Director - Conservation

Job Description:

Director - Conservation

Description

Competitive salary depends on qualifications with generous benefits package including pension, paid leave, and health benefits. Resume review will begin as soon as possible with scheduled interviews to follow.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY
The Director - Conservation is a senior management-level professional responsible for strategic policy and program initiatives that achieve short- and long-term water conservation goals. S/he leads all aspects of conservation planning and project development from initial planning and conceptual development through project implementation. In addition, s/he leads the system in all aspects of drought management and enforcement, and serves as the principal spokesperson for the System on conservation and drought-related issues. The Director-Conservation reports to the Senior Vice President-Communications & External Affairs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops and recommends policies and programs to meet conservation goals and obtain the best value for conservation funds.
• Develops, recommends, and implements departmental policies and procedures to maximize use of physical, fiscal, and personnel resources.
• Supervises, selects, develops, and trains personnel. Under the guidance of the Senior Vice President, determines compensation, and evaluates personnel.
• Prepares and may be asked to present to the San Antonio Water System Board of Trustees, Executive Management, elected officials, and following specific training, to the public via newspaper, radio, and television.
• Develops and evaluates various water conservation policies and technologies.
• Develops and maintains diverse, stakeholder partnerships with community groups, industry and government, and the System’s principal public advisory group on conservation, the Community Conservation Committee.
• Obtains and interprets public input to evaluate conservation programs through a variety of mechanisms to include survey, evaluation of conservation events and programs, and public presentations.
• Demonstrates continuous improvement of conservation results through analysis of current demand, forecasted future demand, and system priorities. Uses detailed analyses and community feedback to develop Conservation Plans that meet statutory requirements of Texas and the specific needs of the system.
• Evaluates investments made in conservation interventions to ensure they are meeting the objectives of the approved Conservation Plan using scientifically sound techniques to assess customer engagements and water savings achieved.
• Develops and monitors contracts. In coordination with Senior Vice President, negotiates said agreements.
• Develops and participates in conceptual long-term planning to meet goals in water supply plan.
• Forecasts, allocates, and monitors the human, physical, and financial resources for the assigned area as well as manages the usage of Conservation Revenue.
• Coordinates and communicates Department activities with other internal Departments and Groups.
• Keeps abreast of scientific, political, and legal issues relating to implementation of conservation programs, drought management, and new technology.

DECISION MAKING

• The Director - Conservation works under limited supervision.
• Supervises: 20 - 25 employees.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, Business Administration, Geology, or other related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
• Eight years’ progressive experience in municipal project planning or water utility operations, budgeting, management, or design, including five years in a supervisory role leading teams and effectively managing personnel.
• Able to use word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
• Valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in appropriate field.
• Previous experience in data analytics.
• Experience working with a variety of media to include radio, television and print.
• Experience managing and evaluating water conservation programs.

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Ability to establish and maintain contact with internal and external customers, media, consultants, stakeholders, and elected officials.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions are primarily in an office environment with occasional field visits. Physical requirements include visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate basic office equipment. Subject to sitting, walking or standing to perform the essential functions. May drive a company and/or personal vehicle.

May be required to work hours other than regular schedule including nights and weekends with occasional travel.

San Antonio Water System values the contributions of all its employees, providing them the best in compensation and benefits. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain a workforce of qualified employees who share a responsibility in providing quality water to 1 million consumers.
From an affordable medical and dental plan to life-sustaining retirement and insurance plans, we offer benefits that reward employees for their commitment to a challenging career at SAWS. Employee benefits include the following:

• Competitive, market-based salaries
• Performance-based incentives
• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Life insurance
• Prescription drug program
• Vision care plan
• Two retirement plans
• Deferred compensation plans (457 plan)
• Disability income
• Paid leave (vacation, sick, personal)
• Education assistance program
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible, tax-deferred health and dependent care spending accounts
• Wellness programs
• On-Site Fitness Facilities
• Community service opportunities

Closing Date/Time: 8/31/2025 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$129,251.00 - $231,379.00 Annually