Are you interested in investing in a career that makes a difference?
 
Consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. It’s our mission to manage and conserve Colorado’s natural resources for the benefit of people today – and tomorrow. That means we have to balance development with conservation so the state we all love provides similar opportunities for our children and their children.
 
We invite you to explore our website at https://dnr.colorado.gov/about-us to find out more about the work we do to manage Colorado’s natural resources for today – and tomorrow.
 
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.
 
In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:
 

• Medical and Dental plans
• Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Employee Wellness programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• 10 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
• Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

 Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

Division of Water Resources (DWR):

State Engineer's Office

Our mission is to administer the waters of the State to maximize lawful beneficial use, ensure that dams and water wells are properly constructed and safe, and provide information about water resources to the public. Division of Water Resources.

 

The Division 6 work unit exists to serve the public and preserve, protect, and optimize the beneficial use of the state's present and future water supplies.  This work unit exits to administer, distribute and regulate the water of the Yampa, White, Green and North Platte Rivers according to the doctrine of prior appropriation, pursuant to Colorado Statutes, and in compliance with the relevant Compact. 

NOTE: THIS IS A PART-TIME POSITION THAT WORKS A VARIABLE/LIMITED NUMBER OF HOURS SEPTEMBER THROUGH APRIL AND FULL-TIME, GENERALLY MAY THROUGH AUGUST.
 
Specific job duties include but are not limited to:

 
           Regulates the diversion of water:

• Regulates the diversion and distribution of water in Districts 54, 55, and 56 as dictated by applicable Water Court decrees, State statutes and policies of the State Engineer. Collaborates with water officials in Utah and Wyoming for interstate water distribution. Regulates complex stream systems involving direct flow rights and storage rights. Regulates and distributes reservoir releases, exchanges, and plans for augmentation.

 
           Records, codes and enters records of the use of water:

• Observes, computes and records the amount of water diverted, stored and released through each structure.  Analyses and codes diversion records and enters them into database using personal computer. Verifies accuracy of data and certifies the official diversion record report. 
• Analyses water diversion data to determine accuracy for inclusion into reports and records. 

 
           Field Inspections:

• Performs field inspections at the request of the lead water commissioner to verify applications for water rights, well permits, non-jurisdictional water impoundment structures and stock water tanks. Provides reports and recommendations to the Division Engineer.   Performs field inspections of wells under construction to monitor compliance of drillers with the Rules and Regulations for Well Drillers and Pump Installers. Locates the points of diversion for ditches, wells, springs and reservoirs using Global Positioning Units (GPS).

 
           Dam Safety Monitoring: 

• Visually monitors the condition of dams in the Districts and advises the Dam Safety Engineer of any safety related changes. Collaborates with the Dam Safety Engineer during dam safety inspections and participates in the implementation of Emergency Preparedness Plans. Enforces reservoir storage restrictions ordered by the State Engineer.

           Public Assistance:

• Assists the public in the completion of applications for well permits, water rights, non-jurisdictional water impoundment structures and stock water tanks. Establishes good working relations with water users and the general public. Attends public and organizational meetings to provide water-related information and input. Resolves water disputes using knowledge of Colorado Water Law. Make recommendations to the Division Engineer or Immediate Supervisor regarding settlement of disputes.
• Determines which well permit, water right or water impoundment applications should be used.

  
           Enforcement of Colorado Water Law, Policies and Orders:

• Enforces Colorado Water Law and policies and orders of the State and Division Engineers by controlling headgates and directing releases of water stored illegally in reservoirs. Investigates and reports inadequate water controlling devices, violations of dam safety standards, inappropriate water storage and water usage and recommends to the Division Engineer or Immediate Supervisor the issuance of Orders. Testifies in Water Court as a factual witness on water related matters.

    
           Evaluation and Measurement of Flow:

• Evaluates flow measuring devices for adequacy of installation, maintenance, and accuracy of measurements. Performs flow measurements when needed in canals, ditches, and streams to verify the accuracy of measuring devices.

 
Other duties as assigned. 

