Watershed Specialist Exempt Limited Duration

The Watershed and Stormwater Management Division of Oakland Public Works is recruiting three “Exempt Limited Duration Employee” (ELDE) Program Analyst III, Watershed Specialists.

Apply by Monday, September 21st, 2026, at 11:59 pm via the following link, which also has more information:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oaklandca/jobs/5444807/elde-program-analyst-iii-sc-watershed

The ELDE position can work up to 1 year for the City while we have unfilled vacancies for the permanent Program Analyst III positions.  We are working to get those positions posted, then hired, but in the meantime, through a shorter process, we will bring on ELDE’s.  ELDE’s could apply later for the permanent positions as well.  The ELDE will terminate at the one-year anniversary, or at the hiring of the permanent positions, whichever comes first.

The compensation range is $54.45 – $66.85 Hourly ($8,847.93 – $10,863.50 Monthly). 

$106,175.16 – $130,362.00 Annually

Salary is negotiable within the defined range depending on qualifications.

Sick leave and vacation accrual as defined by the MOU are applicable.

Health, vision, and dental insurance, commuter benefit program, flexible spending account, and guaranteed ride home commence the first month following receipt of enrollment request and required documentation.

Employee Assistance Program, Deferred Compensation (457 plan retirement account), and other benefits eligible.

Benefits described do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

The big picture of this work is to

• Keep pollutants out of stormwater​
• Maintain and improve the health of creeks and watersheds​
• Coordinate and implement Citywide compliance with stormwater protection regulations
• Help plan stormwater system rehabilitation and upgrades, including green stormwater infrastructure and creek restoration
• Plan and manage projects​

We work on various stormwater pollution prevention programs, green stormwater infrastructure, creek protection and restoration, environmental review of proposed developments and City projects, investigate and enforce against illegal pollution discharges to the storm drainage system, Lake Merritt projects, etc.  Some program information is posted at www.oaklandca.gov/Community/Community-Development/Sustainability-Environment/Creeks-Watershed-and-Stormwater.

Example duties

• Helps to implement stormwater, waterway, and watershed projects and programs to address technical and regulatory issues;
• Provides training and technical guidance on watershed and stormwater management;

• Coordinates with other City departments and divisions on projects and programs that affect stormwater, drainage, and waterways;
• Deliver stormwater management, habitat improvement, restoration, stormwater permit compliance, and/or water quality projects on time and within budget;
• Conducts field investigations regarding regulatory status, waterway, water quality, drainage issues, and various field conditions;
• Coordinates response and conducts enforcement related to illegal discharges to creeks and storm drains;
• Coordinate business stormwater inspection program https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/business-stormwater-inspections;
• Review development proposals for conformance with Creek Protection regulations https://www.oaklandca.gov/Community/Community-Development/Sustainability-Environment/Creeks-Watershed-and-Stormwater/Creek-Protection-Permits, and MRP compliance (esp. sections C.3, C.6, and C.10);
• Review, interpret, and prepare technical documents related to water quality and stormwater regulations, stormwater management systems, riparian habitat, hydrology, and/or creek restoration;
• Update Geographic Information System (GIS) map layers and tools, see www.oaklandca.gov/Community/Community-Development/Sustainability-Environment/Creeks-Watershed-and-Stormwater/Interactive-Oakland-Creeks-Map

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Principles of watershed and stormwater management and planning
• Federal, State and local laws, regulations and policies relating to the environment, habitat, stormwater management, water quality, waterways, and watershed land use planning
• Current design standards and principals related to stormwater management
• Geographic Information Systems

Minimum Requirements for Application

Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, geography, geology, hydrology, environmental engineering, landscape architecture or related field from

accredited college/university. Master’s degree and/or Stormwater Management Certificate desirable.

Experience:

Four years relevant experience in environmental management (stormwater/watershed management desirable), regulatory compliance, and environmental projects or programs (stormwater- or waterway-related desirable), including one year lead direction or supervisory experience.