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 wanting to impact water administration in the Upper Salmon River Basin. This position is stationed in Salmon, Idaho.

There are two levels for this job opening: Water Resource Agent and Water Resource Agent, Senior. The Water Resource Agent job classification is the entry-level position in the Water Resource Agent, Senior career path. Water Resource Agents gain professional work experience with a variety of IDWR programs and receive on-the-job training to develop the knowledge and skills to work independently. Upon obtaining the additional work experience and training necessary to meet the minimum qualifications of the senior level position, the employee can be promoted to the Water Resource Agent, Senior job classification.

This Salmon Field Office position supports technical needs of watermasters to properly distribute water within water districts and will assist with oversight of water district operations. Incumbents regularly interact with the public, responding to inquiries about water use, water rights, water measurement and control, and water appropriation process.

Example of Duties:

• Explain applicable laws and rules for water district operations, water distribution, and water appropriation to the public
• Represent IDWR at water district meetings and other job related public meetings
• Draft and review legal documents and correspondence related to water district operation, water measurement, and watermaster guidance
• Investigate potential unauthorized use of water and evaluate compliance with water right conditions and implement related corrective actions
• Respond to inquiries and assist the public with water rights research and related water appropriation questions
• Conduct field investigations, measure water diversions and evaluate water measuring device adequacy
• Interpret legal descriptions, survey plats, aerial photographs, and maps to locate and document water right points of diversion and places of use
• Review various department program applications for compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, and department policies

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 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 Qualfications:

• Experience using GIS applications such as ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro
• Experience with water appropriation processes and the Prior Appropriation Doctrine
• 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.