Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, UCLA
Staff Researcher
Project description: The project is the development and analysis of various integrated water management
approaches within the city of Los Angeles. The approaches will be designed to meet water quality
standards and optimize flood control, water supply – including stormwater, groundwater and recycled
water, habitat, and recreational open space benefits. The efforts will occur on a watershed by watershed
basis – starting with Ballona Creek and Dominguez Channel and ending with the LA River.
Job description: Full-time temporary (12 to 18 months) staff researcher position. The researcher will
conduct a literature review as well as research best practices in other cities, states, and countries (ideally
in similar climates). This information will be used by the researcher to quantify the costs and benefits of
different integrated water management approaches, in particular those related to stormwater Best
Management Practices. Benefits to be researched include flood control (e.g. avoided costs of FEMA
increases or building new flood control infrastructure, water quality, water supply (groundwater recharge,
recycled water, enhanced conservation, etc.), comparison of energy costs from local water supplies versus
imported water, job creation, recreation, and habitat. Costs to be researched include capital costs,
operations and maintenance costs for facilities, and land purchase costs where applicable. Other topics to
be researched include identifying current and future funding opportunities, identification of financial
policy barriers to enhanced integrated water management, status of capital improvement plans and
projects for relevant agencies (e.g. LADWP, Terminal Island Treatment Plant) and cities (Los Angeles),
etc.
Position requirements: Knowledge of issues surrounding the economics of environment, economic
theories and instruments for environmental management, economic valuation techniques, and natural
capital and/or green accounting. Must have at least a Master’s in relevant branch of economics or public
policy (for example: environmental economics, regulatory incentives, engineering economics, ecosystem
services, agricultural economics, etc.) or equivalent experience. Familiarity with Los Angeles and water
management in the Southwest US (e.g. groundwater management, stormwater capture, etc.) a plus. Two
years research experience minimum.
Key responsibilities:
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Research current practices in economics of sustainable water practices, valuation of ancillary
benefits, etc.
Perform economic analyses to quantify benefits of implementing integrated water management
policies in LA.
Prepare research reports on economics pertaining to water management, briefing notes.
Assist with research and writing on other related topics.
Key skills:
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Proven experience in research and writing.
Database management and economic analysis skills.
Experience writing and editing for technical and less technical audiences.
Experience with ArcGIS.
Please email a cover letter, resume or CV, and a writing sample to Dr. Mark Gold (gold@ioes.ucla.edu)
and Dr. Katie Mika (kmika@ioes.ucla.edu)
Application Due: 9/30/14