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.

 

This work unit exists to administer the State’s water resources in the San Juan and Dolores River basins in accordance with the priority system and interstate compacts while maximizing the beneficial use of water in accordance with the Colorado Revised Statutes, court decrees and the State Engineer’s policies, rules and regulations.

 
Specific job duties include but are not limited to:
 
 Water Administration:
Regulate the distribution of water in Water District 34 in accordance with Water Court decrees and Colorado water law. Adjust headgates to control and regulate the distribution of water to diversion structures. This involves regular observation of river flows and diversion structures, and a comprehensive knowledge of the priority system and hydrologic factors. Also, assess the exchanged capacity of the stream and direct the distribution of reservoir releases. Utilize spreadsheets to maintain accurate accounting of water diversion and use. Assist with water administration in other Districts as needed and/or directed by the Division Engineer.

Field Inspections:
Locate structures in District 34, and analyze information gathered and compare with computer mapping and GIS programs.  Review applications for water rights, well permits, gravel pits and stock tanks to ascertain, compile and verify information, and make professional, expert and experienced based recommendations to the Division Engineer.
 
Records:
Collect and record diversion data for all diversion structures in the assigned region and gather, edit and compile official records of each assigned diversion structure according to source, use and type of water by identifying, coding and verifying data collected from physical inspection, water users and water recording devices. This includes computer data input and computer analysis of data using spreadsheets and other computer based tools.

Hydrography/Water Measurement:
Assist Hydrographers with flow measurements to determine stream flows, and to maintain gauging stations as necessary.
 
Public Contact:
Autonomously or at the direction of the Division Engineer, meet with public to discuss various water matters and provide information on applicable laws and procedures to follow for varying situations. Investigate disputes between water users and identify various solutions and alternatives, using knowledge of state water laws in an attempt to resolve these conflicts. Utilize interpersonal skills while attempting to resolve these conflicts. Attend water district meetings.
 
Dam Safety:
Work with Dam Safety Engineer during Dam Safety inspections, at the direction of the Division Engineer, or autonomously as necessary, make independent dam safety inspections on low hazard dams in Districts 34 to ensure public safety.
 
Clerical / Office:
General office duties including organizing water court case documents, assist public with well permitting and water rights applications or research, and various other duties.
 
Rule Enforcement: 
Enforce Colorado water law and policies of the State and Division Engineers. Regulate diversions of water by controlling and locking headgates and issuing orders restricting diversions pursuant to Sec. 37-92-502,C.R.S. Release water illegally stored in reservoirs. Utilize statutorily authorized right of trespass in order to carry out official duties. Investigate and makes reports or recommendations for legal orders by Division Engineer, which may pertain to storage in excess of safe storage level for reservoirs, cease & desist orders requiring curtailment of out-of-priority diversions, and illegal use of wells.
 
Other duties as assigned.