DWR - River Operations and Compact Coordinator (PSRS IV)

State of Colorado; Alamosa (CO); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The River Operations Coordinator in the Division of Water Resources oversees the allocation, documentation, and administration of surface water diversions in the Rio Grande basin. You will guide Water Commissioners, analyze SWSPs and augmentation plans, and support enforcement actions as needed.

The role requires coordinating with subdistricts, ensuring compliance with decrees, and providing expert testimony in Water Court when necessary. Strong leadership and field oversight are essential.

Qualifications

• Nine years of relevant experience in water resources or related field.
• Experience with water rights and administration.
• Ability to interpret water court decrees.
• Willingness to travel daily.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Water Commissioners for Division 3 and provide technical leadership.
• Oversee daily administration and enforcement of the water priority system.
• Coordinate SWSPs, Augmentation Plans and Plans of Water Management.
• Develop administration plans and ensure records, notices, and compliance.
• Provide guidance and participate in enforcement orders and Water Court testimony.

Skills

Water administration

Supervisory skills

Public service mindset

Attention to detail

Education

Nine years of relevant experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Google Sheets

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 serve the public and provide support to the State Engineer and Division Engineer in their duty to administer the water resources of the Rio Grande basin to maximize the beneficial use of water in accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes, court decrees and State Engineer policies, rules and regulations in accordance with the priority system, while maintaining obligations to downstream states provided through an interstate compact.

This work unit is critical to the implementation and day to day administration of actual diversions, releases, and replacement of injurious depletions into rivers and streams, storage and other components required by court decrees, statutes, rules, and regulations. This work unit ensures that these operations are in accordance with these governing regulations, as well as ensuring that these operations are properly measured, recorded, and published as required by statute.

River Operations Coordinator

The River Operations Coordinator supervises and/or provides leadership, guidance and oversight to the Water Commissioners in Division Three pertaining to the allocation, documentation, and administration of surface water diversions in the Rio Grande basin. This position will assist in the analysis and operations of surface water rights associated with reservoir operations, Subdistrict Plans of Water Management, Augmentation Plans, and Substitute Water Supply Plans (SWSPs), including providing, as necessary, written protocol and guidance to staff.

This position will also participate in the preparation of any necessary enforcement orders related to surface water and follow through on those orders, and may be called upon to provide expert testimony in Water Court hearings and trials.

Specific job duties include but are not limited to:

Supervision and Oversight of Water Districts and Staff

Provides supervision and oversight of the Water Commissioners for Water Division 3. Responsible for overseeing the goals and objectives of the work group, coordinating and prioritizing project assignments, providing technical support, performance planning and appraisal; arbitrating disputes, monitoring any corrective action measures, observing field work, coordinating training and overseeing the preparation of annual water diversion records for publication.

Manage and Oversee Daily Administration and Enforcement

Supervise daily administration and enforcement of the water priority system for assigned staff in Water Division 3. This includes the proper interpretation of available water supply and its distribution, control and regulation on a daily basis pursuant to water decrees, state statutes and interstate compacts, while maintaining the needs of the operations of several Subdistrict Activities, including forbearance plans, Augmentation Plans and SWSPs, as well as the needs of senior appropriators.

Augmentation Plan Analysis, Administration, and Enforcement

This position is responsible for the oversight of surface water operations to support the execution of SWSPs, Augmentation Plans and Plans of Water Management for the Subdistricts. Coordination with the Subdistrict operations group and impacted Water Commissioners and other DWR staff to ensure proper analysis, notice and implementation of the mechanics of the plans is critical for real time administration. This position develops plans of administration for SWSPs, Augmentation Plans and Plans of Water Management and reviews these plans with Water Commissioners to ensure plans are implemented and operated in accordance with their respective approval conditions and ensures the necessary record keeping is maintained to certify compliance.

Support, Develop, and Coordinate Administrative Staffing Procedures/Techniques

Coordinate and support the Assistant Division Engineers and other division supervisors in the development of water administration staff procedures and techniques. Assist in training staff regarding working knowledge, protocol and strategies regarding water administration and agency business process. Support the Assistant Division Engineer and other division staff in their areas of responsibility to allow overlap and coverage in the event of absence and to support the transition of institutional knowledge and succession planning.

Other duties as assigned.

OPEN TO STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENTS ONLY

Minimum Qualifications

Experience Only: Nine (9) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.

OR

Education and Experience: A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to nine (9) years.

(Experience that includes regulating and measuring water flow through headgates, canals or streams, or experience managing irrigation and irrigation systems, water administration, augmentation plans/coordination, or other experience related to water supply administration as a natural resource 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.

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.
• Excellent public service skills.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft suites.
• Other experience relevant to the use or management of water resources.
• Field Water Administration and Water Accounting experience.
• Superb supervisory and leadership skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task and track several projects simultaneously: work well with others and maintain a flexible routine.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient use of computers including strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Excel and Access.

The current work arrangement for this position is as follows:

(Please note, this arrangement can be subject to change)

• Hybrid: After initial training period, working occasionally from a home office in combination with field duties and travel to the assigned Division office as approved by Supervisor.

This position will at times have a responsibility to report to work during emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. The ideal candidate would 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 travel daily throughout the Division.
• 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 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 if water conditions warrant during the irrigation season.
• 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.
• Must be willing and able to respond to emergency situations on weekends and evenings.
• Address frequent and detailed inquiries from attorneys, professional engineers, and hydrologists from government and private agencies.
• Be capable of reviewing, creating, and operating computerized spreadsheets and databases.
• Must be able to manage, supervise and train several subordinate positions on daily and long term tasks, managing dynamic and changing priorities.
• Work independently making real time decisions that may have great impact on the parties involved.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
• Ability to interpret and implement complex water court decrees in a timely and accurate manner.
• 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

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.

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.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL