Assistant Regional Engineer

Job Title: Engineer III, II, I
Location: Price, Utah

Job Description:
The Division of Water Rights is seeking an inquisitive, dedicated, and detail-oriented Engineer to fill an entry/mid-level position as Assistant Regional Engineer in the Southeastern Region Office located in Price, Utah. The Southeastern Region Office regulates the appropriation and distribution of water throughout Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan counties including on the main stem of the Green and Colorado rivers. Primary duties include working with farmers, ranchers, irrigation companies, and municipalities in the region to solve many complex and interesting issues related to water appropriation, measurement, and distribution. This work includes supply and distribution issues related to Utah’s obligations under the Colorado River Compact. Additional duties will be dam safety inspections and assisting with the general water right adjudications taking place within the region. These duties result in approximately 60% office time and 40% fieldwork in some of the most stunning and beautiful areas found in the western United States. If you enjoy living in an area that provides a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation, we would invite you to consider joining our team in this most interesting and important field of water related engineering.

*Position may be filled at the Engineer I, Engineer II, or Engineer III level depending upon selected candidates’ qualifications.

To qualify for the Engineer I: Satisfactory completion of engineering degree. The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) completed by end of 12-month probationary period. This is an entry-level job, which requires close supervision and limited engineering experience while performing engineering related tasks.

To qualify for the Engineer II: Satisfactory completion of an engineering degree and the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) required. Incumbents have experience working as an Engineer but are not licensed as a Professional Engineer. Most of their work must be reviewed and approved by a licensed Engineer. Incumbents use independent judgment in the modification and evaluation of standard techniques, perform independently on most assignments, receiving technical guidance on unusual problems. Incumbents apply the knowledge and techniques of advanced mathematics and engineering to assignments.

To Qualify for the Engineer III: Must be registered as a Professional Engineer in accordance with the provisions of Utah Code Annotated 58-22. This is a working level job requiring minimal supervision. Incumbents in this job utilize advanced training, experience, and independent judgment in the evaluation and modification of complex engineering situations requiring specialized abilities. Incumbents apply the knowledge and techniques of advanced mathematics and engineering to assignments.

Ideal Candidate:

• Inquisitive, dedicated, and detailed-oriented Engineer.
• Successful completion of the PE exam.
• Proven ability to work independently.
• Excellent customer service skills.  
• A working knowledge of hydrology and hydrologic principles.
• A knowledge of research and investigation methods and techniques.
• Ability to use logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions.
• Knowledge of water rights laws and policies.
• Proven GIS Skills.
• Has the skills and experience to be safe and comfortable in remote locations that could require driving off road using a 4x4 vehicle, traveling by ATV, and hiking numerous miles in varying weather conditions to reach a location.

Why You Should Join Our Team:
As one of the oldest agencies in the State of Utah, the Office of the State Engineer (i.e., the Division of Water Rights) has a long history of playing a critical role in the management of the state's water resources. Consequently, water users rely on the expertise of the Division of Water Rights to provide order and certainty in the distribution of Utah's water. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to help people from the southeastern region understand water rights, work in a challenging profession that has a meaningful impact on every aspect of life in the arid West, and shape the future of the state's most valuable resource.

The Agency:
If you would like more information about working for the Department of Natural Resources please click here.

• Assist the public in answering questions, reviewing water rights and other files, and explaining procedures, policy guidelines, and statutes.
• Assist in established distribution systems within the region by working with state appointed water commissioners and distribution engineers as necessary and creating distribution accounting models.
• Assist the State Engineer by performing dam safety inspections.
• Assist the adjudication team in the accomplishment of the court ordered adjudications by giving presentations, reviewing water rights, composing written reports, and working with water users to correct issues.
• Assists water users in filing acceptable applications.
• Review and process submitted applications.
• Investigate allegations of illegal water use and consult with enforcement about pursuing enforcement.
• Conduct water right investigation and evaluation.
• Provide high quality customer service.
• Resolve conflicts.

• Have a working knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of engineering.
• Knowledge of Utah water rights, their characteristics and attributes; water right policies and procedures. Ability to read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures.
• A working knowledge of Section 73, Chapters 1-6 UCA, 1953 as amended current office procedures, and policies guidelines; ability to prepare and process water right applications based on these procedures and guidelines and the ability to assume direct responsibility, in consultation with the Regional Engineer, for the referenced applications.
• An in-depth knowledge of the statutes, current policy guidelines and procedures pertaining to the appropriation of water.
• Familiarity with the various types of water measurement devices including but not limited to weirs, flumes, digital flow meters, and their use.
• Familiarity with court decrees, proposed determinations, distribution schedules and other available documents used in the administration of these water rights.
• Familiarity with current adjudication policy guidelines and procedures.
• An understanding of the responsibilities of division and region staff related to dam safety and ability to participate in the scheduling and accomplishment of mandated dam inspections.
• Ability to provide technical assistance to water users.
• Ability to speak clearly, concisely, and effectively listen to and understand information and ideas as presented verbally.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely in writing,
• Ability to read and understand technical reports.
• Ability to solve a problems using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions.
• Be able to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw a conclusion.
• Ability to use GIS technology solutions.
• A working understanding of hydrologic concepts, terms, and ability to use river-modeling programs.   
• A working understanding of geologic concepts and terms.
• Ability to teach new concepts and coach in learning situations.

• Must be licensed as a professional engineer in accordance with the provisions of Utah Code Annotated 58-22.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.

Salary : $37 - $43