High school diploma or GED. 
AND 
Four years of engineering or physical sciences assistant experience in water resources that involves the administration of water measurement, control, and/or distribution and which includes one year at the Engineering/Physical Sciences Assistant II or equivalent level.  Experience as a ditch rider, rancher or farmer that involved regulating and measuring water flow through headgates, canals or streams qualifies as experience in water resources.  


Please note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section of your application will be reviewed to determine this. “See Resume” statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

Substitutions: 
Satisfactory completion of course work from an accredited, non-correspondence college or university in civil engineering, engineering science, environmental engineering, mining engineering, earth science, geology, or field of study closely related to the work assignment will be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.  

If you are using a degree to substitute for the required experience, you may be required to provide copies of your educational transcripts for verification of your qualifications if requested. 


Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience with Colorado water rights and water administration.
• Excellent Customer Service Skills. 
• Experience with computers, spreadsheets and writing documents.

Conditions of Employment: 

• Effective September 20, 2021, employees will be required to attest to and verify that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Employees who have not been fully vaccinated will be required to submit to twice-weekly serial testing. Testing details will be provided during the onboarding process. Upon hire, new employees will have three (3) business days to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination, or begin twice-weekly serial testing for COVID-19.
• Note: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, as defined by the State of Colorado’s Public Health Order and guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. 
• Former employees of the State of Colorado MUST have concluded employment in good standing to be eligible for rehire. 
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Colorado Driver's License.
• Must be willing to spend up to several hours per day standing and/or climbing up and down hills.
• Work must be done seven days a week if water conditions warrant during the irrigation season.
• Calls from water users can be expected from early morning to late night during the irrigation season.
• Much of the work is performed outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Candidates must be willing to work on weekends and holidays during the peak season if necessary.
• Must be willing to work alone in remote areas.
• Must be able to perform physical tasks, which may include lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Must have effective interpersonal and communication skills. This work involves a great deal of contact with water users.
• May require work in close/tight/damp areas.
• Must travel daily throughout the water district.
• Must possess and maintain a current valid State of Colorado driver's license.
• Must be able to provide and operate a personal 4-wheel drive vehicle (mileage is reimbursed) and travel off road.
• Must be able to operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) including loading and unloading from a truck. 
• Must be located in or willing to relocate upon assignment to a location near or within Water District assigned.
• Must be capable of understanding and using computers, spreadsheets and other computer software.

APPEAL RIGHTS:
It is recommended that you contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below to resolve issues related to your possession of minimum qualifications. However, if you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
 
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.
 
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

 

• Application Required - completed for this announcement. 
• Cover letter Optional - uploaded as an attachment to your online application. 
• Resume Optional - uploaded as an attachment to your online application.

**Resumes and Cover Letters WILL NOT be reviewed for minimum qualification screening.   


The Assessment Process 
The Colorado Constitution requires all appointments and promotions in the state personnel system be made according to merit and fitness.
 
Application materials will be reviewed by a Human Resource Specialist and/or Subject Matter Expert to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for the position.  Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience and qualifications must be specifically documented on your online application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application. Resumes and Cover Letters WILL NOT be reviewed for minimum qualification screening. 
 
Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the assessment process will consist of a Structured Application/Resume Review.  Utilizing your application materials, the review is a comparative analysis against the listed required competencies, job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and job fit and in comparison to all other applicants for this position. 
 
Comparative analysis factors to be assessed:

• Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
• Depth and Breadth of Experience – How well rounded is your experience? Experience should be varied and not one-dimensional, covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement, and demonstrates progressively higher level of responsibility with a wide range.
• Job Fit – Experience evaluated to determine how well your experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position.  Current or recent experience is preferred.

Upload additional pages if necessary to fully explain your experience and accomplishments.  Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the deadline for application may result in your application not being accepted for this position and may affect your inclusion in future steps in the assessment process.

Additional questions to consider:

• Have you performed duties similar to what is described in this announcement?
• Were you thorough in your descriptions?
• Will the experience you listed allow you to stand out from the crowd?
• Will you be the candidate that could hit the ground running and have impact quickly?
• Does your application material specifically address the required competencies outlined in the announcement?