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This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
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/about-us 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
- 10 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
Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB): The CWCB exists to establish water policy as directed by statutes to address Colorado’s water issues. The CWCB is governed by a 15 member board that includes governor-appointed representatives from each of the eight major river basins, the City and County of Denver and several state agencies. Since nearly all of Colorado’s water originates within its boundaries but is shared with other downstream states, the CWCB works to protect and assure that Colorado maintains its ability to fully use its allocation of the water under various agreements and court decrees. However, the development of those resources increasingly must focus on the wise use of water in recognition of future drivers like population growth that put pressure on state waters. The five major “units” (sections) of the CWCB consist of water supply planning, interstate and federal water issues including water information, instream flow and natural lake level protection, watershed and flood protection, and water project financing including agency budgeting/admin support.
Stream and Lake Protection Section: The purpose of this work unit is to advocate the protection, conservation and development of the waters of the state in order to secure the greatest utilization of such waters for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future inhabitants of the state. Within this work unit, the Stream and Lake Protection Section (Section) exists to develop, administer, and protect instream flow and natural lake level water rights within the context of the State's Instream Flow and Natural Lake Level Program ("ISF Program") by correlating the activities of mankind with some reasonable preservation of the natural environment through the: (1) appropriation and protection of instream flow (“ISF”) and natural lake level (“NLL”) water rights; and (2) acquisition and protection of water, water rights, and interests in water for instream flow use, in coordination with federal and state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other entities and individuals. The Section also participates in collaborative efforts within Colorado’s water community related to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and coordinates with other sections on implementation of Colorado’s Water Plan. Currently, the work unit provides protection for approximately 9,750 miles of stream through nearly 1,700 instream flow and 482 natural lake level water rights within the state. ISF water rights are held by the CWCB in its exclusive and unique fiduciary responsibility to preserve or improve the natural environment to a reasonable degree for the people of the State of Colorado. In this capacity the CWCB is the owner of the largest number of water rights in the state.
For more information about the Colorado Water Conservation Board, please go to https://cwcb.colorado.gov/.
Description of Job
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
The purpose of this position is to acquire water, water rights, and interests in water for ISF use, and to monitor and enforce ISF and NLL water rights for the Colorado Water Conservation Board on behalf of the people of Colorado, to preserve and improve the natural environment to a reasonable degree.
This position functions as the agency staff authority on the acquisition of water, water rights, and interests in water for the State’s Instream Flow and Natural Lake Level Program. The position is responsible for the ongoing monitoring and enforcement of all ISF and NLL water rights.
The position participates in the development of and implements strategies, plans, procedures, and policies for the acquisition and protection of instream flow and natural lake level water rights within the state.
The position has lead responsibility for collaborating with private, local, and state government entities and the Federal Government on behalf of the CWCB regarding acquisitions of water within Colorado’s prior appropriation system while maintaining State primacy to preserve, protect, and improve these Water Resources.
The position also is required to engage in public relations, information and education, and planning activities.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
The Colorado Constitution, Article XII, Section 13 requires that applicants for state classified government jobs be residents of Colorado, unless this requirement is waived by the State Personnel Board. This announcement does not include a residency waiver.
Check out https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply for a quick video on how to apply for State of Colorado and Department of Natural Resources jobs, as well as how to search for jobs.
Minimum Qualifications:
Eight (8) years of professional work experience in any combination of the following:
hydrology, Water Resources engineering or planning, water rights administration, Colorado
water law, or Water Resources management.
- OR -
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in engineering, Water Resource planning and/or management, hydrology, hydraulics, natural resources management, public policy, environmental science, environmental policy, or closely related field of study.
AND
Four (4) years of professional work experience in any combination of the following:
hydrology, Water Resources engineering or planning, water rights administration, Colorado
water law, or Water Resources management.
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:
- Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis (Bachelors equals four years, Masters equals two years, Doctorate equals one year).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
- Experience working on water right transactions.
- An advanced degree in a field of study directly related to the job description.
- Experience working with federal agencies, specifically federal land and water
management agencies. - Experience working with land and water conservation organizations.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Experience as a negotiator.
Conditions of Employment:
- Colorado residency is required at the time of application.
- Former employees of the State of Colorado MUST have concluded employment in good standing to be eligible for rehire.
- A current & valid Driver's license is required for operating a state vehicle and occasional travel is anticipated.
- Must be able to successfully pass a background check.
- Must be willing and able to occasionally exert up to 20 lbs. of force to move objects
- Must be willing and able to make frequent field trips throughout Colorado,
one to five days at a time throughout the summer, into the fall, and
occasionally during winter months.
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
The Colorado Constitution requires all appointments and promotions in the state personnel system be made according to merit and fitness.
Check out https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply for a quick video on how to apply for State of Colorado and Department of Natural Resources jobs, as well as how to search for jobs.
Applicant Checklist:
Complete Applications must include the following documents:
Check out https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply for a quick video on how to apply for State of Colorado and Department of Natural Resources jobs, as well as how to search for jobs.
Applicant Checklist:
Complete Applications must include the following documents:
- A complete online Application for Announced Vacancy
- A cover letter that describes how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application.
- A current resume uploaded as an attachment to your online application
- If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing that your degree has been conferred and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
- If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
The Assessment Process:
The Colorado Constitution requires all appointments and promotions in the state personnel system to be made according to merit and fitness. Your on-line application will be reviewed by a Human Resource Specialist and/or Subject Matter Expert to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for the position.
Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the assessment process may consist of a Structured Application/Resume Review. Utilizing your detailed on-line application, cover letter, resume and transcripts, the review is a comparative analysis against the listed required competencies, job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and job fit in comparison to all other applicants for this position. It is imperative that you provide adequate detail on your application and cover letter to describe how you meet and/or exceed the requirements for this position. “See Resume” or “See Attached” will not substitute for the completed and detailed on-line application.
Comparative analysis factors to be assessed:
- Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
- Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement; varied and not one dimensional; and demonstrate progressively higher level of responsibility with a wide range.
- Job Fit – Experience evaluated to determine how well your experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current/recent experience is preferred.
- Upload additional pages if necessary to detail your experience and accomplishments. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the deadline for application may result in your application not being accepted for this position and may affect your inclusion in future steps in the assessment process.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
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. 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, Anna Kargobai-Murray, at anna.kargobai-murray@state.co.us.
ADAAA Accommodations
Any 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 Anna Kargobai-Murray at anna.kargobai-murray@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-verify
The 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 will 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 at http://dhs.gov/e-verify
Toll–Free Applicant Support - Technical Help
If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, 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.
