DWR - Deputy Groundwater Commissioner (EPST II) Apply
Department Information
OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO
Consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. Its our mission to manage and conserve Colorados 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 Colorados 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
Division of Water Resources (DWR):
State Engineer's Office
Our 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
The Division of Water Resources (DWR) well metering program is critical to the administration of Colorado water rights and interstate compacts. In river basins where the surface water has been over appropriated such that well administration is required to protect senior water rights, the State Engineer has adopted rules that govern the use and/or measurement of groundwater diversions. The Well Metering Program is required to enforce those rules.
There are, currently, four areas subject to such rules: South Platte, Republican, Arkansas and Rio Grande basins. The well metering teams in each of the four basins work independently of one another as the rules vary slightly among the four basins. There is, however, a single well measurement and public tester certification standard implemented by the Office of the State Engineer that provides consistent guidance to each of the four teams.
The well metering teams report administratively to the Division Engineer, who reports directly to the State Engineer. The Division Engineer has statutory authority for the general administration of water rights in their respective river basins, including the administration of groundwater. The Chief of Hydrography/Well Metering, who reports to the Deputy State Engineer, has senior staff authority for the management and administration of the hydrography and well metering programs. Each of the four well metering teams are supervised by a Groundwater Commissioner, who has delegated statutory authority from the Division Engineer for the administration of groundwater rights and delegated staff authority from the Chief of Hydrography/Well Metering to oversee the well meter testing and certification of public testers in their river basin. Depending on the complexity and geographic area, each team also has one or more Deputy Groundwater Commissioners, Groundwater Engineering Technicians, or Groundwater Engineering Assistants.
Description of Job
OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO
The purpose of this position is to enforce the South Platte well Measurement Rules (Measurement Rules) and groundwater Use Rules. This position handles incoming questions as the Measurement Rules are initiated; helps process variance requests, Power Conversion Coefficient (PCC) reviews, system complexity reviews; and ensures that enforcement actions are verified and properly filed. The position works with well owners to ensure proper measurement technique and equipment. The position will train and certify independent meter testers. This position, will assist others, to provide regulation of water well pumping; to record and compile permanent records of water diversions and use; to disseminate and explain information pertaining to water availability and use to the public; and to guide and direct water users to gain their cooperation and resolve disputes informally.
Additionally, this position exists to ascertain compliance with water court decrees, substitute water supply plans, state statutes, and applicable rules and regulations along the South Platte River main-stem and its tributaries by inspecting water deliveries/diversions either to or from surface water structures or recharge sites as well as initiating any necessary order to bring non-compliant deliveries/diversions into compliance.
Specific job duties include but are not limited to:
Ground Water Administration/Regulation
Conduct Field Inspections to ascertain compliance with the Use and Measurement Rules, Water Court decrees, Substitute Water Supply Plans, and well permits. Determine which wells are in violation of the Use and Measurement Rules, Water Court Decrees, Substitute Water Supply Plans, Colorado Revised Statute (CRS), Policy, Guidelines, Standards, etc. (Rules) and post/issue Orders of the State and Division Engineer at the time of the inspection at the well to bring the well into compliance. This position will work with well owners to ensure proper measurement technique and that the equipment is installed and operating in compliance with the Measurement and Use rules.
Ground Water Enforcement
Under the direction and supervision of the Groundwater Engineer, accomplishes the enforcement process when owners violate rules or orders of the Division Engineer. The enforcement process includes on-site analysis and determination if the well is or is not in compliance with the Rules. If the well is not in compliance with the Rules, this position will post an Order to Cease and Desist pumping at the well site. This position will often also notify the well owner that the well is in violation of the Rules and has been Ordered to not divert water until they comply with the Rules. This position will document any violations, posting of Order, and all other information that may be required for the enforcement action. This position will work with the Groundwater Engineer and the Division Engineer on issuing the follow-up written Order that serves notice on the well owner and assist with compiling and presenting documentation and evidence to the Attorney General for the filing of enforcement actions against the well owner in District Water Court. This position will complete and sign notarized affidavits regarding factual information they witnessed and documented at the well location, as well as testify as a factual witness in water court regarding Rules enforcement.
This position will respond to incoming questions regarding the Measurement and Use Rules, disseminate and explain information pertaining to water availability and use to the public, and to guide and direct water users to gain their cooperation and resolve disputes informally.
Water Diversion Records
Under the direction of the Groundwater Engineer and other staff, verifies and inputs diversion record data into databases as needed.
Public Interaction
Investigates, counsels and mediates water disputes, applying State Water Law principles and participates in public/private meetings to provide data, information and field questions and/or mitigate concerns.
Independent Measurement Device Testing:
This position will conduct their own independent field tests of totalizing flow meters (TFM) and Power Conversion Coefficient tests (PCC) to confirm the accuracy of information provided by independent well meter testers and provide quality control tests of measurement devices.
Public Well Tester Certification and Re-Certification:
Under the supervision and direction of the Groundwater Engineer, assists with the training, instruction and approval to those seeking to obtain or renew (required annually) well tester certification.
Research & Mapping:
Verify Data Related to Well Location, Ownership, and Legal Status.
Compliance Submittal Review and Approval:
This position will complete the Intake and Review of Compliance Data Submitted (Variance Requests, PCC and TFM Test Submittals, Inactivation Submittals) by the Public and provide analysis to determine if the submittal is accepted or denied. Review monthly usage submittals to record and compile permanent records of water diversions and use.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
OPEN TO STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENTS ONLY
Minimum Qualifications:
OR
Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
AND
High school diploma or GED
(Experience as a ditch rider, rancher or farmer that included regulating and measuring water flow through headgates, canals or streams, or experience managing irrigation and irrigation systems, scientific field investigations, municipal water operations, or other experience related water or natural resources is considered related experience.)
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.
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.
- Groundwater administration experience.
- Groundwater measurement experience.
- Excellent public service skills.
- 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 schedule - working from a home office in combination with field duties and occasional travel to the assigned District office 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 willing and able to travel daily throughout the assigned work area.
- Must have the ability to report to the work location that can include off-road conditions and rugged terrain.
- Must have the ability to independently access remote locations to complete work assignments within the assigned work area.
- Must be willing and able to spend up to several hours per day standing and/or climbing up and down hills.
- Must be willing and able to work overtime.
- Must be willing and able to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.
- Must be willing and able to work alone in remote areas.
- Must be willing and able to perform physical tasks, which may include lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Must be prepared to defend and support actions and records 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.
- Must be able to properly communicate with the public, sometimes in tense situations.
- Must have or be able to obtain a Colorado Division of Water Resources Well Tester Certification within the first year of employment.
- Must be able to maintain a home office in or near the assigned work area (City of Broomfield).
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 departments 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 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.
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 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.
TollFree 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.
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