What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Resources Technician (temporary) position at City of Thornton, Colorado?
Join our motivated Water Efficiency Team! Provide compassionate customer service to our residential, commercial and irrigation water customers and help them track down leaks and high water use issues. This is a great opportunity to connect with the Thornton community and water resources professionals and learn more about how a water utility operates. The ideal candidate can work 30 – 40 hours a week in the office (and some field work), approximately April 29 – September 26, 2025. This is a seasonal position.
Under general supervision, provides technical and administrative support to the Water Resources Division including considerable public contact.
Essential Functions
(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
Collects, compiles and analyzes technical water resources, water conservation, water consumption, financial or other data through field and office research.
Provides scientific research and technical support related to the acquisition, operation, accounting and conservation of water rights and resources.
Provides technical support and research for water resources planning and development activities.
Researches federal, state and local standards, new conservation methods and techniques, and other developments pertaining to the water, landscape, and building industries.
Provides technical support in the preparation of reports, memoranda, correspondence and presentations regarding water resources and water conservation issues.
Assists with the implementation of water conservation programs.
Performs assigned research to gather necessary information for designing and implementing water conservation techniques. Assists with water conservation social marketing program and campaign.
Performs residential and commercial fixture inspections as necessary. Conducts water waste investigations and irrigation system efficiency education. Assists with indoor water use inspections.
Writes articles for City publications. Prepares and delivers presentations to the public and colleagues on water conservation programs and principles.
Responds to customer requests for conservation and water resources information.
Performs administrative support functions such as data entry, typing, filing, reviewing and processing paperwork. Generates statistics; researches, collects and compiles data; prepares supporting charts; verifies reports for accuracy; collates reports; requests additional information as needed.
Compiles data for special projects or reports as assigned, ensuring completion by specified deadlines and in accordance with established goals and objectives.
Receives invoices and/or payments; receipts and records payments, balances monies or revenues, researches inconsistencies in records.
Prepares accounts payable and payroll checks for distribution; prepares payment requests; maintains petty cash accounts.
Assists with the preparation of divisional or departmental budget information.
May provide functional supervision of administrative specialists, interns, or contract employees.
May be required to work overtime.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education/Experience:
High school diploma or GED; coursework in Natural Science, Horticulture, Turf Management preferred; two years' experience in a Water Resources technical support position or four years' experience in an administrative support and customer service position; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licensing/Certification Requirements
May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of basic mathematics, spelling, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary.
Knowledge of data collection and statistical analysis methods.
Knowledge of proper technical writing formats.
Knowledge of water conservation methods and practices.
Knowledge of the principles of Colorado Water Rights and Water Law.
Knowledge of water-wise landscaping practices.
Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
Knowledge of computer applications specific to water resources analysis, such as GIS, databases applications and/or spreadsheet models.
Skill in working effectively with details and with detailed information on a regular basis.
Ability to interpret technical manuals and instructions and to apply general instructions or concepts.
Ability to operate standard office equipment including personal computers, facsimile, and photocopiers.
Ability to use standard computer equipment and software including word processing, data base management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, managers, other City departments, consultants, and community members.
Ability to maintain filing systems.
Ability to understand and apply City policies and procedures.
Ability to understand and comply with the goals of the department.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, other agencies, and the general public.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to maintain appropriate keyboard skills necessary for successful job performance.
Physical And Mental Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, see, talk, hear and perform repetitive motions a major part of the time. The employee is also required to perform light lifting.
TESTING PROCEDURES
Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.
Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.
As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.
The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer.
The City of Thornton offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefit eligibility is based on the status of the position. Please email Jobs@thorntonco.gov to receive a copy of our 2025 Benefits Guide.
Benefits offered may include the following depending on the job type/status of the position:
Under general supervision, provides technical and administrative support to the Water Resources Division including considerable public contact.
Essential Functions
(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
Collects, compiles and analyzes technical water resources, water conservation, water consumption, financial or other data through field and office research.
Provides scientific research and technical support related to the acquisition, operation, accounting and conservation of water rights and resources.
Provides technical support and research for water resources planning and development activities.
Researches federal, state and local standards, new conservation methods and techniques, and other developments pertaining to the water, landscape, and building industries.
Provides technical support in the preparation of reports, memoranda, correspondence and presentations regarding water resources and water conservation issues.
Assists with the implementation of water conservation programs.
Performs assigned research to gather necessary information for designing and implementing water conservation techniques. Assists with water conservation social marketing program and campaign.
Performs residential and commercial fixture inspections as necessary. Conducts water waste investigations and irrigation system efficiency education. Assists with indoor water use inspections.
Writes articles for City publications. Prepares and delivers presentations to the public and colleagues on water conservation programs and principles.
Responds to customer requests for conservation and water resources information.
Performs administrative support functions such as data entry, typing, filing, reviewing and processing paperwork. Generates statistics; researches, collects and compiles data; prepares supporting charts; verifies reports for accuracy; collates reports; requests additional information as needed.
Compiles data for special projects or reports as assigned, ensuring completion by specified deadlines and in accordance with established goals and objectives.
Receives invoices and/or payments; receipts and records payments, balances monies or revenues, researches inconsistencies in records.
Prepares accounts payable and payroll checks for distribution; prepares payment requests; maintains petty cash accounts.
Assists with the preparation of divisional or departmental budget information.
May provide functional supervision of administrative specialists, interns, or contract employees.
May be required to work overtime.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education/Experience:
High school diploma or GED; coursework in Natural Science, Horticulture, Turf Management preferred; two years' experience in a Water Resources technical support position or four years' experience in an administrative support and customer service position; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licensing/Certification Requirements
May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of basic mathematics, spelling, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary.
Knowledge of data collection and statistical analysis methods.
Knowledge of proper technical writing formats.
Knowledge of water conservation methods and practices.
Knowledge of the principles of Colorado Water Rights and Water Law.
Knowledge of water-wise landscaping practices.
Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
Knowledge of computer applications specific to water resources analysis, such as GIS, databases applications and/or spreadsheet models.
Skill in working effectively with details and with detailed information on a regular basis.
Ability to interpret technical manuals and instructions and to apply general instructions or concepts.
Ability to operate standard office equipment including personal computers, facsimile, and photocopiers.
Ability to use standard computer equipment and software including word processing, data base management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, managers, other City departments, consultants, and community members.
Ability to maintain filing systems.
Ability to understand and apply City policies and procedures.
Ability to understand and comply with the goals of the department.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, other agencies, and the general public.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to maintain appropriate keyboard skills necessary for successful job performance.
Physical And Mental Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, see, talk, hear and perform repetitive motions a major part of the time. The employee is also required to perform light lifting.
TESTING PROCEDURES
Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.
Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.
As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.
The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer.
The City of Thornton offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefit eligibility is based on the status of the position. Please email Jobs@thorntonco.gov to receive a copy of our 2025 Benefits Guide.
Benefits offered may include the following depending on the job type/status of the position:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life, Dependent Life & Supplemental Life Insurance Options
- Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
- Flexible Spending Plan
- Retiree Health Savings Plan
- Pension Plan & Deferred Compensation Plans
- Short & Long-term Disability Plans
- Paid Holidays
- Vacation & Sick Leave
- Multilingual Incentive Pay
- Recreation Pass
- Wellness Program - Learn more here
- In-House Training Opportunities
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Schedules
- Hybrid Schedules
