Temporary - Temporary Water Commissioner - Jackson County

Department Information

THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (Anticipated Begin Date: June 15, 2024 through October 31, 2024) - PAYING $28.65 PER HOUR

To apply, please submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters). This announcement will remain open until FILLED. You are encouraged to apply early.

The mission of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources is to develop, preserve, and enhance the state's natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future citizens and visitors. In an effort to build diversity and inclusion we welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

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 serve the needs of the public and to preserve, protect, develop and maximize the beneficial use of the State's present and future water supplies through the distribution of native and nonnative waters according to the laws of the State of Colorado, the policies and regulations of the State Engineer, and the terms and conditions of judicial decrees pertaining to the diversion, storage, and use of water.

Description of Job

DESCRIPTION OF JOB:

This position exists to regulate the distribution of water in District 47 (Jackson County) according to Water Court decrees, State Statutes and policies of the State Engineer; to monitor dams for unsafe conditions and enforce safe storage restrictions; to assemble diversion records for ditches, reservoirs, wells and plans of augmentation; to serve the needs of and provide water related information to water users and the public; to conduct field investigations for the Division.

Water Administration/Regulation

• Control and regulate the distribution of water to numerous water diversion structures, primarily ditches and reservoirs.

• Estimate/calculate inflow to each structure, determine release, 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.

Water Enforcement

• Enforces Colorado water law and policies of the State Engineer. Regulates diversion of water of the state by managing headgates, restricting diversions pursuant to section 37-92-502, CRS.

• Directs the release of water stored in reservoirs out of priority and Statutorily authorized right of trespass to accomplish duties including investigations.

• This position reports and submits recommendations to the Division Engineer for legal orders that may pertain to storage in excess of the safe storage level for reservoirs.

Water Diversion 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.

• Monitors flow of water, identifies (calibrates) several water measurement structures to determine structure type, adequacy of installation, maintenance and 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 / Water Measurement / Field Inspection & Documentation

• Investigates counsels and mediates water disputes, applying State Water Law principles and participates in public/private meetings to provide data, information and 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. Computes hydrographic records from water flow recorder charts. Determines water flow using standard procedures where no measuring device exists.

• Performs field inspections for water right, well permit, notice of intent to construct a non-jurisdictional sized dam and stock tanks, applicationswhich includes compiling information for the Division Engineer and or water court.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Must have a valid Colorado Driver's License.

• Possess strong interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to work with little supervision and work within a team.

• Willing to work outside which may involve inclement weather.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Water measurement experience.

• Water administration experience.

• 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.

• 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, or other experience related water or natural resource.

• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft suites , including Excel and or Google Sheets

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position may perform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling materials. This position may also perform repetitive actions related to data entry and filing.

WORK CONTEXT:

Hybrid schedule - working from the assigned District Office in combination with field duties and occasional travel to the Division 6 office in Steamboats needed. (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 leave within thirty (30) minutes' driving time, under normal weather conditions, of where the work station and/or equipment is located.

This position may perform work outdoors that may include exposure to inclement weather, heat, cold, rain, etc. Walking or hiking may be required when accessing roadless or remote areas. Standing is common in the field. Almost every field related activity requires using your hands to handle, control or feel objects, tools or controls. Bites, minor cuts and stings are a regular occurrence when working outdoors. May be exposed to weed killing chemicals. This position may also perform work indoors that may include repetitive motions, long periods of standing or sitting and possible exposure to cleaning chemicals.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• 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 when 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

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, Anna Kargobai-Murray, at anna.kargobai-murray@state.co.us or call 303-866-2667 x8647.

E-Verify employer:

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). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it. The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.