Host: California Department of Water Resources (DWR)
Region: Northern California
Openings: 1
Project Focus: Water Management, Water Policy, Groundwater; Farming
Skills Needed: Community Engagement, Research, Environmental Justice, Technical Writing, Communication, Teamwork

Service Needs & Plans

DWR’s Division of Regional Assistance, Financial Assistance Branch provides financial and technical assistance to 48 IRWM regions in California — working closely with the Tribal Policy Advisor, Sustainable Groundwater Management Office and other DWR groups (e.g., Statewide Planning, Climate Change, Human Right to Water). DWR is working to build capacity with Tribes and Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) to ensure more meaningful involvement in the IRWM program, including access to technical and financial assistance.

DWR is seeking one CivicSpark Fellow to assist Tribes and DACs to participate in regional IRWM programs that build water resiliency and sustainability. This Fellow will also assist the Sustainable Groundwater Management (SGM) Grant Program and Sustainable Groundwater Management Office in developing a statewide guidance document on how to identify and engage with small farmers and all farmers in California.

In this unique opportunity to work in the State Capital with DWR, Tribes and DACs, the Fellow will learn about statewide water management challenges through the Sustainable Groundwater Management (SGM) Grant Program, climate change adaptation, drought and flood preparedness and response, water conservation and supply, and fiscal challenges. “

Project Description

Specifically, with guidance from the DWR supervisors, the Fellow for the Financial Assistance Branch (FAB) will be developing up to two statewide guidance documents on land fallowing and land repurposing to add to the SGMA Portal for Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) and other entities responsible for implementing SGMA. With guidance from the DWR supervisors, the Fellow will be coordinating with other state and federal agencies that have land fallowing programs in addition to DWR staff to ensure this document is sufficient for all statewide needs. In addition, with guidance from the DWR supervisors, the Fellow will be holding technical advisory committee meetings and public listening sessions to gather feedback, gain the public trust, and have buy in from all interested parties. With guidance from the DWR Supervisors, the Fellow will work towards developing guidance on how to identify and outreach/engage small farmers solely or partially dependent upon groundwater and all farmers in California.

Desired Skills

The ideal Fellow should have an interest in assisting underrepresented demographics, ability to connect people and topics, desire to learn and research, excellent communication skills (verbal and written), enjoy organizing outreach and educational events, and ability to work effectively as part of a team. Fellows should have strong organizational, planning, project management, database and presentation skills.

Organization & Community Highlights

Serving with DWR will provide the Fellow with a statewide view of issues and the demographics affected by water management issues. In addition to Tribal and DAC work, DWR provides essential information to legislation and policy issues, for many water resources topics such as water management and water supply, power and infrastructure, dam safety and flood management, emergency response and education. DWR is headquartered in California’s capital city of Sacramento. The area is known as the City of Trees and as a Farm-to-Fork Capitol. It is rich in fresh produce with nearby agriculture, an abundance of natural recreation areas for hiking, camping, and boating, and also 2-3 hours away from Napa/Sonoma, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the Santa Cruz/Monterey Peninsula. The Fellow will be a welcome addition to DWR’s 35-person Financial Assistance Branch team, comprised of environmental scientists, engineers, analysts and program managers. There will be many opportunities for developing new friendships with colleagues, getting coaching and mentorship, interacting with other DWR divisions and groups, and participating in monthly Branch meetings and team building activities.

If the Fellow is in a location other than Sacramento, DWR has other Regional Offices in Red Bluff, Fresno and Glendale who can provide support. Travel to Sacramento is also possible for in-person special meetings or events.

Remote or On-Site Placement

Currently, FAB staff is 80% Telework and 20% in person. Overall, the Fellow will be expected to comply with DWR’s Return to Work policy and other applicable safety guidelines. Prior to the pandemic, the expected arrangement was for Fellows to spend about 70% of their time in an office environment and attending meetings, and about 30% traveling to various parts of the State with other DWR managers and staff.