Senior Analyst, Climate Resilient Water Systems - CA

Duration

This is a two year fixed-term position with full benefits and the possibility of extension.

Location

This position is based remotely in California, with a preference for candidates in or near the San Joaquin Valley. Working a hybrid schedule from our San Francisco office is also a possibility.

Climate Resilient Water Systems Description

The Climate Resilient Water Systems (CRWS) workstream is dedicated to developing water management and policy solutions that balance water supply and demand and increase the resilience of water systems. EDF focuses on strong science, uncommon partnerships, and economically sensible approaches to develop and implement practical solutions that serve the water resource needs of people and the environment. EDF has established a reputation as both a trusted and credible partner with diverse stakeholders, governments, and water agencies; and as an advocate for transformational change in water policy and practices that incorporate ecosystem goals. The work currently is focused within with United States in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Oregon, and Kansas, as well as globally in India and China, with exploration of new work in other locations around the world.

In California, EDF’s Climate Resilient Water Systems team is developing new tools and strategies to support inclusive multibenefit water management across the state. Balancing water supplies and demand will be critical to ensuring the reliability of water supplies for agricultural, community, and environmental users as climate change is exacerbating California’s volatile hydrologic conditions. Experts estimate a significant portion of irrigated farmland will be removed from production in the coming decades as the state becomes hotter and drier and regions seek to balance their water supplies. EDF has been a leader in advocating for funding, planning, and implementation of coordinated multibenefit land repurposing to ensure formerly irrigated farmland is voluntarily transitioned to new uses that require little to no water and provide social, economic, and environmental benefits such as restored habitat corridors, community parks, and low-impact solar.

Overall Function

The Senior Analyst, Climate Resilient Water Systems is an important member of the Climate Resilient Water Systems workstream and broader EDF Agriculture, Water and Food team. The Senior Analyst will contribute to activities related to promoting agricultural and rural community resilience, including supporting inclusive water and land use decision-making and governance, natural infrastructure, sustainable and equitable water management plans and programs, demand management, sustainable groundwater management, and multibenefit land use and water policy strategies and advocacy. Through research, moderately complex data analysis, project tracking and coordination, and writing support, this position will support the teams’ goals and objectives while having a particular focus supporting EDF’s multibenefit land repurposing initiatives. Further, the Senior Analyst will assist in implementing California’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program, cataloging tools and resources to support water and land use planning, and developing communication materials related to land repurposing and sustainable groundwater management.

The Senior Analyst reports to the Senior Manager, Climate Resilient Water Systems and may assist in the exploration of similar approaches and strategies in other water-limited geographies.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with timely in-house analyses for Climate Resilient Water Systems staff, and others as relevant, related to multibenefit land repurposing and sustainable groundwater management.
• Research and help prepare internal and public communications, including reports, website content, presentations, and blog posts in alignment with Climate Resilient Water Systems, Agriculture, Water and Food, and EDF’s established strategies and goals.
• Participate in developing funding proposals and interim reports related to multibenefit land repurposing initiatives in coordination with development staff.
• Participate in advancing EDF Organizational Effectiveness and Culture goals so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.
• Prepare relevant correspondence and reports, respond to requests for information and other inquiries, and help coordinate Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program activities.
• Assist in coordinating the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program Statewide Support Entity, including support in scheduling meetings for relevant partners, facilitating communications, providing online workspace support, and executing monitoring protocols to track program outcomes.
• Help identify externally developed resources, support outreach, and collaborate to develop new guidance materials for water, land managers, and community members.
• Track and summarize new research and developments related to sustainable groundwater management, land use practices, and renewable energy potential in California.
• Support tracking of projects and help document progress towards CA water team objectives.
• Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of related professional experience and a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, economics, hydrology, conservation biology, or related fields required. A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for up to 2 years of experience.Additional relevant years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the degree requirement.
• Familiarity with California water policy (including the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act), hydrological systems, conservation principles, and agricultural systems.
• Proactive, exceptional personal organization, strong time management, and attentive to detail.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with experience presenting moderately complex analysis to a broad range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated problem solving, analytical, and research skills.
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team across various time zones while prioritizing a diversified workload and meeting deadlines.
• Strong computer proficiency, including experience with Excel and Word.
• Proficiency with GIS and R strongly desired and experience with Google Earth Engine and Python a plus.
• Experience working with agricultural and rural community stakeholders is preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel within California up to 5% of the time, as needed.