DWR - Water Commissioner District 51 (EPST I)

Department Information

• 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

Description of Job

• 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 priority system and hydrologic factors within the district.

• 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 and statutorily authorized right of trespass to accomplish 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
• Knowledge and experience with Colorado water rights.
• Water administration experience.
• Water measurement experience.
• Excellent public service skills.
• Dam safety/design/construction experience.
• Knowledge and experience with management of water-related data.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft suites.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets.
• Other experience relevant to the use or management of water resources.

• Hybrid schedule - working from a home office in combination with field duties and occasional travel to the assigned District office as needed.

• 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.

Supplemental Information

• 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.