TEMPORARY AIDE – Rio Blanco County

Full Job Description

Requirements

This position exists to regulate the distribution of water in Water District 43 (White River Basin) 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.

Home office to be based out of Rangely, Meeker, or anywhere in the White River basin.

15% Duty: Water Administration/Regulation/ Enforcement

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. 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.

25% Duty: Water Measurement

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.

25% Duty: Water Rule Inventory and Enforcement

Inventories structure compliance with the Division 6 Measurement Rules, which requires locating structure headgates and/or points of diversion and measuring devices where they exist; obtaining locations of these devices; and determining whether the infrastructure is in compliance with the rules. Where structures are not in complieance with the rules, works with the Division 6 Hydrographer/Measurement Rules Coordinator to discuss options for compliance and/or enforcement of the Rules.

25% Duty: 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.

10% Duty: 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.

Qualifications

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 Steamboat as 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.

Pursuant to the DNR-120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive, any worker who will be expected to drive a State-owned vehicle is responsible for maintaining a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving any State-owned vehicle.

To be compliant with the new fleet vehicle policy, Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) will be pulled for review for workers who:

• Have an assigned State fleet vehicle

• Are required to operate a vehicle as part of the position

• Utilize a State fleet vehicle as a pool vehicle

Successful completion and passing of background screening may be required for placement in this position

Additional Information

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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.

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

*- Duties are all interrelated and may be performed on the same day and any given day. The percent cannot be broken out given the assigned duties.

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.