Summary

This job involves working as a Water Commissioner for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, focusing on managing and distributing water supplies in the eastern region to ensure fair use and compliance with state laws.

The role supports conservation efforts while balancing development needs in specific counties like Pueblo and Otero.

It's a good fit for someone passionate about environmental protection, with practical experience in water management and a commitment to public service in Colorado.

Key Requirements

Current residency in Colorado
Experience in water resource administration or related field
Knowledge of Colorado water laws, appropriation system, and interstate compacts
Ability to enforce water distribution and beneficial use regulations
Skills in inspecting dams, water wells, and related infrastructure
Strong communication skills for public information and stakeholder engagement
Physical ability to work in field conditions across multiple counties

Full Job Description

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 https://dnr.colorado.gov/ 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: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

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.

This position is located in Division 2 with a regional coverage area of Water District 17, 66 and 67. This includes Pueblo, Crowley, Otero, Bent and Prowers counties in Colorado.

Requirements

OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO

The Deputy Groundwater Commissioner acts on behalf of the statutory and staff authority delegated to the Groundwater Commissioner to enforce the use and/or measurement rules applicable to the Arkansas River basin within Water Division 2, primarily within Water Districts 17, 66 and 67 (primarily located in Pueblo, Crowley, Otero, Bent and Prowers counties in Colorado).

Specific job duties include but are not limited to:

Ground Water Administration/Regulation

Conduct Field Inspections to ascertain compliance with Measurement or Use Rules, Arkansas River Use Rules, Water Court decrees, Substitute Water Supply Plans, and well permits. Determine which wells are in violation of Measurement Rules, Ground Water Use Rules, Water Court Decrees, Substitute Water Supply Plans, Colorado Revised Statute (CRS), Policy, Guidelines, Standards, etc. (Rules) and post/issue Orders of the State and Division Engineer at the time of the inspection at the well to bring the well into compliance. This position will work with well owners to ensure proper measurement technique and that the equipment is installed and operating in compliance with the Measurement and Use rules.

Ground Water Enforcement
Under the direction and supervision of the Groundwater Commissioner, accomplishes the enforcement process when owners violate rules or orders of the division engineer. The enforcement process includes on-site analysis and determination if the well is or is not in compliance with the Rules. If the well is not in compliance with the Rules, this position will post an Order to Cease and Desist pumping at the well site. This position will often also notify the well owner that the well is in violation of the Rules and has been Ordered to not divert water until they comply with the Rules. This position will document any violations, posting of Order, and all other information that may be required for the enforcement action. This position will work with the Groundwater Commissioner and the Division Engineer on issuing the follow-up written Order that serves notice on the well owner and assist with compiling and presenting documentation and evidence to the Attorney General for the filing of enforcement actions against the well owner in District Water Court. This position will complete and sign notarized affidavits regarding factual information they witnessed and documented at the well location, as well as testify as a factual witness in water court regarding Rules enforcement.

This position will respond to incoming questions regarding the Measurement and Use Rules, disseminate and explain information pertaining to water availability and use to the public, and to guide and direct water users to gain their cooperation and resolve disputes informally.

Water Diversion Records
Under the direction of the Lead Ground Water Commissioner and other staff, verifies and inputs diversion record data into databases .

Public Interaction
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.

Independent Measurement Device Testing:
This position will conduct their own independent field tests of totalizing flow meters (TFM) and Power Conversion Coefficient tests (PCC) to confirm the accuracy of information provided by independent well meter testers and provide quality control tests of measurement devices.

Public Well Tester Certification and Re-Certification:
Under the supervision and direction of the Groundwater Commissioner, assists with the training, instruction and approval to those seeking to obtain or renew (required annually) well tester certification.

Research & Mapping:
Verify Data Related to Well Location, Ownership, and Legal Status.

Compliance Submittal Review and Approval:
This position will complete the Intake and Review of Compliance Data Submitted (Variance Requests, PCC and TFM Test Submittals, Inactivation Submittals) by the Public and provide analysis to determine if the submittal is accepted or denied. Review monthly usage submittals to record and compile permanent records of water diversions and use.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

OPEN TO STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENTS ONLY

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED

AND

Four (4) 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 surface or ground water.

(General experience may include farm or ranch work, which involves responsibility for water measurement, use, control, management, and/or distribution, or related field of work.)

ALL LEVELS
Experience as a ditch rider, rancher or farmer that included regulating and measuring water flow through headgates and ground water wells, canals or streams, or experience managing irrigation and irrigation systems including surface water and ground water wells, scientific field investigations, municipal water operations, or other experience related to water or natural resources that involved the oversight, management or use of ground water wells and/or totalizing flow meter or other similar types of water discharge and measurement systems, 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.

Substitutions:
Satisfactory completion of course work from an accredited, non-correspondence college or university in engineering, geology, hydro-geology, water resources engineering, watershed science, natural resources, environment science, geography/GIS or other field related to the assignment may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required general experience.

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.
Knowledge and ability to read geographical maps.
Ability to use mapping and GPS software.
Excellent public service skills.
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.

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

(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 assigned work area within Water Division 2 (Lower Arkansas River Basin).

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 assigned work area.

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 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 respond to emergency situations on weekends and evenings.

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 effectively and efficiently communicate with the Public and DWR staff on a regular basis.

The successful candidate must be capable of reviewing; creating and operating computerized spreadsheets, databases, mapping software, GPS units, and word processing software.

The successful candidate must possess an understanding of a variety of different surface and ground water measurement functionality and technologies.

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.

Additional 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.

A salary range is posted for this position and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority as compared to others doing substantially similar work.

While all offers are compliant with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, there is no guarantee an offer will be at the top of the posted range based on the salary analysis.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

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.

✓ Fresh Listing

DWR East Region Water Commissioner

Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

Requirements

Qualifications

Additional Information

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