Local recruitment: Water Resources Policy and Programs Advisor

• Salary: $80,111.00 – $89,417.00 Annually
• Location: Burlington, VT
• Job Type: Regular Full Time Exempt
• Department: Public Works
• Job Number: 1812-19-001
• Closing: 5/4/2023 11:59 PM Eastern

General Purpose

This position leads the implementation of Water Resources Outreach and Affordability programs and develops business processes, regulatory frameworks and innovative approaches to support Water Resources Regulatory Compliance program. Additionally, the position is responsible for monitoring Water Resource related state and federal legislative or policy evolution and for identifying related risks and opportunities for the Water Resources Division.Essential Job Functions

• Water Resources Policy and Regulatory Programs
  1. Promote equitable access to Water Resources utility services through the management, promotion and enhancement of the Water Resources Affordability and Rebate Programs and other affordability programs available at the local, State and Federal levels. Local Affordability and Rebate Programs currently include:
     • Low Income Discount
     • Senior Discount
     • Non-profit low income or senior housing discount
     • Sewer videoing rebate
     • Water Sense fixture rebate
     • Blue BTV – Residential property assessment and rebate program
  2. Track water resources related State and Federal legislation and policy and communicates potential opportunities and risks to the Division Director. Participate in the development of feedback and testimony.
  3. Lead the development and implementation of effective, efficient and customer care oriented operations and business processes, including record keeping, for the following technical programs throughout Water, Wastewater and Stormwater:
     • Backflow prevention
     • Industrial pollution prevention
     • Fats, Rags, Oils, and Grease (FROG) Program
     • Comprehensive Water Resources (Water, Wastewater and Stormwater) review of public and private projects, with goal of achieving delegated authority from the State for Water, Wastewater and Stormwater permitting
  4. Develop and standardize procedures (SOPs) and methods to clearly communicate programmatic business processes to Water Resources employees and the public, to track implementation efforts and where necessary, pursue enforcement.
  5. Continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of water resources regulatory, outreach and affordability programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Division Director.
  6. Identify and develop additional innovations and programs necessary to meet Water Resources regulatory requirements and water quality protection goals.
  7. After consultation with the Division Director, Director of Operations, Director of Finance, Customer Care and Administration, and the Stormwater Program Manager, leads updates related to regulatory or programmatic authority to the City’s Chapter 26 and Chapter 31 Ordinances as necessary.
  8. Responsible for tracking, compliance and reporting on the City’s Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan and Integrated Water Quality Plan, with support for technical needs from the Director of Operations and Engineering.
• Outreach Program
  1. Leads educational outreach efforts for the Water Resources Division including quarterly newsletter, FAQs, informational one pagers, technical assistance guides, and visuals for public meetings and outreach.
  2. Maintains Water Resources presence on the web and in social media in coordination with DPW’s Public Information Manager, including collaborating with project managers on project summaries and updates.
  3. Collaborates with the Drinking Water Facilities, Wastewater Facilities and Stormwater Program Managers and then organizes and promotes public tours and other opportunities to engage the public in the importance of the Water Resources Division work.
• Other Duties:
  1. Supports the Director of Operations and other Water Resources staff with creation of Memorandums of Understanding and other legal documents to codify ownership, roles and responsibilities between the City and private properties or for other special situations.
  2. Identifies relevant grant opportunities, submits grant applications and manages grant funded projects for the Division.
  3. Develops and implements internship program(s), ensuring on-going supervision and engagement of the interns(s)
  4. Provide support and/or management of special projects as assigned by the Division Director.
  5. Represent the City at various public forums including Board of Finance and City Council, as well as stakeholder outreach and engagement or education events.
  6. Prepare, submit and present reports to the Mayor, City Council, Public Works Commission and other committees regarding assigned activities.

Non-Essential Job Functions:

• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required, reasonable accommodations will be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution with applicable coursework/degrees in Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Environmental Law and/or Public Administration. Masters strongly preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in stormwater and/or combined sewer wet-weather management, industrial pollution prevention, backflow prevention and/or other water resource/water quality compliance programs or equivalent education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for the position.
• Experience across multiple water resources systems, Drinking Water, Wastewater and Stormwater, is preferred.
• Experience in the municipal environment is preferred.
• Ability to understand and apply knowledge of the environmental regulations associated with Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater in the State of Vermont.
• Demonstrated experience with policy, procedure and programmatic development and implementation work flow or business process mapping required. Experience with workflow optimization models such as LEAN preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with collaborating on continuous improvement opportunities with multiple, diverse work groups.
• Ability to monitor and guide internship experience, including development/training and evaluations.
• Experience in project budget preparation and maintenance is preferred.
• Ability to speak publicly to present public education programs.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use computer equipment and related software including, but not limited to, competent in use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Publisher), ArcGIS Online, graphic design/publishing platforms, and familiarity with or ability to learn web page content/design.
• Ability to occasionally work beyond normal hours, at night or weekends and to travel to various seminars and conferences for the benefit of the Department.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and problem solving within the limits of the position.
• Ability to prepare and administer contracts.
• Ability to communicate professionally and diplomatically with contractors and the public regarding the various projects under development and construction.
• Ability to handle various projects at the same time, work effectively under pressure and keep schedule on track.
• Ability to establish and maintain good relations with their co-workers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid State Driver’s license required.
• Ability to receive constructive criticism and react appropriately.
• Regular attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
• Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies.

Additional Information

Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity. 

The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.

Applications for our employment opportunities are only accepted online through our Government Jobs website.

For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at 802-540-3057 or careers@burlingtonvt.gov.   

Agency: City of Burlington, Vermont

Address: 200 Church Street, Suite 102, Burlington, Vermont, 05401

Phone: 802-540-3057

Website: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/HR/career-and-internship-openings