DWR - River Operations and Compact Coordinator (PSRS IV)
Salary
$8,175.00 - $12,076.00 Monthly
Location
Alamosa, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
PEA 00532 09/26
Department
Department of Natural Resources
Division
Division of Water Resources
Opening Date
09/21/2026
Closing Date
10/5/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
301 Murphy Drive, Alamosa CO 81101
Hiring Pay Rate
Employees new to State Government will be paid on a bi-weekly basis.
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Catie.Weber@state.co.us
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Department Information
OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO
Are you interested in investing in a career that makes a difference?
Consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. It's our mission to manage and conserve Colorado's natural resources for the benefit of people today - and tomorrow. That means we have to balance development with conservation so the state we all love provides similar opportunities for our children and their children.
We invite you to explore our website at https://dnr.colorado.gov/ to find out more about the work we do to manage Colorado's natural resources for today - and tomorrow.
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.
In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch
Division of Water Resources (DWR):
State Engineers Office
Our mission is to administer the waters of the State to maximize lawful beneficial use, ensure that dams and water wells are properly constructed and safe, and provide information about water resources to the public. Division of Water Resources
This work unit exists to serve the public and provide support to the State Engineer and Division Engineer in their duty to administer the water resources of the Rio Grande basin to maximize the beneficial use of water in accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes, court decrees and State Engineer policies, rules and regulations in accordance with the priority system, while maintaining obligations to downstream states provided through an interstate compact.
This work unit is critical to the implementation and day to day administration of actual diversions, releases, and replacement of injurious depletions into rivers and streams, storage and other components required by court decrees, statutes, rules, and regulations. This work unit ensures that these operations are in accordance with these governing regulations, as well as ensuring that these operations are properly measured, recorded, and published as required by statute.
Description of Job
OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO
The River Operations Coordinator supervises and/or provides leadership, guidance and oversight to the Water Commissioners in Division Three pertaining to the allocation, documentation, and administration of surface water diversions in the Rio Grande basin. This position will assist in the analysis and operations of surface water rights associated with reservoir operations, Subdistrict Plans of Water Management, Augmentation Plans, and Substitute Water Supply Plans (SWSPs), including providing, as necessary, written protocol and guidance to staff.
This position will also participate in the preparation of any necessary enforcement orders related to surface water and follow through on those orders, and may be called upon to provide expert testimony in Water Court hearings and trials.
Specific job duties include but are not limited to:
Supervision and Oversight of Water Districts and Staff:
Provides supervision and oversight of the Water Commissioners for Water Division 3. Responsible for overseeing the goals and objectives of the work group, coordinating and prioritizing project assignments, providing technical support, performance planning and appraisal; arbitrating disputes, monitoring any corrective action measures, observing field work, coordinating training and overseeing the preparation of annual water diversion records for publication.
Manage and Oversee Daily Administration and Enforcement:
Supervise daily administration and enforcement of the water priority system for assigned staff in Water Division 3. This includes the proper interpretation of available water supply and its distribution, control and regulation on a daily basis pursuant to water decrees, state statutes and interstate compacts, while maintaining the needs of the operations of several Subdistrict Activities, including forbearance plans, Augmentation Plans and SWSPs, as well as the needs of senior appropriators.
Augmentation Plan Analysis, Administration, and Enforcement:
This position is responsible for the oversight of surface water operations to support the execution of SWSPs, Augmentation Plans and Plans of Water Management for the Subdistricts. Coordination with the Subdistrict operations group and impacted Water Commissioners and other DWR staff to ensure proper analysis, notice and implementation of the mechanics of those plans is critical for real time administration. This position develops plans of administration for SWSPs, Augmentation Plans and Plans of Water Management and reviews these plans with Water Commissioners to ensure plans are implemented and operated in accordance with their respective approval conditions and ensures the necessary record keeping is maintained to certify compliance.
Support, Develop, and Coordinate Administrative Staffing Procedures/Techniques:
Coordinate and support the Assistant Division Engineers and other division supervisors in the development of water administration staff procedures and techniques. Assist in training staff regarding working knowledge, protocol and strategies regarding water administration and agency business process. Support the Assistant Division Engineer and other division staff in
their areas of responsibility to allow overlap and coverage in the event of absence and to support the transition of institutional knowledge and succession planning.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
OPEN TO STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENTS ONLY
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience Only:
Nine (9) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to nine (9) years.
(Experience that includes regulating and measuring water flow through headgates, canals or streams, or experience managing irrigation and irrigation systems, water administration, augmentation plans/coordination, or other experience related to water supply administration as a natural resource is considered related experience.)
Please note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section of your application will be reviewed to determine this. "See Resume" statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.
