Host: San Diego County Water Authority
Region: Southern California
Openings: 1
Project Focus: Water Management
Skills Needed: Project Management, Research, Data Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Communication, Critical Thinking

Service Needs & Plans

Assist the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority) review present and recent past rebate programs (toilets and commercial landscapes) to investigate other potentially more efficient ways to run the programs and to measure water savings achieved with the programs. These programs serve the Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that encompass the entire San Diego County. The no cost direct install toilet program is only for underrepresented communities and offers water savings along with potential safety upgrades. Expanding, enhancing and measuring the water savings would be part of the fellow’s duties.

Second project (B): An additional project is to assist with the State’s new conservation framework for outdoor water use for Commercial, Institutional and Industrial businesses. Assisting with retail water agency compliance methods and helping create the Best Management Practices the agencies must implement to meet the State’s mandates. All commercial businesses using higher amounts of water will have to prove and likely reduce their outdoor water use, some may even have to remove all of their nonfunctional turf. This mandate applies to large successful as well as small and barely making it businesses. The fellow will help the Water Authority find the most efficient and economical methods to meet State regulations.

Project Description

1. Measure program efficiency and program success/water savings.

1B. Find the most efficient and economical methods to meet State regulations for business of all sizes in all neighborhood.

2. Investigate other potentially more efficient ways to run the programs. Expanding, enhancing and measure the water savings would all be part of the duties.

2B. Work with commercial businesses, consultants, member agencies and other partners to obtain the information and best pathway(s) to comply with State regulations and implement the changes in an economical manner.

3. Create excel spreadsheet and charts showing water savings, create a report showing the pros and cons, create PowerPoint with the outcome to present to other water agencies

3B. Create reports and spreadsheets outlining the project findings.

4. The Water Authority’s programs are good. We would like to research how they could be even better. Program modifications could provide what we need to be more flexible and effective.

4B. The mandated State framework is challenging and potentially very expensive for some retail water providers and businesses who will not be able to afford the necessary changes. The project outcome will improve the process for all helping to save time, money and unnecessary aggravation.

Desired Skills

A fellow who can:
1. successfully communicate on the phone, in an email and at meetings.
2. use excel to keep track of water use and savings.
3. use excel to create charts and data bases on water use at one site and for one water provider.
4. create reports with project findings.
5. work well with a team of hard-working, dedicate and fun staff members.
6. work on a variety of tasks and juggle a busy work load

Organization & Community Highlights

The Water Authority is known as one of the San Diego region’s most reputable and progressive public agencies.

To sustain this success, secure the water future and triumph over tomorrow’s challenges, the essential work of the Water Authority is embraced by the vision of the organization and the seven values (Cultivate community, Promote collaboration, Seek different perspectives, Foster each other’s success, Embrace the challenge, Strive for excellence, Create lasting solutions) that were developed by a wide cross-section of Water Authority staff to reflect who we are at our best – the ideals that we seek to live out in our interactions with colleagues both inside and outside of the organization.

The Water Authority embarked on an organizational culture change, including weekly communication meetings, the All Voices platform to voice concerns, and focusing more on recruiting to diverse candidates. This resulted in the Water Authority winning a top workplace award. The Water Authority continues to focus on organizational culture, inclusion and equality, and fosters a culture that is welcoming of diverse voices.

Remote or On-Site Placement

Hybrid