Temporary Water Loss Prevention Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a Temporary Water Loss Prevention Specialist for the Water Efficiency Department.

The position is limited to no more than six (6) months.

Effective July 1, 2025, the salary range will be: $36.29 - $54.05 hourly

The District
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position:

Under supervision, participates in the development and implementation of water efficiency programs related to non-IRWD distribution system water loss prevention and revenue recovery. The incumbent is the primary responder to water loss-related phone calls, emails, and interdepartmental inquiries and referrals related to water loss from illegal connection, diversions and tampering.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is the first of two levels in the Loss Prevention series. Positions at this level exercise limited discretion and independent judgement in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is generally supervised and fits within established programs and procedures. As experienced is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. This class is distinguished from the Senior Loss Prevention Specialist in that the latter is responsible for the development of new water loss programs and procedures, the creation of educational materials, provides input on policy changes, and performs program evaluations and report preparation.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Monday, July 7, 2025. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responds to inquiries in writing or on the phone about programs, provide information and materials to customers and industry professionals as needed to assist in reducing real and apparent water loss.

Solicits, schedules and conducts on-site meter inspections to evaluate malfunctioning or meter tampering issues. Schedule appointments and meet with site personnel, landscape contractors, and customers when necessary. Create prioritized meter exchange work orders exchange when necessary.

Performs on-site water loss investigations at new construction sites and existing customer sites. Thoroughly document findings which may be used to support subsequent enforcement actions and back billing to recover revenue.

Coordinates with developers and IRWD Construction Inspectors to ensure all new mainline flushes are metered and performed within District requirements.

Coordinates with , Development Services, Inspections and the Field Services to prepare and process large meter applications for metered flushing, and establish accounts for bill processing.

Reads and interprets plans and specifications to IRWD codes and investigate a variety of potable and recycled metered systems, including looped and pooled meter configurations.

Informs customers, industry organizations and the public on water efficiency and loss prevention program requirements.

Prepares materials and educational packets for pre-construction meetings and community outreach. Conduct on-site meetings with developers and construction industry representatives to provide information on IRWD policies related to connections and water loss prevention.

Assists with the development of new methods to reduce under registering meters and to address un-metered authorized and unauthorized connections to lower real and apparent water loss to the District.

Assists with developing and making presentations at industry workshops and events, and interact with members of the public, developers, contractors, job-site superintendents, property managers, landscape managers, and other agencies as appropriate.

Maintains District vehicle, tools, equipment and supplies in good working order.

Attends meetings and functions outside the normal workday with Supervisor/Manager approval.

Participates in workshops on weekends as necessary.

Responsible for all other job-related duties as assigned.

Complies with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Equivalent to a high school diploma. Technical/college-level course in backflow prevention is highly desirable.

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience implementing water loss control programs or on-site construction inspections, meter maintenance and testing, or other related experience.

Knowledge of:

• Potable and recycled water systems and appurtenances.
• Irrigation systems, timers and other appurtenances.
• Cross connections and backflow devices.
• Water meter components, operations, and performance.
• Current techniques, devices, practices, and institutional process related to water loss.
• Regulations related to water loss.

Ability to :

• Read the IRWD atlas, plans and maps.
• Self-motivate, work with minimal supervision as well as work professionally with developers, contractors and all levels of field/office employees
• Use tact, discretion, patience and understanding in dealing with staff, developers, contractors, workers, customers and the public.
• Perform in a fast-paced, team-oriented, continuously changing, work environment.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

License/Certifications:

Valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License.

A Water Distribution Grade 1 certificate is preferred.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing 50 pounds, and up to 90 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Performance Examination : will evaluate candidates' knowledge and proficiency in using Excel and Word.

Oral Interview Examination: will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Elgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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