WATER RESOURCE AGENT PRINCIPAL (WSB)

Description

State of Idaho Opportunity

Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date. 

The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) has an exciting opportunity for a natural resource professional who wants to have an impact on the administration of Idaho's public water resources. This Water Rights Section position is stationed in Boise, Idaho.

There are three levels for this job opening: Water Resource Agent, Senior Water Resource Agent, and Principal Water Resource Agent. The Water Resource Agent job classification is the entry-level position in the Water Resource Agent, Senior career path. The Water Resource Agent position is used for recruitment and training purposes for the Water Resource Agent, Senior position. The Water Resource Agent, Principal position is the highest and full working level of this particular job opening.

Water Resource Agents gain professional experience with a variety of IDWR programs while playing a key role in accomplishing agency objectives for current and future water administration in Idaho. Through various types of on-the-job training, the Water Resource Agent will learn the duties of a Water Resource Agent, Principal and develop the knowledge and experience to work independently. Typically, the Water Resource Agent, Principal level requires two years of experience as a Water Resource Agent, Senior (or equivalent work experience). Typically, the Water Resource Agent, Senior level requires two years of experience as a Water Resource Agent (or equivalent work experience). Upon completion of training and work experience, the employee will be paid at the Water Resource Agent, Principal level.

This Water Resource Agent / Water Resource Agent, Senior / Water Resource Agent, Principal in the Water Rights Section will assist Idaho water users in acquiring new or supplemental sources of water for various uses such as agricultural, commercial, and municipal. The incumbent will coordinate with staff in the Water Rights Section and Water Supply Bank program to review applications requesting the use of water rights leased into the Water Supply Bank. Incumbents regularly interact with the public, responding to inquiries about the Water Supply Bank, Conservation Resource Enhancement Program requirements, water rights, and water appropriation process.

Example of Duties:

• Review water right applications and Water Supply Bank applications for compliance with state and federal laws, and department policies.

· Review Conservation Resource Enhancement Program agreements not to divert and create reports for the Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in multiple formats.

· Explain water laws, regulations, and the Water Supply Bank to attorneys, technical consultants, and the public.

· Serve as point of contact for Water Supply Bank processing and general questions.

· Interpret legal descriptions, survey plats, aerial imagery, and maps to locate and document points of diversion and places of use.

· Work with Water Supply Bank staff and IT staff to design, develop, test, and implement record keeping software improvements.

· Provide support updating and developing Water Supply Bank standard operating procedures and guidance documents.

· Review proposed changes to water rights. Evaluate the impact of the proposed change on other water users.

· Facilitate communication between Water Supply Bank staff and Water Rights Section staff.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Water Resource Agent

• Some knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to calculate water flow rates, pump efficiencies, water storage capacity, and/or land areas. Typically gained by successful completion of high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry classes.

• Good knowledge of hydrology, hydrogeology, hydraulics, and/or water measurement techniques for determining water quantity parameters such as flow rate, volume, pump efficiencies, and storage capacities. Typically gained by successful completion of at least one college-level course in hydrology, geology, or a similar natural resource field covering surface and groundwater principles OR at least two years of water-related field work experience for a water district, canal company, irrigation district, agriculture or natural resource development industry, or natural resource management agency.

• Experience interpreting public land survey legal descriptions utilizing at least one of the following: USGS quadrangle maps, survey plats, or similar cartographic material. Typically gained by successful completion of college coursework in a technical or scientific field that specifically included the interpretation of public land survey legal descriptions; OR at least six months of professional work experience in land surveying, cartography, geographic information systems, or a closely related field.

Senior Water Resource Agent (In addition to the minimum qualifications listed above)

• Experience interpreting aerial photography, satellite imagery, global positioning system, or geographic information systems. Typically gained by successful completion of college coursework in Cartography, Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geospatial Information, or a related technical or scientific field requiring interpretation of aerial photography or satellite imagery and use of GIS software; OR through at least 6 months of work experience interpreting aerial photography or satellite imagery and using GIS software as a regular part of the job.
• Experience applying federal and state regulations and laws pertaining to water appropriation and/or use in a work setting. Typically gained by at least two years related experience as a Water Resource Agent, hydrologist, paralegal, or similar position that requires an understanding of natural resource laws.
• Experience measuring water diversion systems and conveyance system capacities including pump systems, storage volumes, and experience with measuring equipment and methods. Typically gained by at least two years of field work experience as a Water Resource Agent or similar work for a water district, canal company, irrigation district, other agricultural or natural resource industry, or natural resource management agency.

Principal Water Resource Agent (In addition to the minimum qualifications listed above)

• Experience applying the prior appropriation doctrine in water administration or water right adjudication; interpreting, applying, and explaining local, state, or federal laws and rules; and completing multiple tasks such as data collection, research, analysis, and report preparation for natural resource protection or management purposes in a regulatory agency, professional consulting, or industrial setting. Typically gained by at least two years related experience as a Water Resource Agent, Senior (or equivalent work experience).

Additional Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience using GIS applications such as ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro.
• Experience with statistical analyses or research involving large datasets and data analysis tools such as Microsoft Access or Microsoft SQL.
• Experience applying the Prior Appropriation Doctrine in a work setting.
• Experience interacting with upset or confrontational individuals.
• Good time management, attention to detail, and organizational skills.

Benefits:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

To learn more about the Idaho Department of Water Resources, please visit our website: https://idwr.idaho.gov.

Our Mission: To serve the citizens of Idaho by ensuring that water is conserved and available to sustain Idaho's economy, ecosystems, and resulting quality of life.

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.