Lead meaningful work that protects and improves our community’s water resources. In this role, you’ll guide the research, development, and implementation of surface water quality and biological monitoring programs, ensuring practices are both scientifically sound and compliant. If you’re energized by turning complex data into actionable insights, you’ll thrive here - interpreting and evaluating water quality and biological data to identify trends, ensure regulatory compliance, inform decisions, and continuously improve programs. You’ll also evaluate laws and regulations, prepare and review technical reports, provide thoughtful input on regulatory proposals and actions, and oversee laboratory contractors and purchase orders that support program success.
We’re looking for a leader who enjoys developing others - someone who will mentor and support technical staff, build team capability, and create an environment where people can grow and do their best work. Through your leadership, your team will carry out wastewater, surface water, and biological sampling and monitoring that directly impacts the health of our environment.
This is a role for someone who values both technical excellence and people leadership - bringing strong independent judgment, expertise, and a genuine commitment.
Why the City of Boise?
The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:
- Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family (a $10,000 - 20,000 value)
- PERSI retirement (11.96% Employer Contribution) plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
- 10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
- 10 weeks paid parental leave
- $500 annual wellbeing incentive
- Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
- Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost
Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training- Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, environmental science, biology, aquatic ecology, chemistry or a related field
- 5 years of experience in the field of water quality or biological monitoring or environmental quality including 2 years in a managerial or supervisory role
- or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education.
Licensing And Other Requirements- Valid state-issued driver’s license
Special RequirementsApplicants must be able to pass:- City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
- Driving Record Check
Develops and leads comprehensive water quality and biological monitoring programs to support surface water initiatives, regulatory requirements, and emerging city priorities. Analyzes, interprets, and synthesizes complex water quality and biological data for the Boise River and tributary systems to identify trends, assess environmental conditions, and evaluate program effectiveness. Prepares and delivers clear, defensible data summaries and technical analyses to city leadership, regulatory agencies, and the public to support permit compliance, policy development, and watershed modeling efforts.
Directs implementation of sampling and monitoring programs to ensure compliance with Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) permit requirements. Provides technical oversight and interpretation of Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing and Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) data to ensure accuracy, regulatory defensibility, and timely reporting. Manages the collection, quality assurance, and integrity of water quality and biological data critical to the city’s discharge permits and environmental programs. Develops and maintains Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and technical reports in accordance with regulatory standards. Oversees data management systems, including approval of sampling schedules, chain of custody documentation, and field data processes. Evaluates and implements new technologies and methodologies to improve data quality, efficiency, and program performance. Contributes to division work planning and budgeting processes, including identification of resource needs and program priorities. Provides leadership to assigned staff by setting performance expectations, evaluating outcomes, and supporting professional development. Conducts and oversees complex field investigations and special studies, as needed. Accompanies field staff on special site evaluations or on field work, when appropriate.
Serves as a subject matter expert in water quality and biological monitoring, providing technical guidance and review across city departments. Evaluates monitoring plans, annual reports, SOPs, and data analyses to ensure scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and alignment with city objectives. Supports cross-departmental initiatives and special projects requiring water quality or biological expertise.
Participates in development and review of water quality standards, criteria, and regulatory frameworks, including negotiated rulemaking processes. Interprets complex regulatory requirements and technical data to inform city policy, permit strategy, and compliance approaches. Develops and coordinates the city’s technical positions and responses to regulatory proposals, permits, and enforcement actions in collaboration with management. Serves as a liaison with regulatory agencies and external partners on surface water and biological issues affecting the Boise River watershed.
Develops and delivers technical presentations and outreach materials for professional conferences, interagency groups, and public audiences. Represents the city on regional committees, workgroups, and collaborative initiatives. Responds to public and stakeholder inquiries regarding water quality, biological resources, and river health, translating complex scientific information into clear, accessible messaging.
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
Additional Required Knowledge, Experience, And TrainingKnowledge of:; principles, theories, methods and techniques of watershed, water resources, freshwater ecology, aquatic communities, and natural resources management and environmental protection; used water and biological sampling techniques; electrofishing principles; fish and macroinvertebrate community assessments, and riparian habitat monitoring; laboratory analysis techniques; local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the work; computer usage including related software; statistical analysis; principles and practices of project management; public administration including purchasing, contracting, and maintenance of public records; and public outreach and community involvement.
Ability to:; analyze complex environmental issues and problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend policies and effective courses of action; develop and manage projects including contract and budget administration; perform mathematical calculations and analyze water quality data; interpret laws, regulations and technical information; prepare clear and concise records, technical reports, correspondence and other written materials; present conclusions clearly, logically and persuasively to both internal and external program stakeholders; facilitate group and individual discussions to identify and resolve differences and achieve results; exercise independent judgment and initiative within general policy guidelines; display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with the media, businesses, contractors, special interest groups, co-workers and the public all levels of city employees, the general public and other organizations; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations; operate watercraft safely; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.
Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And TrainingMasters degree in natural resource management, environmental science, aquatic ecology, biology, chemistry or a related field and six years of natural resources management and environmental protection or compliance experience of which three or more years were in a supervisory capacity.
Experience in a state-level environmental regulatory program or local government-approved monitoring program.
First aid and CPR certification and whitewater rescue training, boat safety training and whitewater rowing skills.
