Engineer III or II - Eastern Regional Office (Vernal)

State of Utah; Vernal (UT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job Stability

Career Growth

Meaningful Work

Supportive Work Environment

Job summary

Utah Division of Water Rights seeks an Engineer III or II to join the Eastern Regional Office in Vernal, Utah. The role supports water rights reviews, filings, hearings, and draft orders under the State Engineer.

Candidates will apply civil engineering principles, perform field reviews, coordinate with local governments, and help manage water distribution and dam safety efforts. Residency in Utah and PE licensure preferred.

Qualifications

• Principles, theories, and practices of civil engineering.
• Use logic to analyze information and draw conclusions.
• Use automated software applications.
• Communicate information clearly in writing; read and understand written material.
• Establish objectives and define strategies to achieve them.
• Coordinate activities of people and groups.
• Make decisions using logic and data to propose solutions.
• Communicate effectively in English; oral and written.
• Control or direct operation of a program or function.
• Know state water right laws, rules and policies.

Responsibilities

• Assist the public in answering questions, reviewing water rights and files, and explaining procedures.
• Conduct field reviews, take measurements, document findings and draft initial decisions.
• Assist regional engineer and staff on water distribution issues.
• Review studies and documents to inform water management decisions.
• Conduct dam safety inspections and prepare inspection reports.
• Attend meetings and hearings, present at public meetings, interface with local leaders.
• Assist in training and supporting other staff in the regional office.

Skills

Civil engineering principles

Analytical reasoning

Written communication

English communication

Coordination of tasks

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

ABET-accredited degree preferred

Tools

Automated software applications

Job description

ENGINEER III OR II - EASTERN REGIONAL OFFICE (VERNAL)

MAY UNDERFILL AT LEVEL II DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

FT / PT Status - Full-Time Salary - $35.25 - $48.00 Hourly Wage Remote Work / In-Office - In-Office / On-Site Application Deadline - 9/9/2026*

• This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Job Description

The Utah Division of Water Rights is seeking a qualified engineer to join our Eastern Region office located at 318 North Vernal Avenue, Vernal, Utah 84078. The candidate serves as an assistant regional engineer and will assist water users in understanding water rights, filing acceptable applications, participate in hearings, and prepare draft orders of the State Engineer. The employee participates in other regional office activities, such as water distribution, stream alteration, dam safety and adjudication.

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-day Responsibilities Of This Position

• Assist the public in answering questions, reviewing water rights and other files, and explaining office procedures, policy guidelines, and statutes.
• Conducts field reviews, takes measurements, documents findings and prepares initial drafts of decisions.
• Assists the regional engineer and other staff members on water distribution issues that arise in the area.
• Reviews studies and other documents to inform water management decisions within the area.
• Conduct dam safety inspections and prepares inspection reports under the direction of the regional engineer and dam safety section.
• Attend meetings and participate in hearings, give presentations at public meetings. Interface with local government leaders, consult on local water right issues, and advise the state engineer about conflicts, problems, and partnership opportunities that exist with local governments.
• Assists in the training and support of other staff members in the regional office.

Qualifications

Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:

• Principles, theories, and practices of civil engineering.
• Use logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions.
• Use automated software applications.
• Communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing.
• Establish objectives and specify the strategies and actions to achieve these objectives.
• Coordinate the activities or tasks of people, groups and/or organization(s).
• Make a decision or solve a problem by using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions.
• Communicate effectively in English; oral and written.
• Control or direct the operation of a program or function.
• Agency mission, goals, objectives, organization, programs, and business practices.
• Develop approaches for implementation of an idea, program or change in operations.
• Knowledge of state water right laws, rules, and policies established by the state engineer.

Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to verbally communicate complex ideas to stakeholders.
• Listen and comprehend concerns expressed by stakeholders.
• Ability to use technical skills to analyze proposals and develop solutions.
• Experience in hydrology, groundwater flow and hydraulics.
• A background and/or interest in water resource 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.
• Preference will be given to candidates that have graduated with an EAC/ABET accredited degree in engineering with the ability to become licensed as a professional engineer in the State of Utah, if not already licensed.

The Best Candidate For Engineer III Will Have

• A Bachelor's degree, or higher, in an engineering field
• Proof of passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE)
• Licensure in the State of Utah as a professional engineer.

About The Role

Location

318 North Vernal Ave.

Vernal, Utah, 84078

United States

Background Check Required

Drug Test Required

Schedule Code

B - Competitive Career Service

Supplemental Information -

Candidates must reside within the state of Utah

Work Schedule

Work Environment, Working Conditions, Physical Requirements

• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, riding a horse and hiking in rough terrain and high elevations.
• Work requires occasional physical exertion.
• May require the ability to 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.
• 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 our agency (or program) click here: Water Rights

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].