Salary : $101,524.80 - $138,944.00 Annually
Location : 15600 Sand Canyon, Irvine, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 01073
Department: Water Efficiency
Opening Date: 09/02/2026
Closing Date: 9/16/2026 10:00 AM Pacific

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a Senior Water Loss Prevention Specialist positionin the Water Efficiency Department.
Apply now! Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

THE POSITION

Under general direction, assists with designing, planning, organizing and implementing water efficiency programs related to non-IRWD distribution system water loss prevention and revenue recovery. Assists with targeting program activities to reduce real and apparent water loss, and tracking and reporting data from field investigations for use in water loss reporting and program evaluation.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Water Efficiency Manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is the journey-level in the Water Loss Prevention series. This position is responsible for the development of new water loss prevention programs, procedures, educational materials, providing input on state and internal water loss prevention policies, performing program evaluation, preparing reports and presentations to internal and external audiences, and evaluating new water loss prevention methods and technologies. The Senior Water Loss Prevention Specialist is distinguished from the Water Efficiency Manager in that the incumbent in the latter class has management responsibilities for the Water Efficiency and Loss Prevention programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintains program database and track program activities to ensure work is completed in a timely manner and all necessary data is collected. Responds to information requests related to specific incidents or summary level data on program activities and effectiveness.
Prepares documentation to support enforcement actions to prevent water loss and protect the District's water supply.
Prepares back-billing recommendations based on the findings from field inspections and other data sources.
Evaluates program performance and water savings/loss prevention related to program activities.
Monitors program performance to ensure compliance with policies and procedures. Establishes and maintains processes and procedures to ensure appropriate internal controls are effective. Provides policy recommendations to support water loss programs as needed.
Performs site inspections of meters and potential unauthorized connections, as needed.
Coordinates with developers and IRWD Construction Inspectors to install and inspect on-site connections related to large metered flushing when necessary.
Coordinates with Development Services, Inspections and the Field Services Manager to prepare and processes large meter applications for metered flushing and establish accounts for bill processing.
Reads and interprets plans and specifications to IRWD codes and investigates a variety of potable and recycled metered systems, including looped and pooled meter configurations.
Completed special research projects and pilot studies related to water loss programs, as assigned. Develops and makes presentations at community and industry workshops or events. Represents the District at professional or industry group meetings to keep current on new developments in the field of water loss programs.
Communicates information regarding water efficiency programs. Prepares reports to management on program activities.
Represents the District with outside agencies, customers and in community events and meetings regarding water loss prevention, interact with member of the public, developers, contractors, job site superintendents, property managers, landscape managers, staff, and other agencies as appropriate.
Ability to read IRWD atlas, plans, and maps.
Complies with District work-related safety practices and attends relevant safety training.
Maintains District vehicle, tools, equipment and supplies in good working order.
Coordinates and attends meetings and functions outside the normal workday. Participates in workshops on weekends as necessary.
Responsible for all other job related duties as assigned.
Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:

Two (2) years of college education in Water Utility Science, construction inspections, meter maintenance and testing, backflow and cross connection, or other area related to water loss control programs.
Experience:

Four (4) years of experience working in field-related water system inspections, meter installation or testing, backflow testing/cross connection and comprehensive understanding of components and functions of public water and sewer systems. Ability to read maps, plans and interpret Title 23 State Water Loss Regulations, knowledgeable about reporting requirements of the AWWA water loss audit data requirements and effective program strategies to address real and apparent water losses.
License/Certifications:

Valid Class 'C' California Driver's License.

Water Distribution Grade I and Project Management Certificate is required within one year of start date.
Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of potable and recycled water systems and appurtenances.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems, timers and other appurtenances.
• Current techniques, devices, practices, and institutional process related to water loss.
• Current legislation related to water loss mandates.

Ability to:

• Ability to read the IRWD atlas, plans, and maps.
• Word-processing, spreadsheet, database and other computer applications related to data management and analysis.
• Use tact, discretion, patience and understanding in dealing with staff, developers, contractors, workers, customers and the members of the public.
• Perform in a fast-paced, team-oriented, continuously changing, work environment.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees and management. Represent District in a professional manner when dealing with outside customers and suppliers.
• Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate fractions, decimals and percentages. Ability to convert water equivalents and flow rates.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Keyboarding abilities sufficient to perform the job.
• Ability to use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions. Read and interpret complex data and information. Observe and interpret situations. Work on multiple, concurrent tasks. Must be organized with the ability to multi-task and make decisions independently.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing 50 pounds, and up to 90 pounds with the use of proper equipment.
When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District's online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.
New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time:
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for September 29, 2026): will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.