Local recruitment: Section Chief Water Supply Planning

• Salary: $110,232.00 – $131,376.00 Annually
• Location: Denver, CO
• Job Type: Full Time
• Job Number: PDA 00056 11/2024
• Department: Department of Natural Resources
• Division: Colorado Water Conservation Board
• Opening Date: 11/15/2024
• Closing Date: 11/25/2024 5:00 PM Mountain
• FLSA: Determined by Position
• Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
• Hiring Pay Rate: Employees new to State Government will be paid on a bi-weekly basis.
• FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Department Contact Information: Patrick.gerity@state.co.us
• Primary Physical Work Address: * This is a Hybrid position – Work is primarily performed from a home office, however the selected candidate will at times report to the office at 1313 Sherman Street – Denver, CO for meetings, trainings and projects as directed by the supervisor.
• How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

Department Information

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
  

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/about-us 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

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) exists to establish water policy as directed by statutes to address Colorado’s water issues. The CWCB is governed by a 15 member board that includes governor-appointed representatives from each of the eight major river basins, the City and County of Denver and several state agencies. Since nearly all of Colorado’s water originates within its boundaries but is shared with other downstream states, the CWCB works to protect and assure that Colorado maintains its ability to fully use its allocation of the water under various agreements and court decrees. However, the development of those resources increasingly must focus on the wise use of water in recognition of future drivers like population growth that put pressure on state waters. The major “units” (sections) of the CWCB related to water supply planning, interstate and federal water issues including water information, instream flow and natural lake level protection, watershed and flood protection, grants and water project financing including agency budgeting/admin support. This work unit, the Water Supply Planning Section, interacts with all of these sections but has specific duties as follows.  

The work unit is responsible for all studies, analyses, mapping and investigations pertaining to ensuring that Colorado has an adequate water supply for its citizens and the environment. This includes researching and identifying all current uses of water, future projected uses of water, identifying and evaluating water development plans and concepts, and furthering the mission of the CWCB – to conserve, develop, protect and manage Colorado’s water for present and future generations. The CWCB goals, state and basin challenges are captured in the Colorado Water Plan (Water Plan) which this work group is responsible for maintaining and updating. The work unit also develops other key statewide water supply initiatives like the Analysis and Technical Update to the Colorado Water Plan and other agency-wide efforts.

This section’s work includes integrated support for agriculture, environment and recreation, municipal and industrial needs, climate adaptation, water storage, water conservation and other efforts including promoting and helping to coordinate water education initiatives across the state. The section also exists to foster water conservation, drought preparedness and climate adaptation in both short and long-term water supply and demand planning. Among other things, this work includes balancing needs by sector including municipal water efficiency plans, water reuse, agricultural efficiency, watershed health support, integrated land use planning, reducing water loss, enhancing drought planning, supporting climate adaptation and resilience, providing technical expertise and support for grants, and public education and outreach. This work is done in support of local communities, basin and statewide goals (e.g. The Colorado Water Plan). This work also assures that Colorado decision-makers and the public are informed about the need for these water conservation initiatives, related grants, policies and strategic plans.

This work often requires travel across the state to coordinate with stakeholders as the unit is responsible for supporting a range of stakeholder processes across Colorado. This includes managing, supporting and coordinating Interbasin Compact Committee (IBCC) meetings as well as meetings held in each of the state’s major river basins for the nine basin roundtables (roundtables). As a part of this effort, education, outreach and inclusion are key focus areas through coordination with state and basin education and outreach efforts. Collectively, this work requires frequent coordination with the CWCB board, the IBCC Chair (e.g. Director of Compact Negotiations), various IBCC and basin roundtable members, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other state agencies. To do this, the unit must actively work within the structure of the section and the agency to appropriately evaluate concepts, direction, conversation and policy in advance of broader communications and partner communications.

For more information about the Colorado Water Conservation Board, please go to https://cwcb.colorado.gov/.

Description of Job

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.  

*  This is a Hybrid position – Work is primarily performed from a home office, however the selected candidate will at times report to the office at 1313 Sherman Street – Denver, CO for meetings, trainings and projects as directed by the supervisor.
This position exists to serve in identifying and coordinating Water Supply Planning activities and supervises staff in the Water Supply Planning Section. Subject to the general supervision of the CWCB Director and Deputy Director, and subject to the general program goals and objectives set by them, this position investigates and monitors all aspects of water supply and use in Colorado. The position facilitates and coordinates the development and protection of Colorado’s water resources as well as mediating and negotiating conflicts and establishes  state policy and procedures for the coordinated development of water to meet Colorado’s long-term water demands.  This position also coordinates policy related to the integration of input from the roundtables and the IBCC across CWCB and other departments and supports and acts on behalf of the Director of the IBCC. The position directs, implements, and accounts for statewide water conservation and drought mitigation planning programs and projects that receive CWCB funding for such projects. The position is also responsible for assuring that Colorado decision-makers and the public are informed about the need for water conservation, drought planning, climate adaptation, and sector-based issues (e.g. municipal, agricultural and watershed) .  

