| Location | Irvine, CA |
| Salary | $101,524.80–$138,944 Per Year |
Senior Water Loss Prevention Specialist
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 position in the Water Efficiency Department.
Apply now! Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
The District
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the Districts policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the Districts website: www.IRWD.com.
IRWD Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.
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:
Ability to:
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 Districts 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: Online Employment Application Guide
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.
IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive, and may not be applicable to all employees.
Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employers share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.
Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.
IRWD does not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.
Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Life Insurance
Eligible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Deferred Compensation
Participation in a deferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.
Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.
Paid Holidays
The District offers 10 scheduled paid holidays plus two (2) personal holiday per year.
Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the Districts Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.
Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.
01
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
02
How many years of experience do you have with on-site construction inspections, meter maintenance and testing, or other area related to water loss control programs?
03
Please describe your professional on-site construction inspections, meter maintenance and testing, or other area related to water loss control experience. Include the related duties or responsibilities you performed, and the job title(s) you held. If you do not have any experience, please write N/A. Responses such as "see resume" will be considered incomplete.
04
What is your highest level of Water Distribution certification?
05
Are you able to read and interpret maps, plans, and atlases?
06
Possession and retention of a valid California Class "C" drivers license is a requirement of this position. Do you currently possess a valid California Class "C" drivers license and understand this requirement?
Note for out-of-state applicants: Currently possessing the equivalent of a California Class "C" drivers license from another state would temporarily suffice this requirement and must obtain a Class "C" drivers license in the State of California prior to a job offer with the District.
Required Question
Employer Irvine Ranch Water District
Address 15600 Sand Canyon Ave.
Irvine, California, 92618
Phone 949-453-5349
949-453-5349
Website http://www.irwd.com