Water Resource Agent/Sr

State of Idaho Opportunity

Applications will be accepted through 11:59 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 be a part of the administration of Idaho's public water resources. IDWR's mission is to serve Idahoans by ensuring their 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. The position is within the Water Rights Section of IDWR stationed in Boise, Idaho.

The candidate in this position performs a key role in accomplishing agency objectives for water administration in Idaho by supporting the Water Supply Bank (WSB) program. There are two levels for this position, Water Resource Agent, and Water Resource Agent, Senior. The Water Resource Agent job classification is the entry-level position. Through on-the-job training the Water Resource Agent will gain professional experience, learn the duties and skills of the position, and develop the knowledge and experience to work independently. Upon completion of training, the employee will be given the opportunity to progress to the Water Resource Agent, Senior level.

Example of Duties

• Review and recommend approval or denial of WSB applications consistent with Idaho water law and IDWR policies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date water right records in multiple formats.
• Assist the public, agency staff, attorneys, and consultants with answers to WSB and water right questions.
• Interpret legal descriptions, aerial imagery, and maps to locate water right places of use.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Water Resource Agent

• Some knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. 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 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.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience performing data management activities such as database development/and or maintenance, data collection, analysis, research, and conducting database queries using Microsoft Access or Microsoft SQL Management Studio.
• Experience maintaining professional composure while interacting with angry, upset, or hostile customers.
• Good time management and technical writing 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 ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.