Job Description
Department Information
OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO 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 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
- 11 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:
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 assist in preserving, protecting, and maximizing the beneficial use of the State’s present and future water supplies by administering and distributing water under Colorado laws of the appropriation system and interstate compacts.
Description Of Job OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO This position is located in Division 1 , South Platte River basin, and responsible for water administration within Water District 1, which is generally from the Kersey stream gage, located on the mainstem of the South Platte River near the Town of Kersey near the City of Greeley, downstream to just above the City of Sterling, and all tributaries.
This position is an individual contributor responsible for the advanced administration and distribution of water in a stream system that is either subject to a call and/or active compact administration. Determine and direct compliance with decreed operations including the diversion of native water but also including more complex operations. Complete necessary steps to measure, record, and prepare diversion records for final Division review for at least one tributary within the service area.
The position may monitor water measurement devices and dams for operational concerns, and conduct field inspections to document conditions for the Division Engineer. The position assists the public by providing basic water information, attending meetings, and working with water users to resolve disputes.
Job Duties Specific job duties include but are not limited to: Water Administration/Regulation - Controls and regulates the distribution of water from streams and rivers to numerous water diversion structures, primarily ditches and reservoirs.
- Estimates/calculates available natural flow and administers inflow to each structure.
- Determines release and proper assessment of transit losses through the stream system, which includes replacement for calculated evaporation to protect direct flow water rights.
- Monitors structures and applies comprehensive knowledge of the water rights priority system and hydrologic factors within the district.
Water Enforcement - Enforces Colorado water law and policies of the State Engineer. Regulates diversion of water of the state by managing headgates, issuing orders, and restricting diversions pursuant to section 37-92-502, Colorado Revised Statutes, and other relative statutes.
- Directs the release of water stored in reservoirs out of priority.
- Statutorily authorized right of trespass to accomplish assigned work duties including investigations.
- Reports and submits recommendations to the Division Engineer for legal orders that may pertain to undecreed diversions of surface water and other issues.
Water Diversion Measurement and Records - Determines and compiles official records of diversions based upon priority of water rights, reservoir releases, augmentation and exchange water use by observation of structures, collection of data, analysis and calculation of water distributed.
- Identifies (calibrates) several water measurement structures to determine structure type, adequacy of installation and maintenance.
- Determines water flow using standard procedures when no measuring device exists. Inputs diversion record data into selected computer systems on a schedule determined by the Division Engineer.
Public Interaction - Investigates, counsels, and mediates water right disputes, applying principles of Colorado Revised Statutes and policies of the State Engineer.
- Participates in public/private meetings to provide data and information, field questions, and/or mitigate concerns.
Water Measurement - Monitors flow of water using a variety of water measurement structures. Identifies (calibrates) several types of water measurement structures to determine structure type, adequacy of installation and maintenance.
- Determines water flow using standard procedures where no measuring device exists.
Field Inspection & Documentation - Accomplishes and adequately documents field inspections regarding water administration matters.
- Reviews field inspections and analyzes applications to determine water rights, well permits, stock tanks, and dams which includes compiling information for the Division Engineer and or water court.
Other Duties As Assigned. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights OPEN TO STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENTS ONLY Minimum Qualifications Five (5) years of work experience assisting engineers, scientists, or technicians with work related to engineering or physical science, which involves the use, measurement, and control or distribution of water.
AND High school diploma or GED.
Substitutions Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a
year-for-year basis.
(Experience as a ditch rider, rancher or farmer that included regulating and measuring water flow through headgates, canals or streams, or experience managing irrigation and irrigation systems, scientific field investigations, municipal water operations, Colorado water administration, code enforcement, law enforcement, or other experience related to water related operations or natural resources is considered related experience.)
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.
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 - Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
- Knowledge and experience with Colorado water rights.
- Water administration experience.
- Water measurement experience.
- Familiarity with reading and interpreting water court decrees.
- Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
- Experience creating, reviewing, and operating digital spreadsheets and databases.
- Excellent public service skills.
- Proficiency with Google and Microsoft suites.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Ability to multi-task and track several projects simultaneously.
- Works well with others and maintains a flexible routine.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Other experience relevant to the use or management of water resources.
The current work arrangement for this position is as follows: (Please note, this arrangement can be subject to change)
- Hybrid: To be determined with supervisor after initial training period with a combination of work from home, field time, some days reporting to the main Division Office.
( This position will at times have a responsibility to report to work during emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. The ideal candidate must be willing to live within sixty (60) minutes' driving time, under normal weather conditions, of where the work station and/or equipment is located.)
Conditions Of Employment - Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify their application from the current position. (Please Note: Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with DNR).
- Must be willing and able to possess and maintain a State of Colorado Driver's License
- Must be willing and able to travel daily throughout the water district.
- Must have the ability to report to the work location that can include off-road conditions and rugged terrain.
- Must have the ability to independently access remote locations to complete work assignments within the district.
- Must be willing and able to spend up to several hours per day standing and/or climbing up and down hills.
- Must be willing and able to perform duties seven days a week if water conditions warrant during the irrigation season.
- Must be willing and able to work overtime.
- Must be willing and able to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.
- Must be willing and able to work on weekends and holidays during the peak season as necessary.
- Must be willing and able to work alone in remote areas.
- Must be willing and able to perform physical tasks, which may include lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Must be prepared to defend and support actions and records in depositions or court testimony.
- Must be able to address frequent and detailed inquiries from attorneys, professional engineers and hydrologists from government and private agencies.
- Must be willing and able to respond to emergency situations on weekends and evenings.
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.
Supplemental Information The Assessment Process - All applications received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed by an HR Specialist against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement.
- Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position will be a structured application review by Subject Matter Experts.
- Resumes, cover letters and other attachments are not considered as part of initial reviews, therefore, it is important to document in your application your education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement .
- Please thoroughly answer all supplemental questions (if listed) since question responses may be evaluated for content, writing ability, spelling, grammar, and effective communication.
- This recruitment may involve additional testing and/or exams to arrive at the top group for interviews.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 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. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us.
ADAAA Accommodations Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact our ADAAA Coordinator at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us at least five business days before the date that any accommodation will be required to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.
E-Verify The Department of Natural Resources participates in
E-Verify in accordance with the program's
Right to Work for all newly-hired employees. Employees are queried through the electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete section 1 of the I-9 form upon your acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment and in addition, on your first day, but no later than the third day, you are required to submit original documents to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S.
Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Toll–Free Applicant Support - Technical Help If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues. Helpful hints: If you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and close the document before you attempt to upload it.
Job Tags
Remote job, Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Work experience placement, Outdoor, Work alone, Flexible hours, Night shift, Afternoon shift,