WATER RESOURCE AGENT PRINCIPAL

Description

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. IDWR is filling a Water Resource Agent, Principal position at our state office in Boise, Idaho’s capital city. Boise is a growing urban center located near public lands and ample recreational opportunities.

IDWR’s mission is to serve Idahoans by ensuring that water is conserved and available to sustain Idaho’s economy, ecosystems, and resulting quality of life. IDWR is committed to achieving its mission through innovation, efficiency, planning, and communication.

To support IDWR’s mission, the successful candidate will conduct examinations to document and quantify the extent of beneficial use developed under existing water right permits, make water right license recommendations, review water right filings, and coordinate accomplishing the statewide water right licensing workload. The incumbent will also work with certified water right examiners and respond to inquiries from the public to support the orderly allocation of Idaho’s water resources.

There are two levels for this job opening: Water Resource Agent, Senior and Water Resource Agent, Principal. The Water Resource Agent, Senior job classification is the entry-level for this position. The final occupational level for the position is the Water Resource Agent, Principal classification. The Water Resource Agent, Senior classification is used for recruitment and training purposes for the Water Resource Agent, Principal classification. Incumbents in the Water Resource Agent, Senior classification 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, Senior 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 classification level requires two years of experience as a Water Resource Agent, Senior (or equivalent work experience). Upon completion of training, the employee will be paid at the Water Resource Agent, Principal level. Candidates with the required minimum qualifications can start at the Water Resource Agent, Principal level.

Example of Duties

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

• Conduct beneficial use examinations to determine the extent of water use and make water right license recommendations consistent with Idaho law.

• Review certified water right examiners’ beneficial use examination reports for compliance with application statutes and rules.

• Create manuals, handbooks, and other guidance material to help IDWR staff make license recommendations.

• Train IDWR staff to perform beneficial use examinations, measure water, and make water right license recommendations.

• Respond to questions from the public, attorneys, and consultants about water use, water rights, and the water appropriation process.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Water Resource Agent, Senior

• 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.

• 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 determining the capacities of diversion systems and conveyance systems 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.

• 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.

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

• Extensive knowledge of water conveyance systems, water measurement techniques, and experience with measuring equipment. Typically gained by at least 4 years of field work experience as water resource agent, hydrologist, or similar work for a water district, canal company, irrigation district, or other agricultural, natural resource industry, or natural resource management agency.

• Full working knowledge of IDWR’s beneficial use examination rules, policies, and Idaho Code governing water right licenses.

• Experience as program coordinator or team lead responsible for prioritizing and coordinating program activities.

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 enterprise-scale datasets

• 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

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.