Lead Hydrographic Scientist (PSRS III)

Full Job Description

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

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) hydrographic program is essential for determination of water availability, critical to the allocation of Colorado water rights by the State Engineer.

The hydrographic work unit exists to research, analyze and provide hydrographic information used to determine the daily surface water supply for administration of water rights.

The unit determines the location, measurement method and installation/maintenance of hydrographic field gaging/research stations to verify accurate streamflow data.

Numerous federal and local agencies and analysts rely on the data generated by the program including: the United States Bureau of Reclamation for Grand Valley Project power right and Fryingpan Arkansas Project collection system minimum index flow requirements administration; Colorado Water Conservation Board for instream flow water rights; United States Fish and Wildlife Service for Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program; Silt Water Conservancy District for the Silt Project; Grand Valley Water Users Association, Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, Palisade Irrigation District, and Mesa County Irrigation District for Grand Valley Project; State and County emergency management flood monitoring; public and private modelers; policy analysts and decision makers regarding the changes in Colorado streamflow volumes; and water rights use evaluation.

Requirements

The position exists as the staff authority to manage scientific hydrographic expertise of approximately 50 hydrologic/research gaging stations operated/maintained throughout Division 5 to provide accurate streamflow data/monitoring required for compliance with numerous Federal and local agency projects and extensive division-wide primary and tributary river/stream administration.

The position acts as the authority and directs the Division 5 hydrographic program in which hydrographic technicians analyze and assure quality of continuous data compilation, along with development and publication of annual streamflow record data in accordance with United States Geological Survey and State standards established by the Division of Water Resources.

The position determines the most appropriate measurement method, implements the construction of new research gaging stations and provides program management and oversight of all streamflow and diverted water measurement devices and equipment including calibration, monitoring, and repair of stage sensor and satellite transmission equipment, measurement method analysis and protocol, inspection of water measurement structures for accuracy, correction of observed problems and programs to collect data required for water supply forecasting in various watersheds throughout the Division.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience Only:

Eight (8) years of relevant experience with scientific field investigations related to measuring surface water flows or other experience related water or natural resources.

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years. Related degrees include engineering, hydrology, water resource management, or environmental engineering.

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.

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.
• Experience with assisting customers and/or public outreach.
• Experience with complex data acquisition and analysis
• Extensive knowledge of flow measurement device installation/operation including Parshall Flumes and Rectangular/V-Notch/Cipolletti Weirs.
• Extensive knowledge/experience with open channel flow measurement techniques.
• Knowledge of channel control structures and configuration.
• Knowledge/experience with electronic device circuitry, power requirements, wiring, functionality, and programming.
• Other experience relevant to the use or management of water resources.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft suites including Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel.

The current work arrangement for this position is as follows:
(Please note, this arrangement can be subject to change)

• Primarily reporting to the main Division office with potentially extensive field time and limited work from home.

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 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 division.

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.

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

• 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.

• This posting could be used to fill other vacancies of the same level and same reporting location.