Water Conservation Section Manager

State of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Hybrid schedule

Salary eligible: hourly wage

Job summary

Utah Division of Water Resources seeks a Water Conservation Section Manager to lead a six-person team and oversee statewide rebate, incentive, and grant programs. You will guide program development, engage with partners, and ensure efficient division operations.

The role requires experience in water conservation, grant management, and strong communication. A background in environmental science is preferred, with a hybrid work arrangement in Utah.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in water conservation.
• Proven track record managing complex projects including grants and rebates.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication; public engagement experience.
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating programs and optimizing operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a six-person team, including workload, hiring, and performance.</br>Drive program development, strategic planning, and partnerships in water conservation and education.
• Evaluate and optimize division operations to maximize efficiency and impact.
• Provide strategic guidance and technical support to management, staff, and external stakeholders.

Skills

Water conservation experience

Program & project management

Communication skills

Strategic & operational insight

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Environmental Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Database technology

Job description

Water Conservation Section Manager

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.
Salary – $27.42 - $45.91 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid
Application Deadline – 11/11/2026*

Key Responsibilities

Job description:

As Utah's population grows, water conservation is essential to stretching our supply and securing our state's water future. The Utah Division of Water Resources is seeking a dedicated, creative, and detail-oriented Water Conservation Section Manager to lead our conservation section and guide a high-performing team of six employees.

In this role, you will oversee high-impact statewide rebate, incentive, and grant programs—including the Landscape Incentive Program, Smart Controller Rebates, and Transparent Water Billing Grants. The section also reviews municipal water conservation plans submitted every five years, assists with statewide secondary metering initiatives, and leads the division's educational outreach efforts throughout the state.

Day-to-day responsibilities of this position:

• Lead and supervise a six-person team, overseeing workload allocation, hiring, talent development, performance reviews, and daily project execution.
• Direct the division's water conservation and education initiatives, driving program development, strategic planning, and collaborative partnerships.
• Evaluate and optimize division operations, programs, and processes to ensure maximum efficiency, quality, and measurable impact.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, providing strategic guidance and technical support to management, staff, and external stakeholders.

Why you should join our team:

The Division of Water Resources is made up of a dynamic team of people, passionate about water in Utah. Your work will support the Division’s mission to have multi-faceted solutions for challenging water issues in one of the most arid states. The diversity of work is rewarding and exciting. This position will give you the opportunity to work with programs that save water.
State employees have options for health insurance, retirement plans, vacation, and sick leave benefits to help with long-range planning and work-life balance. This is an excellent opportunity to be passionate about your job, enjoy the work, and advance as a professional.

Qualifications

Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:

• Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in water conservation.
• Program & Project Management: Proven track record of managing complex projects from planning through execution, including grant administration, incentive/rebate programs, and/or public outreach campaigns.
• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a history of effectively engaging public audiences, media, and regional partner organizations.
• Strategic & Operational Insight: Strong analytical skills with experience evaluating program effectiveness, developing strategic plans, and optimizing operational workflows.

Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree or greater in Environmental Science, Soil and Water Conservation, Natural Resources, Public Relations, Communication, or a directly related field.
• People Leadership: Demonstrated experience supervising direct reports, managing team workloads, and leading recruitment and professional development.
• Utah Water Knowledge: Familiarity with Utah's unique water challenges, water sources, and supply needs, as well as the state's geography and growth demographics.
• Digital Literacy: Highly proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools (Word, Docs, Excel, Sheets) and database technology.

About the Role

Location – 1594 West North Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required –
Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions

Why You Should Join Our Team

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 https://water.utah.gov/

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].