Job Details

Salary: $102,129.00 - $149,612.00 Annually
Location : Lakewood, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 202500030
Department: Water Resources
Division: Watermaster
Opening Date: 03/17/2026
Closing Date: 4/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

General Purpose

FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS IS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 8, 2026.
THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED AND MAYBE CLOSED AT ANY TIME. ONCE CLOSED, APPLICATIONS WILL NO LONGER BE ACCEPTED.

Under general direction, performs a variety of professional, technical, analytical, and planning functions; creates and maintains reports and datasets, prepares technical memos and reports, assists with project planning in connection with department work processes; provides coordination across multiple departments and performs related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics

Associate Planner is a journey-level professional classification responsible for a range of performing professional, technical, analytical, and planning assignments with a degree of independence. Position reflects duties more advanced than Assistant Planner, but not as complex as those performed by a Water Resources Planner.

An incumbent is expected to carry out their responsibilities with initiative, sound judgment and problem-solving skills, coordinating planning and analytical tasks, and contribute to program and policy development. Assignments may include complex data sets, grant tracking, project coordination, preparation of technical materials, and analysis that informs District operations, Watermaster administrative activities, and groundwater management decisions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Below is a list of typical job-related duties and responsibilities of this position. The incumbent recognizes that this list is not comprehensive and may change as job function and needs of the District and its facilities change.

1. Review, organize, maintain, and analyze data sets related to District operations, including groundwater production, storage, facility operations, and resource planning.
2. Assist in the administration of Watermaster duties, including but not limited to tracking and analyzing monthly pumping, leases, sales, and storage applications and projects; preparation of annual reports and professional meetings.
3. Performing water resource and policy analysis, preparing technical memorandum, planning documents, and summarizing findings/recommendations.
4. Support the development of planning documents, feasibility studies, and program assessments through data gathering, analysis, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
5. Prepare staff reports, summaries, and written communication for a variety of technical and policy topics.
6. Conduct financial, statistical, and comparative analysis, including developing cost estimates to support project budgets.
7. Track local, state, and federal grants, and relevant legislation; assist in the preparation of grant applications, compliance materials, and budget documentation.
8. Plan, coordinate and schedule project activities, identifying appropriate methodologies, task allocations, and timelines.
9. Prepare professional presentations, slides, charts, figures, and graphics for internal meetings, Board committees, public events, and stakeholder engagement.
10. Represent the District at local, state and federal professional meetings, workshops, and stakeholder events in a professional and informed manner.
11. Assist in developing recommendations for changes in policy, procedures, work methods, or budgeting and perform special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

1. Principles and practices of administrative, organizational, and technical analysis.
2. Water resources planning concepts, groundwater management fundamentals, and Watermaster administration (knowledge may be expanded on the job).
3. Public administration practices, governmental procedures, and regulatory frameworks.
4. Standard business computer applications, including spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software.
5. Techniques for preparing charts, graphics, planning visuals, and professional reports.
6. Standard office procedures and practices.

Ability to:

1. Analyze and evaluate datasets, policy issues, and operational information; make sound recommendations.
2. Organize work assignments, set priorities, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
3. Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports and other written materials.
4. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
5. Exercise tact, diplomacy, and sound independent judgment when dealing with sensitive or complex issues.
6. Interpret and apply applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
7. Work effectively with District management, employees, representatives of other governmental agencies, consultants and stakeholders.
8. Represent the District in meetings and professional settings.

Education, Training and Experience:

Bachelor's degree from a four-year collge or university with major course work in public administration, urban planning, environmental science, water resources, engineering, or related technical field. Experience: At least three (3) years of professional experience in the above-mentioned fields of study. A master's degree related to policy, technical, or analytical efforts can be substituted for one (1) year of professional experience or the equivalent in local government or private industry. Experience in water programs is highly desirable but not required.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

This classification may require local travel (estimated 5% of work time) to attend off-site meetings, training, or District-related events. Travel (e.g., public transit, ride-hailing, carpool, bicycle) should be used when feasible. A valid driver's license is desirable but not required for this classification.
Application and Selection Process:

To be considered for this opportunity, please complete the application for this position located at

Incomplete submissions may result in disqualification. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate further in the screening process, which may include a panel interview and a written exam.

Final candidates must be able to prove their ability to work legally in the U.S., pass a background check, and a physical exam.

The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
WRD offers an exceptional benefits package, inclusive of the following:

• CalPERS pension
• Deferred compensation and matching
• Social Security
• Paid medical plans through Anthem and Kaiser
• Paid dental insurance through Delta Dental
• Paid employee assistance program
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 9/80 Remote/Hybrid work schedule for eligible positions
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability
• Represented employees receive paid vacation and sick leave.
• Management employees receive paid annual leave.
• Paid holidays
• Optional, employee paid long-term care insurance

For purposes of employment, temporary employees and interns are not eligible for any benefits unless required by law. Pursuant to state law, temporary employees and interns are eligible for 40 hours of paid sick leave in accordance with the District's sick leave policy after completion of 90 calendar days of employment. Any unused hours of sick leave will be forfeited as of December 31st. A new accrual of 40 hours will be provided at the start of the calendar year. Upon completion of the internship assignment, unused sick leave will be lost.