WATER RESOURCES AGENT, SR

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 impact Idaho water issues.

IDWR is filling a vacancy for a Water Resource Agent/or Water Resource Agent, Senior at our State office in Boise. This position is part of the Water Compliance Bureau and supports technical needs of water districts regarding water distribution and water measurement compliance. This position will review water districts' water use and assessment reports for accuracy and compliance and will assist with managing various IDWR databases. This position interacts with the public regularly, and responds to inquiries about water use, water rights, water data, and the water appropriation process.

 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 experience. 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

· Conducts field examinations, measures discharge and volume of surface and ground

water diversions and verifies locations, method, purpose, and frequency of water appropriation.

· Migrates water usage data collected in the field during site visits into Department databases using manual or automated methods.

· Interprets legal descriptions, survey plats, aerial photographs, and maps to locate and

document points of diversion and places of use.

· Reviews various Department regulatory program applications for compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, and Department policies.

· Investigates unauthorized water diversions and water right disputes.

· Prepares orders and issues violation notices.

· Explains water laws and regulations to the public.

 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 or satellite imagery, or using geographic information systems such as ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro. 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.

Additional Qualifications

• Must possess a valid driver's license

 Desired Qualifications

• Experience with water appropriation processes and the Prior Appropriation Doctrine.

· Experience managing and analyzing data in spreadsheets and databases using Microsoft Access or Excel.

· 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