Description

Turn data, outreach, and hands-on fieldwork into real-world water use efficiency outcomes. Mesa Water District (Mesa Water) is now hiring a Water Use Efficiency Specialist / Analyst to help lead programs that shape how water is used across homes, businesses, and landscapes. This dynamic role blends technical analysis, customer engagement, and community education to deliver measurable results and support long-term water reliability. It’s an ideal opportunity for a driven professional who enjoys variety and wants their work to make a visible impact every day.

Qualities in Top Candidate

• Strong technical knowledge of water use efficiency principles, programs, and regulations
• Hands-on experience with landscape irrigation systems, audits, inspections, and water budgets
• Highly organized self-starter with strong project management skills
• Ability to analyze water use data and translate findings into actionable program improvements
• Clear, effective communicator who can explain technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Proven experience developing, implementing, and evaluating water use efficiency programs
• Customer-focused and skilled at building relationships
• Uses independent, sound judgment and initiative
• Highly engaged, personable professional who enjoys working with the public and is comfortable working in both field and office environments
• Confident public speaker with experience presenting to a variety of audiences
• Strong writing skills with the ability to prepare clear and accurate materials for both technical and public audiences
• Passion for horticulture, California-native landscapes, xeriscaping, and pollinator-friendly design, with the ability to oversee and guide landscape professionals

Why Choose Us?

• Competitive Pay & Benefits - We offer strong compensation and benefits packages that are regularly evaluated to stay ahead of industry standards.
• Supportive Work Culture - At Mesa Water, we foster a fun, collaborative environment where meaningful relationships and teamwork thrive.
• Meaningful Work - A direct way to give back to the community by helping ratepayers reduce costs, with the ability to see tangible, positive impacts firsthand.
• Autonomy - This role offers a high level of autonomy, allowing you to leverage your expertise to design, implement, and innovate new water use efficiency programs that make a meaningful impact for the District and the community.
• New Education Center - The recently opened Education Center serves as a dynamic hub for water learning while also featuring a water-wise garden, positioning Mesa Water as a leading and innovative water provider in the region.
• Employee-Centered Environment - Our organization-wide engagement program reflects our deep commitment to keeping employees motivated, supported, and excited about their work.

Interested candidates must submit applications by the deadline of March 10, 2026.

Water Use Efficiency Specialist: This is an experienced para-professional position in the Water Use Efficiency series.  Positions at this level exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Advancement to the Water Use Efficiency Analyst class is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the full scope of assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Water Use Efficiency Analyst: This is a highly experienced, professional-level position in the Water Use Efficiency series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Water Use Efficiency Specialist class by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising independent judgment and initiative in matters related to work procedures and methods. Positions at this level are expected to apply well-developed water conservation knowledge in the performance of duties that also require a general knowledge of District functions. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Water Use Efficiency Analyst level are normally filled by advancement from the Water Use Efficiency Specialist class. 

Example of Duties
Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics.  The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list, rather to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Develops and implements cost-effective water use efficiency programs; tracks customer contact and program progress; reports on progress.
• Coordinates the implementation of landscape water use efficiency programs consistent with current state/federal laws, develops printed materials and conducts customer workshops and events on water efficient landscape and irrigation system design; coordinates with the City of Costa Mesa and other public agencies.
• Plans and presents landscape workshops; promotes water use efficiency and runoff reduction through public relations, educational speeches, and private contact; monitors and maintains the District’s demonstration gardens and various site landscapes.
• Schedules and conducts audits/inspections for Mesa Water’s rebate program, which includes: verifying water use efficiency devices, conducting pre-turf & post-turf inspections, and other related tasks.
• Administers the District’s Water Conservation Ordinance as necessary; answers questions related to compliance; engages with customers not in compliance with current requirements.
• Creates, updates and implements the District’s Water Use Efficiency Plan; participates in the development of the District’s Urban Water Management Plan.
• Gathers, analyzes, and interprets data and information related to water use; captures relevant data in system database; creates tables, queries, forms, and reports utilizing the database; prepares a variety of written reports, correspondence, records, and proposed regulations and procedures; use data to evaluate program effectiveness and develop recommendations for program modifications.
• Identifies and evaluates water use efficiency measures and practices for commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential customers; recommends incentives to alter water use practices including fixture and appliance retrofit programs; calculates cost/benefit analysis; evaluates and purchases devices for implementation.
• Conducts water surveys, investigations, and evaluations of residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional customers; assesses the efficiency of water use, particularly for landscape irrigation; provides recommendations on water usage and efficiency techniques, fixture and appliance retrofit, equipment improvements, and other methods of achieving more efficient water use.
• Calculates water use for commercial irrigation customers in accordance with District guidelines and legal requirements.
  Identifies, targets, and measures commercial irrigation accounts; interprets irrigation site plans; measures sites; calculates and updates site water use.
• Utilizes database to determine account usage patterns; installs data loggers on water meters; downloads and evaluates data logger data; recommends changes based on data logger data.
• Interacts with the public, property manager, landscape manager, staff, and outside agencies.
• Schedules and conducts audits/inspections for landscape sites, both dedicated and mixed use, as appropriate.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of proper plants and native landscapes for Southern California.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of all irrigation systems and practices, including, but not limited to weather –based controllers and irrigation distribution systems.
• Assists with the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of water use efficiency research projects and grants; assists in identifying and securing local, state and federal grant funding for water use efficiency programs.
• Participates in representing the District on water use efficiency issues to committees, meetings, community groups, and the public; attends community events and engages with the public to share information about available rebates and water use efficiency program offerings.
• Oversees the selection and evaluation of contractors providing professional and maintenance services for water use efficiency programs and projects.
• Provides guidance to the landscape maintenance contractor regarding landscape projects at all District’s sites including the District’s water demonstration garden; adjusts all District irrigation clocks at various sites based on climate data; conducts soil analysis and observes landscape conditions and makes recommendations based on observations; provides customers detailed information about the District’s demonstration garden.
• Assists in the development and monitoring of the Water Use Efficiency Program budget and expenditures.
• Develops and maintains current knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations relating to water efficiency; reviews District practices for compliance with applicable policies, and recommends necessary program and policy modifications.
• Provides current program information for the District’s web site, newsletters, social media content and collateral materials.
• Assists with Public Affairs projects and programs when needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

Minimum & Desired Qualifications

Water Use Efficiency Specialist

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work or specialized training in water utility sciences or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Experience: Two years of field experience in water utility operations that provides familiarity with domestic, commercial, and landscape water use efficiency techniques.
Certifications:

• Possession of Water Use Efficiency Practitioner certification issued by American Waterworks Association (AWWA) is required within one year of hire.
• Designation as an Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) is desirable, but not required.

Water Use Efficiency Analyst

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in water conservation, environmental studies, resource management, water utility sciences or a related field.
Experience: Four years of progressively responsible experience implementing and administering water use efficiency programs. Experience in a government agency or water utility is desirable.
Certifications:

• Possession of Water Use Efficiency Practitioner certification issued by AWWA.
• Designation as an Irrigation Association CLIA is required within one year of hire.