Senior Water Education Specialist

JOB LOCATION

15151 E Alameda Pkwy Aurora, Colorado 80012-1555

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
 
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Hiring Salary: $88,643 - $110,804/year

Salary to be commensurate with experience.

The deadline to submit an application in this position is April 5, 2026. However, it is subject to close at any time once a qualified pool of applications is obtained.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT

Aurora Water is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage systems, treatment of drinking water and non-potable reclaimed wastewater for irrigation, billing and collection, public outreach and water conservation, acquisition and development of future water rights, major capital projects programs, and quality control for regulatory compliance and public health.

The Senior Water Education Specialist is responsible for planning and implementation of the Aurora Water youth education program including, but not limited to, classroom presentations, assemblies, annual events as well as teacher education and outreach. Prepares and coordinates the annual Youth Water Festival and the Forests to Faucets teacher workshops; researches and evaluates programs, acts as liaison with industry groups; and performs additional duties as assigned.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the Manager of Water Education and Employee Cultural Engagement, implements the youth education program including classroom presentations, assemblies, annual events as well as teacher education and outreach
• Provides training, guidance and oversight for variable-hour employees used for classroom presentations and assemblies, including work assignments and monitoring work completion
• Prepares and coordinates the annual Youth Water Festival and the Forests to Faucets teacher workshop
• Correlates program components to align with school district curriculum and standards
• Research and evaluates program needs and effectiveness
• Represents Aurora Water with peer agencies, local groups, and committees
• Coordinates with regional and local partners to develop educational programs for the Front Range
• Acts as liaison with industry groups
• Performs additional duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in natural resources, environmental sciences, education, or related field

Experience:

• At least 6 (6) years of program development & management, classroom presentation and education experience.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in water conservation, education curriculum development and public speaking experience

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Western environmental issues, including water resources/watershed and educational training techniques
• Understanding of instructional design and tactics for effective knowledge transfer
• Demonstrable foundation of continuous improvement principles and data analysis acumen

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal communication and collaboration skills
• Highly developed customer service skills
• High degree of attention to detail
• Strong public speaking skills
• Organizational skills
• Effective data analysis skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Preferred but not required: Bilingual- Spanish

Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and citizens
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Aptitude for the preparation of both technical and non-technical documents
• Demonstrable history of developing and delivering public presentations to a wide variety of audiences
• Capable of developing effective promotional, informational, and educational programs
• Commitment to high emotional intelligence, sensitivity, and empathy
• Ability to work on weekends when required
• Ability to remain in compliance with security protocols for both Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek School District

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Must possess a current Colorado Driver's License with a good driving history

WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential Personnel:

When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of

Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Light physical work requiring the ability to lift 25 pounds assisted or unassisted
• Continuous standing and walking to proctor events and trainings
• Frequent hand/eye coordination for operation of a computer keyboard and peripheral equipment
• Continuous vision to read and interpret information and computer data
• Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and residents
• Foot/eye for operation of motor vehicle to presentation sites

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment

Equipment Used:

• Computer, keyboard, and related peripheral equipment
• Standard office equipment
• This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment

The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.

For Veterans preference:  Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
           
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.  We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants.  It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
                                         
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace.  A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
 

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. 

Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.  

Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.