Water Resources Analyst

General Summary

The City of Lafayette is seeking a Water Resources Analyst for the Public Works Department Water Resources Division.

Under general direction of the Water Resources Manager, the Water Resources Analyst's work activities will include a variety of tasks that may include water rights accounting, long range planning, water court involvement, working with ditch companies, and even turning headgates. This position will play an integral role in preparing Lafayette's water resources to meet its goals and future demands. The Water Resources Analyst will have the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the Water Resources Division functions.

This is a new position, so the right candidate will be able to help define the role of the Water Resources Analyst. Lafayette has a unique and diverse water rights portfolio. Lafayette is a relatively small organization so there are lots of opportunities to be involved in a variety of work. There is a healthy split between time spent in the field and in the office. Join a small and fun work group that strives for excellence in service. Help supply the Lafayette community with water for its future.

The salary range for this opportunity is $66,666-$100,000.

About the City

Lafayette has an inescapable small-town feeling that provides a sense of belonging and connection. Whether it's eclectic Old Town, distinctive neighborhoods, or unique arts and outdoors spaces, the City has a warmth and character all its own, offering a unique vibe and spirit. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and safely raise a family.

We are a full-service City, which means services are provided directly to our community such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Library and Community Arts Center. These types of services offer employment opportunities for a wide array of interests. The City's mission is to recruit, develop and retain a diverse, well-qualified and professional workforce that reflects the unique personality of the community we serve.

Exceptional City Provided Benefits:

• 100% City-paid Medical, Dental, Vision (up to $25,980 annually for family coverage)

• 401A Retirement Plan (10.2% City, 8% Employee,immediately 100% vested upon hire)

• Life Insurance (One year's salary up to $150,000. AD&D coverage in equal amount)

• Tuition Assistance (up to$5000 per year for approved expenses)

• Employee Assistance Program (free counseling, travel assistance, legal aid, etc)

• Short and Long-Term Disability

• Bilingual Pay

Additional Benefits:

• Deferred Compensation and Roth Options

• Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D

• Identity Theft Program

• Recreation Center Pass

• Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year to use at golf course, waterpark, etc)

Leave:

• First year employees will accrue 80 hours Vacation

• 96 hours Sick Leave

• 24 hours Floating Holiday Leave

• 11.5 paid City holidays.

• Other leave programs are offered to include FMLA, Parental and Bereavement Leave

Under the general direction of the Water Resources Manager, the Water Resources Analyst is a technical and professional position that provides technical analyses, develops and implements recommendations, and supports the daily operations, accounting, planning, and protection of Lafayette's water resources and water rights. This position requires experience or education in the principles of Colorado Water Law and Water Rights Administration.

Essential Functions

The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

Water Resources Operations and Accounting

• Collect and analyze water diversion data, call records, administration, and streamflow to make decisions on water resources daily operations in compliance with Water Decrees.

• Prepare daily water rights accounting for monthly submission to State Engineer's Office, assist Engineering Consultant as needed.

• Provide recommendations for optimizing water rights, including conditional rights.

• Assist with operating, maintaining, and monitoring the raw water delivery system.

• Coordinate with State water officials, irrigation companies, City staff, consultants, and attorneys on water resources operations.

• Collect, maintain, and analyze large amounts of data relating to the City's water rights portfolio.

• Develop spreadsheet programs for data analysis and water rights accounting.

• Produce reports, charts, graphs and other analyses on water diversions, supplies, and projections.

• Assist in implementing raw water leasing programs.

• Monitor source water and associated planning efforts.

• Perform field work to assist with the raw water delivery operations and data collection. This may include adjusting and cleaning headgates, reading piezometers, and utilizing flow meters.

• May serve as the Acting Water Resources Manager in their absence.

Water Rights Protection, Acquisition, and Development

• Assist in the protection efforts for the City's water rights portfolio, including reviewing the Water Court resume for cases that may impact the City's rights.

• Review engineering reports and decrees and provide input and recommendations for Water Court cases.

• Assist with the filing of new Water Court applications for the City, including changes, exchanges, storage filings, and diligence.

• Work with legal and engineering consultants on Water Court cases.

• Develop and maintain systems for tracking and monitoring cases, issues, settlement conditions, agreements, and water share purchases.

• Monitor water rights for sale and assist in acquisition of new water rights.

Represent the City at water user and ditch company meetings

• May serve on the board of directors of certain ditch companies.

• Attend ditch company meetings, including annual meetings.

• Attend water user meetings, including meetings at Northern Water for CBT, Windy Gap, and NISP participants.

Develop and assess Division data and metrics

• Produce reports, graphs, and maps for data analysis and project planning.

• Collect hydrologic data and develop applications for analyses.

• Utilize water resources models to optimize water rights operations.

• Analyze water consumption data for usage trends and savings.

• Research comparative data through contact with other agencies, municipalities, and water providers.

• Produce dashboards, graphs, and other visual aids to effectively communicate information to staff, elected officials, and the community.

Support development of Water Resources programs and planning

• Assist with development and implementation of water conservation and efficiency programs.

• Assist with development and implementation of drought and water shortage planning.

• Develop efficient systems for collection and tracking of division data.

• Monitor consultant budgets and contracts.

• Assist with Division budget preparation.

• Prepare content for the city website.

Perform related work as required and assigned.

May occasionally be required to work irregular hours, weekends, evenings, holidays, and/or in emergency situations.

Typical Qualifications

TRAINING: Bachelor's degree, or equivalent education and experience, with emphasis in water resources, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE: One (1) year working experience in the water resources field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge ofWater Resources principles and practices, including general knowledge of Colorado Water Rights and Administration. Knowledge of the principles of hydrology, raw water storage and delivery systems. Familiarity with irrigation ditch companies.

Effective written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to resolve problems and provide information to the public and internal staff in a responsive and courteous manner and to develop and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of the organization, the public and other agencies.

Ability to plan work activities and develop written work plans and analysis. Proven ability to conduct complex analysis and communicate effectively. Demonstrated ability and initiative to work independently with minimal supervision, to prioritize and resolve problems and to carry tasks to completion. Ability to effectively use technology as required in the office and in the field.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS (in addition to Minimum Qualifications):

Advanced knowledge, experience, or education in Water Resources principles and practices, including an advanced degree or three (3) or more years of experience in the water resources field. Experience with the South Platte River, Boulder Creek, and Colorado River Basins. Experience with water rights modeling and accounting. Experience working with irrigation ditch companies. Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Excel and GIS software.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid Colorado driver's license with a safe driving record.