DWR - Hydrographer (EPST II)

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:
 

• Medical and Dental plans
• Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Employee Wellness programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
• Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

 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 Engineer's 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

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) Hydrographic Services work unit collects and disseminates data on surface water flow in streams, and water structures within the State to support water rights administration decision making.   The work unit also manages the satellite monitoring program. 


This position is an EPST II Hydrographer whose purpose is to measure and evaluate data to determine the streamflow quantity at streamgaging stations, canals and ditches in support of water administration. This position will be responsible for maintaining gaging stations, associated electronics and structures, structure assessment, and streamflow records development as assigned. 
This position is located in Division 1 with a regional coverage area generally consisting of the geographical area along the South Platte River from the headwaters downstream to the Denver Gage near the City of Denver, and tributaries including water districts 8, 9, 80, 23 and the southerly portions of 1 and 2.  However, depending on workload, needs, and staffing, this position will at times work throughout Division 1.

Specific job duties include but are not limited to:

• Verify stage-discharge relationships utilizing standard mid-section methods to compute instantaneous discharge at a stream or diversion location. 
• The position must routinely interpret data rapidly to ensure results are either consistent with previous results, trends in change, or constitute new trends. 
• Inspect, calibrate all mechanical and electronic telemetry equipment relevant to streamgages to ensure quality and consistent availability of water flow data. 
• Participate in maintenance projects either improving or maintaining streamgage infrastructure in safe conditions for accurate and dependable operation.  Participate in streamgage installations as instructed by work lead or supervising  hydrographers.
• Evaluate, verify and compile continuous water flow data using graphical and computer analysis to create an accurate official report of daily discharge for peer review prior to publication. Prepare records according to prescribed standard procedures in format for official publication.
• Determines measurement locations and procedures for seepage studies based on research and observations of inflow/outflow within the stream reach.
• Inspect flumes and weirs for accurate flow measurement and determine if further structure assessment is required by senior staff so they can prepare reports on problems and recommendations for solutions.
• Check historical records similarly prepared by other hydrographers.
• Must be capable of independently performing required tasks on coordinated streamflow investigations in order to
  accomplish studies that require numerous different hydrographers taking measurements at numerous different
  locations concurrently.

Other duties as assigned. Five (5) years of work experience assisting engineers, scientists, or technicians with work related to engineering or physical science, which involves the use, measurement, and control or distribution of water.
AND 
High school diploma or GED 
OR
 Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. 

(Experience as a ditch rider, rancher or farmer that included regulating and measuring water flow through headgates, canals or streams, or experience managing irrigation and irrigation systems, scientific field investigations, municipal water operations, Colorado water administration, or other experience related water or natural resources 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:

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
• Knowledge and experience with Colorado water rights. 
• Water administration experience.
• Proficiency and knowledge in surface water measurement techniques and theory.
• Experience with a variety of different surface water measurement structures, recording device technology, and functionality.  
• Water measurement experience.
• Excellent public service skills. 
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft suites. 
• Proficiency with the use of computers and collecting, analyzing, and manipulation of data in spreadsheets.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with flow measurement in streams and rivers. 
• Familiarity with electronic and remote water stage and flow sensors technology, installation, and troubleshooting. 
• Other experience relevant to the use or management of water resources.

The current work arrangement for this position is as follows: 
(Please note, this arrangement can be subject to change)

• Hybrid: To be determined with supervisor after initial training period with a combination of work from home, field time, some days reporting to the main Division Office.   

 (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 possess and maintain a State of Colorado Driver's License
• Must be willing and able to travel daily throughout the water district.

• 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 district.

• 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 overtime.
• 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. 

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 Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

• 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.

• This posting could be used to fill other vacancies of the same level and same reporting location. 

Salary : $5,370 - $7,933