Department Information

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 https://dnr.colorado.gov/ 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: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

Division of Water Resources (DWR) :
The Water Supply work unit exists to serve the needs of the public by protecting, preserving, developing and maximizing the beneficial use of the surface and ground waters of the State of Colorado's present and future water supplies and to support the decisions of the State and Division Engineers in administering water in the areas of issuing well permits, Senate Bill 35 subdivision water supply plan reviews, water quality issues including Senate Bill 181, monthly water court resume reviews, water court case negotiations and trials, substitute water supply plan approvals and denials, and public assistance to the water users of the state.

Description of Job

Specific job duties include but are not limited to:

• Directs, oversees and implements the duties, goals and activities of the work unit by planning, scheduling, budgeting and directing all work efforts; by allocating operating and personnel services; by supervising and training subordinates; and by collaborating with other federal and state personnel and programs.
• Directs and oversees the Intrastate Water Supply Team’s analysis and evaluation of well permit applications, Substitute Water Supply Plans applications, Replacement Plan applications, Determinations of Water Rights, Final Permits, Changes of Designated Basins water rights, recommendations to county commissioners on the adequacy of water supply for any new land development projects (e.g. residential subdivisions), water court resume review and strategy on legal matters, and ad hoc referrals.
• Oversees intrastate litigation coordination and ensures proper trial preparation for the Division, to include providing expert testimony before legislative committees, state engineer administrative hearings, as well as state boards and commissions.
• Develops and/or participates in the formulation of policies, procedures, Written Instructions, positions, and guidelines for the state engineer concerning the functions of the Water Supply Branch and Staff for the Colorado Ground Water Commission.
• Receives complaints from water right owners, consultants and the general public; research the facts and merits of such complaints; mediates between the parties or initiates action for a resolution of the issues; investigates procedures that may prevent recurrence of similar complaints and develops and recommends policies and legislation if required.
• Coordinate through DNR regarding proposed legislation impacting operating of the system of Colorado water law or otherwise the duties of DWR in water administration.
• Corresponds with county planners, county commissioners and consulting engineers and attorneys on complex water supply issues.

• Directs and oversees the hydrogeologic investigations of the Hydrogeologic Services Team to ensure the most effective use of that team’s technical expertise in support of the Intrastate Water Supply work.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Current, valid licensure as a Professional Engineer from the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors.

AND

Four years of professional experience as a licensed professional engineer, two of which must have been at the level of a senior authority, manager, or equivalent.

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.

Substitutions:
Appropriate education in addition to that required for the professional engineer license will substitute for the required general experience on a year-for-year basis, but not the staff authority or managerial experience.

If you are using a degree to substitute for the required experience, you may be required to provide copies of your educational transcripts for verification of your qualifications if requested.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
• Knowledge and experience with Colorado water rights, water courts, and well permits.
• Knowledge and experience with historical consumptive use analysis/modeling and groundwater modeling.
• Water administration experience, specifically the application of the prior appropriation system to all manner of diversions, storage, augmentation, exchanges and other aspects to ensure maximum utilization with no injury.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to hear and respond to criticism in a responsible manner.
• Experience managing teams of professionals.
• High interest in public service.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft suites.
• Experience with public speaking including the ability to describe complex concepts to technical professionals and the public in a clear and concise manner.
• 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 schedule - working from a home office with in-office requirements at least two times per month for regularly -scheduled office days, and additional in-person meetings that are scheduled as-needed, as well as the ability to report to the capitol with one to two days' notice. Typical in-office requirements do not exceed five days per month. Overnight travel within the state of Colorado will be necessary, but will occur with advanced notice and is typically limited to less than ten days per year.

( This position will at times have a responsibility to report to work during emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.)

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 State of Colorado Driver's License
• Must be prepared to defend and support actions in depositions or court testimony.
• Must be able to address frequent and detailed inquiries from attorneys, professional engineers and hydrologists from government and private agencies.

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 spb.colorado.gov 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 spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Supplemental Information

• 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.