Salary : $5,921.00 - $8,747.00 MonthlyLocation : Alamosa, COJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: PEA 00280 12/24Department: Department of Natural ResourcesDivision: Division of Water ResourcesOpening Date: 12/06/2024Closing Date: 1/1/2025 11:59 PM MountainFLSA: Determined by PositionPrimary Physical Work Address: 301 MURPHY DRIVE ALAMOSA, CO 81101Hiring Pay Rate: Employees new to State Government will be paid on a bi-weekly basis.FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.Department Contact Information: ...@state.co.usSalary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.Type of Announcement: A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.Department InformationThis posting is open to both residents and non-residents of the State of Colorado.However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establishresidence in the State of Colorado by your start date.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 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: Division of Water Resources (DWR):State Engineer's OfficeOur 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.This work unit exists to distribute and manage surface and ground water in the Rio Grande Basin according to the State's water rights system and in compliance with interstate compacts and decrees. Description of Job This posting is open to both residents and non-residents of the State of Colorado.However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establishresidence in the State of Colorado by your start date.The purpose of this position is to assist the Division Engineer in performing such functions and duties as specified by state statute and to carry out duties and orders of the State Engineer within the geographical area of Water This position exists to provide operational support to the Division 3 engineering group. This includes assisting the public with water court applications and cases, assisting other Division 3 engineering positions in the analyses of water court, SWSP, and EQIP applications, and in the recommendation of the position that DWR should take in these cases; assist with enforcing compliance with decrees, statutes, permits, rules and regulations, and compacts; assist with resolving disputes concerning water rights and use; review technical studies related to water resources engineering and water rights administration; and inform, disseminate information to, and assist water users, professionals and staff regarding water use, water rights, water allocation and state statutes pertaining to water use.Specific job duties include but are not limited to:
- Works with other Engineers to interpret and enforce statutes, decrees, interstate compacts, permits, rules and regulations and court decisions by conducting field investigations and drafting studies and reports; by drafting opinions to the water court regarding filings for water rights; by recommending the issuance of orders regulating and controlling water use; and by recommending and implementing legal enforcement actions to secure compliance.
- Coordinate with other DWR staff to determine that all required measuring and recording devices are installed and accurate in accordance with water court decree terms and conditions in order for a water user to operate under the decree.
- Using knowledge of surface and ground water hydrology, geology, advanced computer programs, and Colorado water law, analyze Water Court applications, engineering reports, and proposed decrees to ensure compliance with law, sound engineering principles, and guidelines of the Division.
- With oversight and direction by the Division Engineer, devise and implement data collection and monitoring of groundwater/surface water interactions with respect to individual water rights, Subdistricts, and replacement plan operations.
- Investigate, compile, research, analyze and interpret court decrees, statutes, interstate compacts, real-time and historic stream flows, trans-mountain diversions, well permits and reservoir operations.
- Reviews and determines if reporting and technical documents submitted by water users in accordance with water court decrees, such as Lawn Irrigation Return Flows (LIRF), Municipal Return Flow (MRF), municipal base flow determinations, etc., are in accordance with water court decrees.
- Research hydrologic variations, proposed replacement systems, and legal and administrative constraints on individual water structures or groups of interrelated systems.
- Research stream transit losses and devise methods to test and evaluate loss rates to evaluate and recommend changes to operations to address losses in exchange capability and releases for augmentation purposes.
- Assist in the investigation/study of the operations of the Costilla Creek and Rio Grande Compacts.
Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal RightsThis posting is open to both residents and non-residents of the State of Colorado.However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establishresidence in the State of Colorado by your start date. Minimum Qualifications:Current enrollment as an Engineer Intern by the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors.ORCurrent, valid licensure as a Professional Engineer from the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors will substitute for the enrollment as an Engineer Intern.ORCurrent valid licensure as a Professional Engineer in the United States that can be transferred under the State of Colorado Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors within three (3) months of hire.ORMust be enrolled with the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors as an Engineer Intern within three (3) months of hire.Please note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section of your application will be reviewed to determine this. See Resume statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.Preferred Qualifications:
- Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
- Knowledge and experience with Colorado water law.
- Knowledge and experience with water resource engineering.
- Water administration experience.
- Water measurement experience.
- Experience managing programs and projects.
- Excellent public service skills.
- Knowledge and experience with Colorado water rights.
- 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 reporting to the Division Office.
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 possess and maintain a valid State of Colorado Driver's License.
- Current enrollment as an Engineer Intern or current valid license as a Professional Engineer by the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors, or to enroll within three (3) months of hire.
- Must be a resident of Colorado by the start date if not already.
- Must gain and maintain valid licensure as a Professional Engineer with the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors within seven (7) years of hire.
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 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 under Rules. Supplemental InformationThe 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 recruitment may be used to fill more than one vacancy at this level and reporting location.
Equity, Diversity, and InclusionThe State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive 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.The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, at ...@state.co.us. ADAAA AccommodationsAny 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 ...@state.co.us 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-VerifyThe 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 HelpIf you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-###-####, 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.Former State EmployeesFormer employees of the Colorado Department of Transportation System or any other State of Colorado Department or Agency, who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination, must disclose this information on his/her application. The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the Print icon.01 Current and former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or who were deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation) must disclose this information on the application.
- I am not a current or former State of Colorado classified employee.
- I am a current or former State of Colorado employee but have NEVER been disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation).
- I am a current or former State of Colorado employee and have been disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation). NOTE: Failure to disclose this information and/or falsification of Application materials may result in being removed from consideration for this position.
02 Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify you application from the current position: 03 Did you upload your rsum and cover letter to this on-line application?
04 Part, or all, of the assessment for this position involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Please verify that you understand that the failure to include adequate information or attachments to your job application may affect your final score and/or prevent you from competing in any subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.
05 If you are a veteran who is eligible for preference points, did you upload/attach your DD-214? Veterans who wish to seek disability preference points based on a service related disability must submit acceptable documentation to support your claim for veterans' preference (exclude specific/private medical information).
06 Are you currently enrolled as an Engineer Intern by the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors?
07 Please describe your engineering experience: 08 Please describe your experience reading and/or interpreting legal documents (such as water decrees, state statutes, etc.): 09 Excellent public service and interpersonal skills are a critical part of this role. Please describe your experience and how you have utilized these skillsets. 10 Please describe your level of experience working in Excel and/or in a similar spreadsheet program: 11 Please describe any other experience relevant to the use or management of water resources: 12 Are you currently licensed as a Professional Engineer and if so in which state? 13 Do you have an intimate or familial relationship with anyone who works at DNR or DWR? 14 Do you or your family have any private interests that could result in a conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest with the job duties of this position (such as personal water rights)? Required Question