Planner IV - Conservation Department

Planner IV - Conservation Department

Salary

$70,179.00 - $120,411.00 Annually

Location

Headquarters: 2800 U.S. Hwy 281 N., San Antonio, TX

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-00199

Department

Public Affairs

Opening Date

07/24/2026

Closing Date

8/9/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Grade 20: Salary Starts at $70,179.00 annually. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Planner IV is responsible for identifying, developing, recommending, implementing and evaluating programs, projects, and services related to infrastructure planning, land use planning, water quality protection, water conservation, production and treatment operations, and water supply development. This position provides advanced level project management, analytical, and technical skills necessary for meeting complex and comprehensive planning efforts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Analyzes and evaluates project data through modeling forecasting, and interpreting financial, operational, statistical, and technical information.
• Evaluates and validates technical and narrative report findings.
• Represents SAWS and serves as department liaison for local, regional, state, and national organizations, associations, and governmental agencies.
• Collaborates with all stakeholder groups to design, write, and deliver reports and presentations for Executive Management, the Board of Trustees, City of San Antonio departments and commissions, and professional and civic organizations.
• Evaluates and implements incremental process improvements with a focus on department efficiencies.
• Initiates, negotiates, evaluates, and manages contracts.
• Develops and manages project budgets
• Applies and interprets planning principles and the ability to understand science and technical principles.
• Facilitates interdepartmental teamwork and builds consensus by applying leadership skills.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships and public relations.
• Applies state and local government laws and regulations relating to water/wastewater services.
• Compiles data and develops key performance indicators (KPI) for respective department(s).
• May coordinate the initiation and/or closure of Land Acquisition, Professional Services, and Construction contracts affecting the Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
• Provides functional guidance to junior planners and technicians by assigning and checking work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

DECISION MAKING

• This position receives limited supervision.
• Serves as team leader as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelors Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
• Five years progressively responsible experience identifying, analyzing, and evaluating programs, developing and presenting technical documents, projects and policies directly related to utility or municipal planning.
• Proficiency in geographic information system applications.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation, and modeling software.
• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual in English/Spanish.
• Masters Degree in related field.
• Strong familiarity with groundwater and surface water modeling.

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Frequent contact with internal and external customers, stakeholders, and governmental agencies.
• Communicates effectively, verbally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions are in an office environment with occasional field visits.

May be required to work hours other than regular schedule including nights and weekends.

San Antonio Water System values the contributions of all its employees, providing them the best in compensation and benefits. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain a workforce of qualified employees who share a responsibility in providing quality water to 1 million consumers.

From an affordable medical and dental plan to life-sustaining retirement and insurance plans, we offer benefits that reward employees for their commitment to a challenging career at SAWS. Employee benefits include the following:

• Competitive, market-based salaries
• Performance-based incentives
• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Life insurance
• Prescription drug program
• Vision care plan
• Two retirement plans
• Deferred compensation plans (457 plan)
• Disability income
• Paid leave (vacation, sick, personal)
• Education assistance program
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible, tax-deferred health and dependent care spending accounts
• Wellness programs
• On-Site Fitness Facilities
• Community service opportunities

Click on the link for additional information regarding benefits: SAWS Benefits

01

Do you have a Bachelors Degree or higher level of education in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency?

• Yes
• No

02

Identify your degree type, and major.

03

How many years of progressively responsible experience do you have identifying, analyzing, and evaluating programs, developing and presenting technical documents, project and policies directly related to utility or municipal planning?

• No experience
• Less than 5 years of experience
• Between 5 and 7 years of experience
• More than 7 years of experience

04

Describe your progressively responsible experience identifying, analyzing, and evaluating programs, developing and presenting technical documents, projects and policies directly related to utility or municipal planning as outlined in your application/resume. If no experience, enter N/A.

05

Do you have a valid Texas drivers license? If so, what type of drivers license do you have?

• Class C
• Class CDL - B
• Class CDL - A
• I do not have a valid drivers license.
• I have a valid drivers license from another state.

06

Describe your proficiency level in Geographic information system applications. If no experience, enter N/A.

07

Describe your proficiency level in word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation, and modeling software. If no experience, enter N/A.

08

Do you have an Irrigation License in the State of Texas?

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered yes to having an Irrigation License in the State of Texas, then please provide your License number and expiration date. If no License, enter N/A.

10

Describe your experience as it pertains to inspection of irrigation systems and providing related recommendations to customers. If you have specific commercial irrigation experience, please describe. If no experience, enter N/A.

11

Describe your experience with residential water conservation programs. If no experience, enter N/A.

12

Describe your experience with commercial water conservation programs. If no experience, enter N/A.

13

Describe your experience working with data and communicating complex data and trends to customers who may be less familiar. If no experience, enter N/A.

Required Question

Employer San Antonio Water System

Address 2800 U.S. Hwy. 281 N.

San Antonio, Texas, 78212

Website https://www.saws.org/career-opportunities/