Functional Title
Water Resources Scientist
Recruitment Category Type
Standard
Functional Category
Operational Reliability and Resilience
Grade
EG.15
FLSA Status
Exempt
Requisition Number
26-0177
Number of Vacancies
1
Job Level
Non-Management
Job Code
N/A
Job Description Summary Organization Name
Water Resources Protection
Reports to
Division Manager, Water Resources Protection
Full or Part Time
Full Time
If Part Time how many hours per week Regular or Temporary
Regular
Position End Date (if temporary) Work Schedule
8:00am – 4:30pm; Monday – Friday
Position Location
Laurel
General Summary
The Water Resources Scientist provides advanced scientific and engineering expertise and project management support for the Commission’s water resources management activities, including source water and watershed protection, water supply reliability and resiliency, and environmental regulatory compliance. Applies specialized knowledge in water quantity management, pollution prevention, and permitting to ensure compliance and advance strategic objectives. Builds and maintains collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to successfully implement initiatives and drive results.
Essential Functions
• Provides technical expertise in source water quality and watershed assessment and protection, including data analysis, GIS mapping and modeling, contamination and risk assessment, reservoir and tributary monitoring, and development of watershed protection strategies and initiatives aligned with Commission priorities
• Leads reservoir capacity and water supply reliability analyses through advanced modeling and drought assessment
• Develops drought response strategies and evaluates water supply alternatives and water reuse initiatives
• Develops and reviews pollution prevention plans and environmental permits, including National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES )
• Provides compliance guidance and technical expertise in managing emerging contaminants and responding to source water contamination events or spills
• Represents and collaborates on behalf of the Commission in local, regional, and national partnerships related to source water quality and quantity, watershed protection, water supply reliability, environmental permitting, and water resources science and engineering initiatives
• Builds and manages partnerships at the regional and national level with utilities, NGOs, federal agencies, academic institutions and others to meet the Commissions’ water resource’s reliability and resiliency priorities
• Provides internal and external coordination to facilitate the operational aspects of water resource management including reservoir and watershed source water protection, water supply resiliency and pollution prevention, compliance and management
• Prepares, negotiates and manages science and engineering consulting contracts and prepares task orders, scope of work, cost estimates, change orders and task amendments
• Coordinates and supports multidisciplinary teams of contractor and technical staff in the execution of water resources projects
• Manages projects and leads project teams in meeting deadlines and objectives for several complex projects at one time
• Evaluates regulations and policies affecting the Commission related to source water protection, drought preparedness, water supply reliability and resiliency, environmental permitting and compliance, and management of contaminated waste and emerging contaminants
• Contributes to the development and implementation of strategic plans, policies, and outreach initiatives supporting WSSC Water’s water resources programs, including source water protection, water supply reliability and resiliency, and pollution prevention and compliance
Other Functions
• Attends professional and public meetings held in evening hours, as directed by the Division Manager
• Keeps the Division Manager advised of environmental regulations and policies that impact the Commission
• Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
• Performs other related duties as assigned
Work Environment And Physical Demands
Business casual office environment
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
• Proficiency in principles and practices in the fields of civil and/or environmental engineering or environmental science with focus on water resources including water quality, water quantity, pollution prevention and environmental contamination
• Comprehensive knowledge of water resources science and/or engineering, including source water protection and watershed management; water supply reliability, resiliency, and drought analysis; water reuse strategies; and pollution prevention, permitting, contaminant management, and related environmental laws and regulations
• Thorough understanding of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing water, air, and other environmental quality
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and the necessity for adherence to safety precautions
• Ability to analyze complex technical problems, evaluate alternatives, and reach sound conclusions
• Excellent human relations and communication skills, including listening, reading, oral and written communication skills
• Strong writing, analysis, and presentation skills
• Ability to develop analytical summaries, graphical representations, tables and other presentation materials to support operational performance assessments
• Strong organizational, problem solving, decision-making and multi-tasking skills
• Project management skills including ability to lead teams of professional engineers and scientists, interns and expert consultants in completing conventional studies and research efforts
• Ability to manage external consultants and evaluate their performance against contracted requirements
• Ability to build partnerships and act as liaisons and coordinators in large and small interdisciplinary and interagency teams
• Computer skills and familiarity with and capability of using GIS for analysis of water resources engineering and/or science issues
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Geosciences, Hydrology, Water Resources or related discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience in water resources management or environmental assessment related to source water protection, water supply reliability and resiliency, pollution control, and/or Clean Water Act regulatory compliance
Additional Requirements
• Completion of the WSSC Water Financial Disclosure statement within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a WSSC Water driver’s permit within 90 days of hire or transfer date
• Completion of all safety training as required by WSSC Water
Preferences
• Advanced degree (Master’s degree or higher), concentrating on geosciences, hydrology, water resources, engineering and/or environmental science
• Experience evaluating, developing and/or implementing source water protection best management practices and/or watershed protection plans
• Expertise in source water quality analysis and source water contaminant spill analysis, modeling, preparedness and response
• Experience with water quality permitting, compliance and source water contamination including familiarity with federal water and wastewater programs under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, and waste and chemical management regulations under RCRA , CERCLA and TSCA
• Experience with water supply alternatives analysis and planning, water storage calculations, drought modeling and monitoring and long-term planning
• Working understanding of the policy, research, engineering technologies and trends related to water supply resiliency and water reuse
• Project management certification and/or strong project management skills including experience managing contracts and directing contractor work
Salary
$108,233-$184,288/year
EEO Statement Close Date
05/26/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants Additional Information
All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.
Eligible applicants will be reviewed for consideration after 3/31/26