WATER RESOURCE AGENT PRINCIPAL

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 allocation of Idaho's public water resources. This Water Rights Section position is stationed in Boise, Idaho.

This Water Resource Agent, Principal will assist with licensing Idaho water users water rights for agricultural, commercial, municipal, and other uses. The incumbent will performs field examinations to confirm beneficial water use and review examinations performed by others. The incumbent will create manuals and other tools to train IDWR employees in water right licensing procedures, field examinations, and best practices. The incumbent will be part of the IDWR team working to balance water user interests within the State of Idaho.

Example of Duties:

• • Complete beneficial use field examinations to make water right license recommendations consistent with Idaho law, IDWR rules, and program policies.

  ·Review Certified Water Right Examiners beneficial use field exams for accuracy and compliance with applicable statutes and rules.

  ·Create manuals, handbooks, and memos for use in beneficial use field exams.

  ·Train IDWR employees to perform beneficial use field exams, use water measurement devices, and recommend water right licenses.

  ·Respond to inquiries from the public, attorneys, and consultants about water use, water rights, water right records, and the water appropriation process.

  ·Perform other duties as assigned.

   

  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.
  • 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.
  • 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.