What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Resources Project Manager (Water Resources Specialist) position at City of Boulder?
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OVERVIEW OF ROLE:
The Water Resources Specialist is a member of the Water Resources team, which is responsible for the City of Boulder’s source water supply. The Water Resources Specialist manages and coordinates water resource-related projects and activities with a primary emphasis on irrigation ditches. Strong teamwork, coordination and customer service skills are essential to success in this position, which presents a variety of opportunities to creatively problem solve and implement projects and programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Irrigation ditch matters (50%). Hold leadership positions on ditch company boards of directors with which the City of Boulder is a shareholder. Manage resolution of public concerns associated with urban irrigation ditches. Coordinate with other staff, community members and ditch company representatives as needed to support a wide variety of irrigation ditch matters. Conduct research and provide information on ditch easements, locations and operations.
Water leasing program (20%). Manage the water leasing program including performing day-to-day execution of program. Communicate and coordinate in a timely manner with lessees. Maintain and organize leasing records using databases. Maintain and update written leasing procedures and policies. Maintain and improve communications and leasing processes using web-based tools.
Project management (10%). Manage consultants, contractors and contracts related to water resources or ditch projects. Perform field inspections and approve and implement minor design or scope changes as necessary.
Field work (10%). Support instream flow program by performing stream flow measurement and taking stream gauge readings. Install flow measurement equipment. Investigate ditch operations and maintenance concerns raised by community members or city staff.
Education and outreach (10%). Provide information to the community members and other city departments regarding the city's raw water supply system, water rights and ditches by answering phone calls, e-mails, other direct public inquiries, and presenting at departmental or public meetings.
REQUIRED CANDIDATE COMPETENCIES:
Relationship Builder – Actively listens to concerns and is open to the ideas of colleagues, city leadership and community members. Recognizes the importance of collaboration and can build lasting relationships and connections with other city employees, community members and external partners.
Organized – Can proactively and effectively plan, prioritize, and execute work in a timely fashion and meet project deadlines. Has attention to detail and can map out processes and effectively track progress. Is dependable and reliable.
Flexible, Creative and Courageous – Adaptable to changing circumstances and priorities. Able to identify and suggest creative solutions to unique problems.
Conflict Resolution – Comfortable with conflict and differences of opinion. Anticipates potential areas of conflict and proactively works to address and deescalate. Able to steer, redirect and/or reframe conversations in productive and collaborative directions.
Customer Service – Compassionate and empathetic. Communicates tactfully and effectively, with excellent verbal and written communication and ability to gracefully set boundaries. Is patient with people and processes, and models professional maturity in dealing with all people.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical science or social science plus a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a water resources related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Capacity to develop working knowledge of water rights, water policies, and water resources.
Ability to effectively use spreadsheets and databases.
Ability to deal effectively with the public.
Ability to lead projects, tasks and associated teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to prepare clear and concise written correspondence, reports, and recommendations; and to make oral presentations.
Effective organization skills, including the ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to walk, kneel, and climb while performing field inspections and operations and in confined spaces.
Ability and willingness to perform outdoor work and under adverse field conditions, including high elevation.
Ability and willingness to work irregular hours, evenings, weekends and/or holidays, or respond to emergency calls.
Valid Colorado driver's license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Five (5) years’ experience with water resources and water supply planning and analyses.
Knowledge of and experience with the Colorado Prior Appropriation Doctrine, water rights administration, water rights engineering principles and water court proceedings.
Knowledge of flow measurement equipment.
Experience with irrigation ditch operation, maintenance and easements.
Experience managing or supervising contractors and consultants.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
The City of Boulder provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.
Salary : $67,600 - $82,576
