Water Resources Analyst in Washington, District of Columbia at Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is seeking a Water Resources Analyst to provide technical and programmatic support for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments' (COG) Blue Plains Program and Regional Water Quality Management Program. This position supports a wide range of activities including GIS mapping and spatial analysis, water quality monitoring, environmental data management, technical studies, computer modeling support, and regional stakeholder coordination.

In this role, the Water Resources Analyst works collaboratively with local governments, drinking water and wastewater utilities, consultants, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to advance regional initiatives related to water quality, wastewater management, watershed planning, Chesapeake Bay restoration, and related environmental programs.

This position is designed for an early-career professional interested in developing expertise in water resources, environmental analysis, GIS applications, monitoring programs, and regional water management issues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

GIS and Geospatial Analysis (30-35%)

• Develop maps, figures, dashboards, and geospatial analyses using GIS software and related tools.
• Maintain and manage geospatial datasets related to watersheds, wastewater service areas, treatment facilities, monitoring locations, environmental conditions, and regional planning initiatives.
• Support environmental and water resource planning efforts through spatial analysis and visualization.
• Prepare GIS products for reports, technical studies, committee meetings, presentations, and public communication materials.
• Assist with development and maintenance of GIS databases and web-based mapping applications.

Water Quality Monitoring and Data Analysis (25-30%)

• Compile, organize, manage, and evaluate water quality, watershed, wastewater, and environmental monitoring datasets.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control reviews of monitoring and environmental datasets.
• Analyze trends and patterns in environmental and water quality data.
• Develop tables, charts, graphics, dashboards, and data visualizations to communicate technical information.
• Support regional monitoring activities and participate in occasional field data collection, sampling activities, and site visits as assigned.
• Assist in preparation of technical summaries and analyses based on monitoring results.

Technical Studies and Modeling Support (20-25%)

• Support and maintain computer-based water quality, wastewater, and water resources modeling efforts.
• Compile and prepare model input data.
• Process, summarize, and visualize model outputs.
• Assist with model calibration, scenario evaluation, and technical documentation.
• Support special studies and research activities addressing regional water resource management issues.
• Conduct literature reviews and technical research on emerging environmental topics, regulations, technologies, and best practices.

Program and Committee Support (15-20%)

• Assist with planning and coordination of technical committees, work groups, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Prepare agendas, presentations, meeting materials, meeting summaries, website updates, and technical memoranda.
• Communicate and coordinate with member utilities, local governments, consultants, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with consultant contract administration, project tracking, budget monitoring, and implementation of work program activities.
• Support special projects and other departmental initiatives as assigned.

Communications and Collaboration Competencies

• Communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Translate complex scientific, engineering, modeling, and monitoring concepts into understandable summaries, graphics, and presentations.
• Prepare professional reports, memoranda, correspondence, and presentation materials.
• Collaborate effectively with staff, member governments, utility representatives, consultants, agency personnel, and stakeholders.
• Facilitate productive discussions and contribute to consensus-building among diverse interests.
• Represent COG professionally in meetings, workshops, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor's degree in one or more of the following fields:

• Environmental Science, Water Resources, Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Studies, Earth Science, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a related discipline.

Experience

• Zero to three (0–3) years of professional, internship, research, or applied experience related to water resources, environmental analysis, GIS, monitoring, or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience using GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS, or similar platforms.
• Ability to analyze and interpret environmental data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard office software applications.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with water quality monitoring programs.
• Experience conducting environmental fieldwork or data collection.
• Familiarity with wastewater treatment processes and wastewater management concepts.
• Familiarity with drinking water treatment and water supply planning concepts.
• Familiarity with Chesapeake Bay restoration, watershed management, stormwater management, or related environmental programs.
• Experience supporting environmental or water resources modeling efforts.
• Experience with data visualization and dashboard development.
• Experience working with large datasets and relational databases.
• Experience using Python, R, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytical tools.
• Experience preparing maps, technical reports, presentations, or public-facing materials.

Desired Professional Characteristics

• Demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Interest in regional environmental planning and collaborative problem-solving.
• Ability to synthesize information from a variety of technical disciplines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and project needs.
• Commitment to public service and environmental stewardship.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based work environment.
• Regular computer use and extended periods of sitting.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

COG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.