Posting Begin Date: 2025/03/03
Posting End Date: 2025/03/16
Category: Natural Resources
Sub Category: Water Agency
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Boise, ID, United States
Minimum Salary: 28.50
Maximum Salary: 33.00
Pay Rate Type: Hourly
Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.
Important Guidelines: Applicant documentation must demonstrate how they meetthe MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS listed in the job announcement.
Selection Process: Resumes will be screened based on the criteria outlined in this announcement. A select number of candidates who have demonstrated that they meet the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position and have the most relevant qualifications may be given the opportunity to be interviewed.
The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) may conduct verification of the information provided in your application, including validation of driver’s license status, education, employment, and criminal history. Omission and/or falsification of information provided in your application will result in your removal from consideration for employment, appointment, or promotion.
The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) has an exciting opportunity for a natural resource professional who wants to have an impact on the administration of Idaho’s public water resources. IDWR is filling a Water Resource Agent, Principal position at our state office in Boise.
IDWR’s mission is to serve Idahoans by ensuring that water is conserved and available to sustain Idaho’s economy, ecosystems, and resulting quality of life. IDWR is committed to achieving its mission through innovation, efficiency, planning, and communication.
To support IDWR’s mission, the successful candidate will support the state’s water districts and watermasters; develop, implement, and supervise watermaster training programs and correlating workshops; and serve as a lead trainer for watermasters and water district administrative staff. This position will also take the lead role to create or revise water districts, interpret and explain water rights, water laws and rules, as well as train and instruct watermasters in proper measurement and delivery of water consistent with Idaho water law. The successful candidate will develop guidance documents, prepare technical reports, and maintain critical water district and diversion data in IDWR’s enterprise database.
There are three levels for this job opening: Water Resource Agent, Water Resource Agent, Senior and Water Resource Agent, Principal. The Water Resource Agent job classification is the entry-level for this position. The final occupational level for the position is the Water Resource Agent, Principal classification. The Water Resource Agent classification is used for recruitment and training purposes for the Water Resource Agent, Senior classification. Incumbents in the Water Resource Agent, Senior classification gain professional experience with various 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 eventually Water Resource Agent, Principal and develop the knowledge and experience to work independently.
Example of Duties
· Lead efforts to create or revise water districts and conduct public outreach and educational seminars related to water district creation or modification
· Assist with developing, supervising, and conducting statewide water district and watermaster training programs for individuals and groups
· Supports and directs watermasters in properly delivering water
· Trains IDWR staff and watermasters in open channel and closed conduit flow measurements
· Develop statewide programs to ensure consistency and accuracy in water district-related guidance documents
· Perform quality assurance and analysis of diversion data collected by watermasters
· Respond to questions from the public, attorneys, and consultants about water districts, water rights, and the water appropriation process
Minimum Qualifications
Water Resource Agent
• 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.
Water Resource Agent, Senior (In addition to the qualifications 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 determining the capacities of diversion systems and conveyance systems including pump systems, storage volumes, and experience with measuring equipment and methods. Typically gained by at least two years of field work experience as a Water Resource Agent or similar work for a water district, canal company, irrigation district, other agricultural or natural resource industry, or natural resource management agency.
• 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 Agent, Principal (In addition to the minimum qualifications listed above)
· Experience applying the prior appropriation doctrine in water administration or water right adjudication
· Experience interpreting, applying, and explaining local, state, or federal laws and rules and completing multiple tasks such as data collection, research, analysis, and report preparation for natural resource protection or management purposes in a regulatory agency, professional consulting, or industrial setting
Minimum Qualification Specialties
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience developing and delivering presentations and conducting training
• Experience maintaining professional composure while interacting with angry, upset, or hostile customers
• Experience with data analysis and database management using Microsoft Excel or Access
• Experience applying the Prior Appropriations Doctrine in a work setting
• Extensive knowledge of water conveyance systems, water measurement techniques, and experience with measuring equipment. Typically gained by at least 4 years of fieldwork experience as a water resource agent, hydrologist, or similar work for a water district, canal company, irrigation district, or other agricultural, natural resource industry, or natural resource management agency.
• Experience as a program coordinator or team lead responsible for prioritizing and coordinating program activities
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 accommodation 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.
