Local recruitment: Agricultural Water Specialist

• Salary: $68,976.00 – $99,300.00 Annually
• Location: Boulder County, CO
• Job Type: Full-time
• Job Number: 6285(RS2)
• Department: Parks and Open Space
• Division: AG Resources
• Opening Date: 03/06/2025
• Closing Date: 3/16/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
• FLSA: Exempt

Description

Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department is seeking to hire a Agricultural Water Specialist. The Agricultural Water Specialist will lead the coordination and operations of Boulder County’s agricultural water rights. This position will work closely with Ditch Company staff, Boulder County agricultural tenants, State Water Commissioners, and others to efficiently manage an extensive agricultural water rights portfolio. The successful candidate will provide knowledge on a range of issues related to water rights and the delivery/transfer of water during and after the irrigation season. The preferred candidate will also have an understanding of agricultural practices and farm operations. This position is also responsible for technical water rights work, implementation of programs, project coordination and oversight for both agricultural and environmental uses, and other facets of water rights management.

The Water Resource Program and the Specialist position are part of the Agricultural Resources Division of Boulder County Parks & Open Space. The Division provides for the stewardship of over 25,000 acres of agricultural land though partnerships with 65 agricultural tenants. Stewardship involves management of water rights that support 13,000 acres of irrigated cropland. In addition, our water resources provide for the stewardship, restoration and enhancement of riparian, wetland, wildlife and other natural resource values.

This is a full-time, benefited position that will work Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm.This position will work out of 5201 St. Vrain Rd., Longmont, Colorado. Under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines, this position is exempt. 

Boulder County requires its employees to reside in the state of Colorado as of the first day of work.

Hiring Salary Range: $68,976.00 – $84,138.00 Annually

Tentative Hiring Timeline:

• Phone Screening: March 25th 
• First Round Interviews: March 31st 
• Reference Check: week of March 31st 

New employees receive an80-hour bank (Download PDF reader) of vacation at the time of hire, in addition to 8 hours of both vacation and medical leave accruals each month (Must not have been employed at Boulder County during the 12 months prior to re-hire date to qualify). Boulder County offers bountiful benefits, including pension contributions.

Boulder County employees may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Visit studentaid.gov for more information. 

Examples of Duties

1. Manages daily delivery of Boulder County agricultural irrigation water.
2. Annual ditch authorizations and calls for sharewater for coordinated use of water rights.
3. Manages water under ditch systems to County owned agricultural properties in coordination with tenants, ditch company, and Water Commissioners for efficient use of County agricultural water.
4. Coordination with Northern Colorado, tenants, and ditch boards to allocate and distribute Colorado-Big Thompson (CBT) water.
5. General communication and coordination with ditch companies and tenants regarding water deliveries, emergencies related to deliveries, flooding or ponding, and irrigation practices.
6. Represent the County’s interests on various ditch company boards.
7. Development of and updates to prioritized list of new acquisitions, provides explanations for valuation, and assist in decisions to purchase new water rights.
8. Analyze potential modifications to improve water use efficiency.
9. Assists legal counsel with water court case applications and oppositions to applications.
10. Populate and update Water Database including water yield, delivery dates, ditch losses estimates, other.
11. Co-Create Ag Water Management Strategy for efficient use of water.
12. Performs related work, as required.
13. May be reassigned during emergency situations.

Required Qualifications

PLEASE NOTE: When completing your application describe all relevant education and experience, as applications are assessed based on the required qualifications listed. Resumes and other attachments are not accepted in lieu of completed applications and will not be reviewed in the initial screening process. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your attachments will then be shared with the hiring team.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Boulder County is looking for well qualified candidates to fill our positions. Any combination of relevant education and experience is encouraged. In this position, we are looking for a minimum of 6 years of combined education and work experience, including water resources, agricultural sciences, or related natural resources field and experience in water resources.

BACKGROUND CHECK:

• A job offer is contingent on passing a background investigation

Supplemental Information

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Thorough knowledge and practical experience with farming, agriculture, and / or irrigation practices.
• Working knowledge of relevant computer software programs.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of general ecological or agricultural principles and resource or land management techniques.  
• Expertise in at least one field of agricultural, natural science, or environmental education.  
• Skill in planning, organization, and time management.   
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with other employees, agencies, and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Frequently lifts up to 50 lbs. and carries up to 100 feet (may be performed by two person lift); occasionally lifts up to 80 lbs. from floor to waist; frequently lifts up to 32 lbs. from shoulder to overhead; occasionally pushes and pulls items weighing up to 100 lbs.; frequently lifts and lowers wheelbarrow with 160 lbs. load; occasionally performs bi-lateral lift of 60 lbs. and carries up to 50 ft.; frequently lifts up to 35 lbs. from waist level and lowers to floor. Frequently bends at waist, squats, kneels, shovels, and rakes. Occasionally climbs ladder; must be able to stand and balance on ladder; occasionally walks over uneven terrain.

Boulder County is a workplace dedicated to supporting individuals and families of all types and to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employer: Boulder County

Address: 2025 14th Street Boulder, Colorado, 80302

Phone: 303-441-3525

Website: http://www.bouldercounty.org