Engineer II or III

State of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job stability

Career growth

Job summary

State of Utah's Division of Water Rights seeks an Engineer III or II to join the adjudication team in Salt Lake City. You will apply engineering knowledge to analyze water rights and learn Utah water laws to support decision makers with technical reports.

This hybrid, full-time role requires a BS in engineering, FE exam or PE license as applicable, and strong analytical and communication skills. Preference for water rights experience; location in Utah is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
• FE exam or EIT certification required.
• Knowledge of Utah water law and policy is a plus.
• Ability to read and apply laws, rules, regulations and procedures.
• Experience with GIS and water measurement devices desirable.

Responsibilities

• Apply Utah water law and policy to analyze water right issues.
• Review and compose written reports on adjudication matters.
• Conduct research to inform decision-making.
• Review historical documents related to water rights and use.
• Support field investigations of water rights and infrastructure.
• Provide technical support to engineers, hydrologic scientists, and attorneys.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to ensure accurate recommendations.

Skills

Engineering principles

FE/Engineer Exam

GIS technology

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Field work

Reading/writing reports

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or FE exam passed

Professional Engineer license (P.E.)

Tools

GIS software

Hydraulic measurement devices

Job description

ENGINEER III OR II

• FT / PT Status – Full-Time
• Salary – $35.25 - $46.13 Hourly Wage
• Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid
• Application Deadline – 9/16/2026*

Job Description

The Utah Division of Water Rights is seeking a qualified engineer to join our water rights adjudication team. In this position, you will learn Utah’s water laws and policies as you apply your engineering education and experience to evaluate water rights throughout the state. The Division is in the midst of the Utah Lake/Jordan River adjudication, which includes the evaluation of some of the most critical water sources in the state. In this position, you will help to provide the information that is used by decision makers to better manage Utah’s water challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply Utah water law and policy as you analyze water right issues.
• Review and compose written reports.
• Conduct research and gather information to inform decision-making.
• Review and interpret historical documents related to water rights, including legal documents, maps, and historical water use records.
• Assist the adjudication team in the publication of court ordered adjudications
• Perform field investigations of water rights, identifying water uses and locations of pertinent infrastructure.
• Provide technical support to the team, including engineers, hydrologic scientists, and attorneys.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to ensure accurate recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering is required
• Proof of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam is required.
• Principles, theories and practices of engineering.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the various types of water measurement devices including but not limited to weirs, flumes, digital flow meters, and their use.
• Familiarity with court decrees, proposed determinations, distribution schedules and other available documents used in the administration of these water right areas.
• Ability to provide technical assistance to water users.
• Ability to speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing.
• Ability to solve problems using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions; analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions.
• Ability to use GIS technology solutions.
• Ability to teach new concepts and coach in learning situations.

To Qualify for the Engineer II

Satisfactory completion of Engineer -In-Training (EIT) or the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) required. Incumbents have experience working as an Engineer but are not licensed as a Professional Engineer. Most of their work must be reviewed and approved by a licensed Engineer. Incumbents use independent judgment in the modification and evaluation of standard techniques, perform independently on most assignments, receiving technical guidance on unusual problems. Incumbents apply the knowledge and techniques of advanced mathematics and engineering to assignments.

To Qualify for the Engineer III

Must be registered as a professional engineer in accordance with the provisions of Utah Code Annotated 58-22. This is a working level job requiring minimal supervision. Incumbents in this job utilize advanced training, experience and independent judgment in the evaluation and modification of complex engineering situations requiring specialized abilities. Incumbents apply the knowledge and techniques of advanced mathematics and engineering to assignments.

Preferred/Additional Qualifications

• A background and/or interest in water rights law and policy.
• An understanding of common principles and practices of real property conveyance.
• An ability to use logic to analyze complex technical subjects together with the ability to make decisions based on analysis.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and learn new skills.

About The Role

• Location – 1594 West North Temple
• Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
• United States
• Background Check Required – No
• Drug Test Required – No
• Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service
• Work Schedule - Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Supplemental Information - Candidates must reside within the state of Utah

Work Environment, Working Conditions, Physical Requirements -

• Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles.
• Some outdoor field work is required, including the ability to walk by foot on uneven terrain for 3-5 miles.
• Must hike to field locations carrying equipment in various weather conditions.
• Travel within the State of Utah is not an integral part of the position, but may occasionally occur.

Why You Should Join Our Team

Benefits

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah , click here . Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

For More Information About The Division Or Agency

Division of Water Rights

Utah Department of Natural Resources

EEO Statement