Water Rights Engineer III

State of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 81,652,000 - 137,110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

State of Utah is seeking a Water Rights Engineer III to assist with enforcement of water rights statutes and guidelines. The role involves supporting regional offices, reviewing information, and presenting findings to the public.

The position requires engineering credentials, the ability to work with complex enforcement actions, and the potential for senior-level responsibilities in a working environment based in Salt Lake City.

Qualifications

• Satisfactory completion of an engineering degree and the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) required.
• Must be registered as a professional engineer for Engineer III level.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and evaluate water rights enforcement referrals
• Work with referrals through informal efforts to correct violations
• Issue letters and initial orders, hold preliminary conferences, participate in hearings, and assure compliance with water rights law
• Assist regional offices, distribution, well drilling, stream alteration, and dam safety as requested in the preparation and verification of information related to on-going enforcement of water rights law
• Attend presentations, review and compose written reports, and make public presentations
• Other duties as assigned

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

WATER RIGHTS ENGINEER III

This position may be under filled at a level II, I

• FT / PT Status – Full-Time
• Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.
• Salary – $28.49 - $47.85 Hourly Wage
• Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site
• Application Deadline – 10/14/2026*

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

Assist the public with compliance to and implementation of all state statutes, rules, and guidelines pertaining to water rights. Oversee Water Rights' enforcement proceedings in accordance with Utah Code, Administrative Rules, and Water Rights Policies.

Assist regional offices, distribution, well drilling, stream alteration, and dam safety as requested in the preparation and verification of information related to on-going enforcement of water rights law.

Attend presentations, review and compose written reports, and make public presentations.

Other duties as assigned.

To qualify for the Engineer III level ($36.55-$47.85)

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 resolution of complex engineering situations requiring specialized abilities. Incumbents apply the knowledge and techniques of advanced mathematics and engineering to assignments.

To qualify for the Engineer II level ($33.55-$45.57)

Satisfactory completion of an engineering degree and 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 I level ($28.49-$43.40)

Satisfactory completion of an engineering degree required. This is an entry-level job which requires close supervision and limited engineering experience while performing engineering related tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate and evaluate water rights enforcement referrals
• Work with referrals through informal efforts to correct violations
• Issue letters and initial orders, hold preliminary conferences, participate in hearings, and assure compliance with water rights law
• Assist regional offices, distribution, well drilling, stream alteration, and dam safety as requested in the preparation and verification of information related to on-going enforcement of water rights law
• Attend presentations, review and compose written reports, and make public presentations
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Investigate and evaluate water rights enforcement referrals
• Work with referrals through informal efforts to correct violations
• Issue letters and initial orders, hold preliminary conferences, participate in hearings, and assure compliance with water rights law
• Assist regional offices, distribution, well drilling, stream alteration, and dam safety as requested in the preparation and verification of information related to on-going enforcement of water rights law
• Attend presentations, review and compose written reports, and make public presentations
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Or Trainable/on-the-job Qualifications

• Preference may be given to applicants with a Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a closely related field or with professional work experience in Water Rights.

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 - M-F; 8:00 AM-5:00 PM *Internal candidates that have competed probation may have the option to hybrid work 2 days a week and work 2 days in the office.

Work Environment, Working Conditions, Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods of time doing office work and research
• Work in extreme and adverse weather conditions, heat, wind, snow, ice in the state of Utah
• Lift and carry up to 80 pounds as needed
• Drive 4 wheel vehicles and/or OHV's
• Hike over rough terrain and wet and rocky surfaces carrying equipment
• Statewide travel with overnight stays which could occasionally last up to four nights
• Candidates must reside within the state of Utah

Licenses and Certifications - Employees hired for this recruitment will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards found at the following link: https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/search/driver%20eligibility/Current%20Rules

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

About

As one of the oldest agencies in the State of Utah, the Office of the State Engineer - Division of Water Rights has a long history of playing a critical role in the management of the State's water resources. Consequently, water users rely on the expertise of the Division of Water Rights to provide order and certainty in the distribution of Utah's water. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to help people understand Utah water rights, work in a challenging profession that has a meaningful impact on life in the arid west, and shape the future of the State's most valuable resource. For more information about the department or division, click the links below:

Utah Department of Natural Resources

Division of Water Rights

Water Rights Regulation

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].