Water Resources Planner

Salary : $122,179.20 - $148,532.80 Annually
Location : Hayward City Hall - 777 B Street, Hayward, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: T870-2026-05
Department: Public Works & Utilities
Opening Date: 06/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
DEADLINE TO APPLY This position has been extended to July 24, 2026, at 11:59pm THE POSITION:
The City of Hayward is seeking a candidate to join its progressive and dynamic Utilities team as the Water Resources Planner. Reporting directly to the Water Resources Manager - Utilities, the Water Resources Planner plans and implements assigned water resources activities, that may include, but not be limited to, water conservation and water use efficiency program analysis, development and oversight, integrated water supply planning, public outreach and education, grant administration, legislative analysis, and technical report preparation. Evaluates existing and proposed policies and programs, advocates on behalf of the City, and provides leadership and technical expertise to deliver safe, reliable water service to Hayward customers.
You are:

The ideal candidate will bring a broad knowledge of water resources planning and development, and possess strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. The Water Resources Planner is expected to be an experienced project manager, with excellent verbal and written communication skills, who enjoys working collaboratively and is committed to building relationships and representing the City's interests in a positive and engaging manner.
Essential Duties

What you will do:
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Implement water resources activities, including water conservation and water use efficiency programs.
• Prepare technical analyses of water resources, including supply and demand projections and water supply allocations during droughts.
• Prepare and submit reports and data requests to State and Regional entities.
• Plan, research and prepare complex technical and administrative reports and recommendations on water resources planning issues.
• Develop and maintain social media and website information and prepare outreach materials related to water resources.
• Represent the City at regional water resources meetings.
• Track and evaluate legislation and regulations as they pertain to water supply and prepare analyses and comments to address the City's interests.
• Develop water supply assessments in compliance with California Water Code and any subsequent laws and regulations that integrate land use and water supply planning.
• Assist in preparing and updating the Urban Water Management Plan and other plans and studies as assigned.
• Prepare grant and loan applications for water supply projects and studies.
• Coordinate the procurement of technical consultants, prepare and issue requests for proposals, participate in selection, and negotiation of professional services agreements.
• Assist in preparing water resources programs goals and objectives.
• Prepare City Council and Council Committee communications, reports and presentation materials.
• Present information to various elected and appointed officials and community groups.
• Champion the implementation of sustainable water resources programs and initiatives.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of excellent customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Link to full job description:
CORE COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of:

• Current methods, technologies, principles and practices of water resource planning, analysis, development and management.
• Water conservation and water use efficiency programs.
• Water project funding sources, grants and loans, and preparation of applications and administration.
• Principles and practices of analytical research, project management and contract administration.
• Techniques and principles of effective interpersonal communication.
• Principles and methods of report writing and presentations.
• Research methods and techniques.
• Oral and written communication skills; business English including vocabulary, spelling, and correct grammatical usage and punctuation.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment, including relevant software programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, social media and data analysis programs.
• Principles and practices of excellent customer service.
• Arithmetic and basic mathematical calculations.

Ability to:

• Implement water conservation and water use efficiency programs.
• Prepare technical and informational reports, correspondence, and action plans.
• Develop and maintain social media and website materials.
• Analyze and interpret technical materials, financial reports and legal documents to make sound recommendations.
• Work collaboratively with other staff members and outside entities to achieve common goals.
• Operate a computer, including commonly used word processing, spreadsheet, social media and data analysis programs.
• Prepare clear and concise written reports.
• Develop and manage resources, budgets, and schedules.
• Interpret, apply, and explain laws, rules, codes, and City policies and procedures.
• Make sound decisions with solid problem-solving methods.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Operate and use modern office equipment and technology, including computers and applicable software.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

You have:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in planning or related administrative work. Experience in water or natural resources plan desirable.


Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in natural resources management, urban or regional planning, public administration, public policy, or a closely related field. A Master's degree in a similar field is desirable.


License:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License.


OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Essential duties require the following mental and/or physical ability: to work in a standard office environment and use standard office equipment and current software; safely drive to various locations through the City and County to manage, direct, coordinate and/or participate in meetings and community events in a variety of community settings and weather conditions; make effective presentations to public audiences; conduct City business during day and evening hours, including occasional weekend and irregular hours; grasp, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination to prepare documents and data using a computer keyboard and mouse/trackball; sit for prolonged periods of time; stand, walk, reach, bend and safely lift and move equipment and materials weighing up to 35 pounds; converse by telephone, by email, in person, and before small and large groups, and be clearly understood; read and comprehend legal, technical and complex documents; interact with the public and all different levels of City staff in an effective and professional manner. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supplemental Information

BENEFITS AND REWARDS:
Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 15.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

SELECTION PROCEDURE
Apply - submit a completed City of Hayward job application and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.

Application Review -
A. Minimum qualifications
B. Completion of the supplemental questionnaire
The rating of the supplemental questions may determine application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.

Job Related Testing (examination) -
A. Supplemental Questionnaire Review
The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department derived from any of the exam processes mentioned above.


Department Interviews -Date TBD *Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process.

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history verification, medical evaluation, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.

Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.

The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.

APPLICATIONS
Candidates are encouraged to apply online at under the Current Vacancies tab or at Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Benefits Overview

This summary provides a brief overview of the benefits available to regular full-time City employees. As indicated in the 2025 Benefit Summary, some employee groups have different benefits based upon negotiated agreements. Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Your choice of CalPERS Medical Plan (with generous employer contribution)
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members)
• Dental Insurance (plans available through Delta Dental or United Concordia)
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)
• Other Employee-Paid benefits include pet insurance and discount plans, pre-paid legal, etc.

To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please click
01


Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Your responses to the questions must be supported by both the work experience listed on your application as well as your resume. The rating of the supplemental questions may determine your application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Responses should be sufficiently detailed to assist in evaluating your qualifications for this position. Writing 'see resume' or 'N/A' is not a sufficient response.I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.

• Yes
• No

02


Do you possess a valid Class C California Driver License?

• Yes, I possess a Class C California Driver License
• I possess a driver license outside of California and am able to obtain a Class C California Driver License by date of hire.
• No, I do not possess a Driver License and am not able to obtain one by date of hire.

03


Please indicate the amount of progressively responsible professional-level experience in planning or related administrative work.

• None
• Less than 1 year
• At least 1 year, but no more than 2 years
• At least 2 years, but no more than 3 years
• At least 3 years, but no more than 4 years
• At least 4 years, but no more than 5 years
• 5 or more years

04


Do you possess experience in water or natural resources planning?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you possess a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major coursework in natural resources management, water resources management, environmental resources management, urban or regional planning, public administration, public policy, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

06


If you possess a degree, please indicate your course work in natural resources management, water resources management, environmental resources management, urban or regional planning, public administration, public policy, or a closely related field.
07


Please describe your experience supporting or developing water resources projects or programs, including imported surface water, water conservation and water use efficiency, and describe your role.
08


Please describe your experience preparing complex technical and administrative reports. Please share an example and the outcome.
09


Please describe your experience collaborating with other organizations or agencies on water-related projects or tasks. Please share an example and describe your role in supporting the team or project.
10


Please describe your experience preparing water resources outreach materials, and maintaining social media and website information.
11


Please describe your experience tracking and evaluating legislation and regulations as they pertain to water resources.
Required Question