Primary duties include:

• Section management and supervision
• Strategic planning and communication
• Advancing Agency Actions as outlined in the Colorado Water Plan
• Supporting the Interbasin Compact Committee and Basin Roundtables

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

The Colorado Constitution, Article XII, Section 13 requires that applicants for state classified government jobs be residents of Colorado, unless this requirement is waived by the State Personnel Board. This announcement does not include a residency waiver.
 
Check out https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply for a quick video on how to apply for State of Colorado and Department of Natural Resources jobs, as well as how to search for jobs.
 
Minimum Qualifications:

Ten (10) years of professional work experience in management, project development or project management.

– OR –

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to ten (10) years.  Acceptable degree types include natural resources management, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental policy, geography, natural resources economics, natural resources law or a field of study related to the work assignment.

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.
 
Substitutions: 

• Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis (Bachelors equals four years, Masters equals two years, Doctorate equals one year).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current or former State experience relevant to this position
• Leadership and supervisory experience
• Strategic planning abilities
• Knowledge and experience with data reporting
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Knowledge of Colorado water rights and prior appropriation doctrine.
• Work experience with state agencies and/or interstate commissions.
• Knowledge of Colorado’s Water Plan
• Work with a Board of Directors
• Experience in customer service, including working with stakeholders
• Proficiency with Google Suite and database applications

Conditions of Employment: 

• Colorado residency is required at the time of application.
• Former employees of the State of Colorado MUST have concluded employment in good standing to be eligible for rehire.
• A current & valid Driver’s license is required for operating a state vehicle and occasional travel is anticipated.  
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check.
• Must be willing and able to occasionally exert up to 20 lbs. of force to move objects

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. 

Supplemental Information

The Colorado Constitution requires all appointments and promotions in the state personnel system be made according to merit and fitness.
 
 Check out https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply for a quick video on how to apply for State of Colorado and Department of Natural Resources jobs, as well as how to search for jobs.
 
 Applicant Checklist:
 
 Complete Applications must include the following documents:

• A complete online Application for Announced Vacancy 
• A cover letter that describes how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online  application.
• A current resume uploaded as an attachment to your online application
• If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing that your degree has been conferred and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

 
 The Assessment Process:
The Colorado Constitution requires all appointments and promotions in the state personnel system to be made according to merit and fitness. Your on-line application will be reviewed by a Human Resource Specialist and/or Subject Matter Expert to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for the position.
 
Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the assessment process may consist of a Structured Application/Resume Review.  Utilizing your detailed on-line application, cover letter, resume and transcripts, the review is a comparative analysis against the listed required competencies, job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and job fit in comparison to all other applicants for this position.  It is imperative that you provide adequate detail on your application and cover letter to describe how you meet and/or exceed the requirements for this position.  “See Resume” or “See Attached” will not substitute for the completed and detailed on-line application.

Comparative analysis factors to be assessed:

• Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
• Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement; varied and not one dimensional; and demonstrate progressively higher level of responsibility with a wide range.
• Job Fit – Experience evaluated to determine how well your experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position.  Current/recent experience is preferred.
• Upload additional pages if necessary to detail your experience and accomplishments.  Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the deadline for application may result in your application not being accepted for this position and may affect your inclusion in future steps in the assessment process.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
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. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us.

ADAAA Accommodations
 Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact DNR’s Benefit Team at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us at least five business days before the date that any accommodation will be required to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.
 
 E-verify
 The Department of Natural Resources participates in E-Verify in accordance with the program’s Right to Work for all newly-hired employees. Employees are queried through the electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete section 1 of the I-9 form upon your acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment and in addition, on your first day, but no later than the third day, you will are required to submit original documents to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S.  Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at http://dhs.gov/e-verify
  
 Toll–Free Applicant Support – Technical Help
 If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues.   Helpful hints: If you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and close the document before you attempt to upload it.

Agency: State of Colorado

Address: See the full announcement by clicking the “Printer” icon located above the job title Location varies by announcement, Colorado, —

Website: https://careers.colorado.gov/