges.
● Support low-income communities and communities of color in the development of drinking water solutions through technical assistance projects.
● Advocate for systemic change to address the root causes of unsafe drinking water in California.
● Serve as a resource for information and center of expertise on community water challenges.
CWC’s team is passionate, dynamic, and believes in the cause of water justice and making real change that is driven directly by impacted communities themselves. Our organizing and advocacy work, community collaborations, and organizational culture all reflect a concern for equity, mutual respect, appreciation for diversity, and environmental and social justice.
Ideal Candidate
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to lead and manage drinking water infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have a relevant background with a focus on public works and project management and a strong commitment to social and environmental justice.
Position Description
The Senior Water Projects Coordinator is a full-time exempt position that will be primarily responsible for developing water projects (from initial outreach through full planning) in underserved communities where residents do not have reliable access to safe and affordable drinking water. This position will shape rural water projects while bridging technical solutions, advocacy, and community organizing. This role requires an individual who can navigate the California central valley water and political landscape and can effectively coordinate with community residents, government agencies, contracted consultants, and affiliate organizations.
This position will report to the Water Projects Manager in the Visalia office. All employees at CWC are “at will.”
Major Responsibilities
● Proactively strategize and coordinate to move projects forward and identify and resolve project-related issues and barriers.
● Organize and analyze the best available data and information from discussions with local residents and collaborators.
● Coordinate and maintain effective and timely communication with various partners, including water purveyors, government agencies, consultants, contractors, community organizers and community members.
● Facilitate discussions with project partners, consultants and governmental agencies to coordinate project steps as needed for project advancement(e.g. feasibility studies, engineering design, environmental permitting, land acquisition, easements, grant reporting, construction permits).
● Lead contracting and contract management for consultants and contractors including review of deliverables such as feasibility studies or planning documents.
● Track project budgets, progress, and scope and develop reports and deliverables to fulfill grant reporting requirements
● Develop summaries, maps, informational materials, and other resources that are accessible to a non-technical audience on drinking water and wastewater related topics.
● Support CWC’s organizing, policy, and advocacy efforts by coordinating with staff and community partners.
● Providing technical support such as fielding questions related to water quality or providing technical input for policy team work.
General Duties
● Foster an environment that promotes trust, respect and cooperation amongst staff, management, community members, and affiliate organizations.
● Actively participate in staff, management, planning, and program meetings; reporting processes; and staff retreats.
● Actively participate in CWC activities such as advocacy events and fundraising events.
● Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Supervisor and other Directors.
Note: Nothing in this position description restricts CWC’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.
Required Qualifications
● Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Community Development, Environmental Planning, Resource Management or a related field
● Minimum of 3 years relevant experience (Master’s degree can count towards experience)
● Experience reviewing technical analyses and information preferably related to drinking water, wastewater, the environment, health, or social justice; and synthesizing technical information for non-technical audiences
● Strong interpersonal skills (tact/diplomacy, persuasion, cooperation, ability to identify issues and move forward with shared solutions, ability to motivate others) and ability to effectively interact with colleagues, governmental agencies, consultants, and the public
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills
● Fluency in English
Preferred Qualifications
● Fluency in Spanish
● Experience managing grant-funded projects
● Experience managing and analyzing data, including geospatial data.
● Knowledge of drinking water quality and treatment, piped drinking water systems, drinking water wells, wastewater collection and treatment, and groundwater quality and management.
● Experience working in the San Joaquin Valley or familiarity with key environmental justice issues facing these regions
● Experience working with low-income communities and/or communities of color
Candidates with less than the minimum combination of experience and education are encouraged to apply and will be considered for a coordinator level position (salary range of$75,000-$85,000)
Physical and Travel Requirements
● This position requires a valid CA drivers license, the ability to drive on highways, the ability to travel within California and participate in outreach activities as needed, and the ability to work some evenings and weekends. The role may involve periods of sitting, standing, walking, or carrying materials of up to 50 lbs.
Starting Date: Open until filled
Benefits: We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which includes: medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement contributions; generous vacation, family and sick leave and holiday policies; hybrid (remote and in-person) work location policy; work from home reimbursements; flex-time; professional development opportunities and more. (Benefits guidelines and eligibility vary based on tenure and employment status, among other factors.)
Community Water Center is a 501(c)(3) organization. As such employees may be able to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
To learn more about the Community Water Center, visit our website at www.communitywatercenter.org
