Water Resource Agent/Senior

Description

State of Idaho Opportunity

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

This announcement will be used to fill a limited-service position. Length of limited-service appointments are determined by the availability of funding sources and/or program termination.

The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) has an exciting opportunity for a natural resource professional who wants to have an impact on Idaho water issues.

 IDWR is filling a vacancy for a Water Resource Agent/or Water Resource Agent, Senior in our Eastern Region office in Idaho Falls. The person in this position will support the technical needs of IDWR’s Water Allocation program, Water Right Enforcement & Compliance program, and Water Distribution program in Eastern Idaho. The Water Resource Agent/ or Water Resource Agent, Senior will conduct beneficial use examinations and make water right license recommendations, investigate unauthorized diversions, help resolve water right disputes, ensure water right compliance during curtailment orders, initiate enforcement actions, measure ground water diversions, and record annual diversion data.

The Water Resource Agent job classification is an underfill to the full working level of a Water Resource Agent, Senior job classification. The Water Resource Agent (WRA) job classification is the entry-level position in the Water Resource Agent, Senior career tract. The WRA position is used for recruitment and training purposes for the WRA, Senior position. Through various types of on-the-job training, the employee will learn to carry out the duties of a WRA Senior. Typically, the WRA Senior level requires two years of experience as a WRA or equivalent work ex

perience. Upon completion of training, the employee will be paid at the WRA, Senior level. To qualify for the WRA Senior classification the candidate must meet all minimum qualification requirements.

Example of Duties

• Communicate with water users to facilitate water measurement and distribution compliance
• Respond to customer inquiries regarding water rights, filing requirements, statutes, rules, and policies
• Conduct beneficial use examinations, measure flow rates through open channel and closed conduit diversions and validate the development of water right permits for license review and approval
• Investigate potential unauthorized water diversions and evaluate compliance with water right conditions
• Interpret legal descriptions, survey plats, aerial photographs, and various maps to determine point of diversion and place of use locations
• Utilize geographic information systems to analyze aerial photography and satellite imagery to determine water right compliance

Minimum Qualifications

•  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 as 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 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.
• 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.

Additional Qualifications

• Must possess a valid driver's license

Desired Qualifications

• Experience using GIS applications such as ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro
• Experience applying the Prior Appropriations Doctrine in a work setting
• Experience interacting with upset or confrontational individuals

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.