If you are using a degree to substitute for the required experience, you may be required to provide copies of your educational transcripts for verification of your qualifications if requested.
Preferred Qualifications:
The current work arrangement for this position is as follows:
(Please note, this arrangement can be subject to change)
(This position will at times have a responsibility to report to work during emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. The ideal candidate would be willing to live within sixty (60) minutes driving time, under normal weather conditions, of where the work station and/or equipment is located.)
Conditions of Employment:
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify their application from the current position. (Please Note: Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with DNR).
Must be willing and able to travel daily throughout the Division.
Must have the ability to report to the work location that can include off-road conditions and rugged terrain.
Must have the ability to independently access remote locations to complete work assignments within the Division.
Must be willing and able to spend up to several hours per day standing and/or climbing up and down hills.
Must be willing and able to perform duties seven days a week if water conditions warrant during the irrigation season.
Must be willing and able to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.
Must be willing and able to work on weekends and holidays during the peak season as necessary.
Must be willing and able to work alone in remote areas.
Must be willing and able to perform physical tasks, which may include lifting up to 50 lbs.
Must be prepared to defend and support actions and records in depositions or court testimony.
Must be able to address frequent and detailed inquiries from attorneys, professional engineers and hydrologists from government and private agencies.
Must be willing and able to respond to emergency situations on weekends and evenings.
Address frequent and detailed inquiries from attorneys, professional engineers, and hydrologists from government and private agencies.
Be capable of reviewing, creating, and operating computerized spreadsheets and databases.
Must be able to manage, supervise and train several subordinate positions on daily and long term tasks, managing dynamic and changing priorities.
Work independently making real time decisions that may have great impact on the parties involved.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
Ability to interpret and implement complex water court decrees in a timely and accurate manner.
Pursuant to the DNR-120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive, any worker who will be expected to drive a State-owned vehicle is responsible for maintaining a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving any State-owned vehicle.
To be compliant with the new fleet vehicle policy, Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) will be pulled for review for workers who:
APPEAL RIGHTS:
It is recommended that you contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below to resolve issues related to your possession of minimum qualifications. However, if you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
Supplemental Information
The Assessment Process
All applications received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed by an HR Specialist against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement.
Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position will be a structured application review by Subject Matter Experts.
Resumes, cover letters and other attachments are not considered as part of initial reviews, therefore, it is important to document in your application your education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement.
Please thoroughly answer all supplemental questions (if listed) since question responses may be evaluated for content, writing ability, spelling, grammar, and effective communication.
This recruitment may involve additional testing and/or exams to arrive at the top group for interviews.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
ADAAA Accommodations
Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us at least five business days before the date that any accommodation will be required to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.
E-Verify
The Department of Natural Resources participates in E-Verify in accordance with the programs Right to Work for all newly-hired employees. Employees are queried through the electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete section 1 of the I-9 form upon your acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment and in addition, on your first day, but no later than the third day, you are required to submit original documents to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Toll-Free Applicant Support - Technical Help
If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues. Helpful hints: If you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and close the document before you attempt to upload it.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agencys contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
The Colorado Constitution, Article XII, Section 13 requires that APPLICANTS for state classified government jobs be residents of Colorado, unless this requirement is waived by the State Personnel Board. There is no residency waiver for this announcement. Please confirm that you are a current resident of Colorado.
02
Current and former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or who were deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation) must disclose this information on the application.
03
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify you application from the current position:
04
If you are using education to meet or substitute for qualifications, did you upload a copy of your official or unofficial transcript? (Your transcript is required as verification that you meet the requirements).
05
Did you upload your résumé and cover letter to this on-line application?
06
Part, or all, of the assessment for this position involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Please verify that you understand that the failure to include adequate information or attachments to your job application may affect your final score and/or prevent you from competing in any subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.
07
If you are a veteran who is eligible for preference points, did you upload/attach your DD-214? Veterans who wish to seek disability preference points based on a service related disability must submit acceptable documentation to support your claim for veterans preference (exclude specific/private medical information).
08
Please describe your knowledge and experience with Colorado water rights:
09
Please describe your water administration experience:
10
Please describe your water measurement experience:
11
Please describe your supervisory experience:
12
Please rate your experience working with Google and Microsoft Suite:
13
Why do you feel you would be the ideal candidate for this position?
14
Do you have an intimate or familial relationship with anyone who works at DNR or DWR?
15
Do you or your family have any private interests that could result in a conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest with the job duties of this position (such as personal water rights)?
Required Question
Employer State of Colorado
Address See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website https://careers.colorado.gov/
| Location | Alamosa, CO |
| Salary | $8,175–$12,076 Per Year |
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