DWR - Senior Hydrographer (PSRS II)

State of Colorado; Alamosa (CO); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Dental plans

Retirement plans (PERA)

Paid life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee Wellness programs

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

11 paid holidays per year

Flexible work schedule options

Remote-work options

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

State of Colorado’s Division of Water Resources seeks a Senior Hydrographer to provide scientific hydrographic expertise. You will measure stream flow, calibrate equipment, and coordinate data collection to support water administration and interstate compacts.

The role requires extensive field work, collaboration with engineers and hydrologists, and ability to train staff in precise measurement techniques and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of relevant experience or a combination of education and experience equal to six years.
• Experience with water rights and Colorado water administration preferred.
• Ability to travel daily within the district and work in field conditions.

Responsibilities

• Establish stage–discharge relationships and compute discharge at gaging stations.
• Inspect and calibrate telemetry equipment for water data quality and availability.
• Coordinate hydrographic measurements and data reporting for decision support.
• Assist with installation of water measurement systems across Division 3 basin.

Skills

Hydrography

Data analysis

Public service mindset

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor or higher in a water resources or related field

Tools

Google Suite

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

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) hydrographic program is critical to the administration of Colorado water rights and interstate compacts. The administration of water rights in Colorado is accomplished by balancing the typical supply and demand analysis. State engineer relies upon water commissioners to determine the daily demand for water from the various water rights owners in their affected area, and water commissioners rely on the hydrographers to provide accurate streamflow data.

The hydrographic program provides the information used to determine the daily surface water supply, the leading source of water to meet the demand. The data generated by the hydrography program is also used by many other interested parties such as emergency managers monitoring potential floods, water rights owners evaluating the use of their water rights and modelers needing to inform policy analysts and decision makers regarding the changes in Colorado stream volumes.

The Hydrographic and Satellite Monitoring Branch is responsible for the collection and distribution of accurate and timely water resources information in support of administration of the State’s waters in accordance with state statue, decree, interstate compact as well as rules and policies of the State Engineer.

OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO

This position is Senior Hydrographer and exists to provide scientific hydrographic expertise to the Hydrographic Branch. Duties include measuring and evaluating data to determine the stream flow quantity at stream gaging stations, canals and ditches in support of water administration. The Senior Hydrographer will assist with the design, installation, and calibration of stream stations in the Division 3 basin. He or she will maintain gaging stations, associated electronics and structures, including stations required to demonstrate compliance with the Rio Grande interstate compact. This position will be the coordinator for Division 3 hydroacoustic measurement program and surveying program.

This position is responsible for answering questions regarding hydroacoustic measurement results, stream gage methods, project construction, and stream analysis from both DWR personnel, state and federal agencies and the water rights owners.

Specific job duties include but are not limited to:

• Establish stage‑discharge relationships and compute discharge using hydraulic formulas for flumes, weirs, culverts, contracted openings, spillways or conveyance structures.
• Inspect service and calibrate all mechanical and electronic telemetry equipment relevant to the gaging station to ensure the quality and availability of water flow data.
• Responsible for keeping all equipment up to date with calibrations in accordance with USGS guidelines.
• Evaluate, verify and compile water flow data using graphical and computer analysis to create an accurate official report of daily discharge for publication.
• Assist the Electronics Specialist with installation of water measurement systems using open channel gaging stations, artificial controls, and measurement weirs for Colorado’s streams in locations in the Upper Rio Grande Basin where data and information are needed for water rights administration, interstate compact compliance and Decision Support System Modeling.
• Responsible for the annual compilation and publication of stream flow records in accordance with the U.S. Geological Survey hydrography standards.
• Train other hydrographic scientists and technicians in the proper use, care, and calibration of precision level instruments and in differential leveling techniques and stream channel surveying methods.
• Analyze and integrate channel surveys with stream measurement data to identify hydrologic characteristics to better define stage‑discharge relationships.

Other duties as assigned.

OPEN TO STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENTS ONLY

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

Six (6) 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 six (6) years.

(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, Colorado water administration, or other experience related water or natural resources is considered related experience.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
• Knowledge and experience with Colorado water rights.
• Water administration experience.
• Experience with water measurement equipment and technology.
• Water measurement experience.
• 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 with a combination of work from home, field time, and some days reporting to the main Division Office.

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

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL” of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives 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.

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 [e-mail] 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.