Posting Begin Date: 2024/10/21
Posting End Date: 2024/11/17
Category: Natural Resources
Sub Category: Water Agency
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Boise, ID, United States
Minimum Salary: 25.00
Maximum Salary: 28.75
Pay Rate Type: Hourly
Description
Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.
The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) has an exciting opportunity for a natural resource professional with an interest in water marketing and analytics supporting Water Supply Bank operations in the State Office in Boise, Idaho.
The Water Supply Bank Specialist, as a Water Resource Agent / Water Resource Agent, Senior in the State Office, supports the technical needs of the Water Supply Bank Program Coordinator in collecting data for reporting, administering lease and rental applications, and documenting software improvement initiatives. Incumbents regularly interact with the public, responding to inquiries about water use, water rights, water measurement and control, and water appropriation process. We are seeking applicants with critical thinking skills, developed interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work tactfully as a team player. Experience with problem-solving capabilities, SQL, and public speaking would be valuable. Strong math, analytical, organizational, and communication skills are essential.
There are two levels for this job opening: Water Resource Agent and Water Resource Agent, Senior. The Water Resource Agent job classification is the entry-level position in the Water Resource Agent, Senior career path. The Water Resource Agent position is used for recruitment and training purposes for the Water Resource Agent, Senior position. Water Resource Agents gain professional experience with a variety of IDWR programs while playing a key role in accomplishing agency objectives for current and future water administration in Idaho. Through various types of on-the-job training, the Water Resource Agent will learn the duties of a Water Resource Agent, Senior and develop the knowledge and experience to work independently. Typically, the Water Resource Agent, Senior level requires two years of experience as a Water Resource Agent (or equivalent work experience). Upon completion of training, the employee will be paid at the Water Resource Agent, Senior level.
Example of Duties
- Interprets legal descriptions, survey plats, aerial photographs and maps to locate points of diversion and places of use
- Interprets water use documentation, including water right permit applications, licenses, claims, recommendations, decrees, and associated items, to evaluate authorized beneficial uses of water
- Evaluates Water Supply Bank lease and rental applications and recommends appropriate action
- Prepares correspondence related to Water Supply Bank lease contracts and rental agreements
- Assists in developing, implementing, and concluding strategic projects specific to the Water Supply Bank
- Explains water laws, regulations, and water marketing processes to the general public
Minimum Qualifications
- Some knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to calculate water flow rates, pump efficiencies, water storage capacity, and/or land areas. 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 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.
- 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.
Water Resource Agents conduct scientific field examinations to measure the rate of water diversion and determine location, method, purpose and frequency of appropriation. They make recommendations regarding extent of beneficial use. Incumbents interpret legal descriptions, survey plats, aerial photographs and maps to locate points of diversion and places of use. They review various department regulatory program applications for correctness and compliance with state and federal laws and regulations and department policies. Incumbents research documents including county records, federal land patents, court decrees and all manner of water right records. Field work duties include measuring ground water levels; investigating unauthorized water diversions and water right disputes; conducting stream flow measurements; inspecting wells and drilling operation; calculating pumping system efficiencies; collecting water samples for laboratory testing. They may be assigned to special projects to collect data and compile findings. These employees respond to questions from the public regarding the regulatory programs of the department and assists with compliance procedures. This technical assistance includes explaining water laws and regulations to individuals and groups. They may testify in court.
Additional Qualifications
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
Desired Qualifications
- Experience applying federal and state regulations and laws pertaining to water appropriations and/or water use in a work setting
- Experience applying the “prior appropriation doctrine” in the area of water right administration
- Knowledge of principles and concepts of natural resource planning and environmental economics
- Experience developing and implementing natural resource plans or related research studies using personal computers, natural resource data and related software
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.
