Local recruitment: Hydrologic Scientist I

• Employer: State of Utah
• Salary: $24.65 – $37.02 Hourly
• Location: Salt Lake County, UT
• Job Type: Full Time
• Job Number: 45389
• Agency: 560 Department of Natural Resources
• Unit: 7500 DNR WRT ADJUDICATION
• Opening Date: 06/19/2025
• Closing Date: 6/29/2025 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time (US & Canada)
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Recruiter: Tim Conyers, 385-395-7852
• # of Openings: 3
• Schedule Code: B – Competitive Career Service – Employment in this position requires a probationary period.
• Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package. See benefits tab below for details.
• Driver License Requirements: Employees hired for this recruitment will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards found at the following link: https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/search/driver%20eligibility/Current%20Rules
• EEO Statement: The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, dial 711 or TTY: 800-346-4128.

Job Description

Job Title:  Hydrologic Scientist I (3 positions)
Location:  Salt Lake City, Utah

Job Description:
The Division of Water Rights is seeking a qualified and motivated Hydrologic Scientist to join our water right adjudication team. The Hydrologic Scientist I conducts field investigations and file reviews of water rights under active adjudication. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the evaluation and investigation of water rights, combining fieldwork and office-based responsibilities. The individual should possess a strong educational background, relevant experience, and the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and the public.

The Agency:
If you want more information about working for the Department of Natural Resources please click here.

Responsibilities

• Participate in and contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment that encourages professional growth and development. 
• Participate in regular team meetings, performance evaluations, and goal-setting sessions. 
• Assist the public in navigating the water rights adjudication process. 
• Employ correct procedures relating to general stream adjudications. 
• Coordinate team efforts to ensure efficient and effective claim evaluations.
• Plan and participate in fieldwork activities, ensuring quality data collection and assessment. 
• Collaborate with other hydrologic scientists, engineers, and a supervising program manager. 
• Compose written reports and prepare calculations. 
• Conduct water right title investigations. 
• Attend presentations and make presentations.

*Preference may be give to applicants with a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in a natural science or related field.

Qualifications

Legal and Regulatory Knowledge:

• Knowledge and ability to read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with court decrees, proposed determinations, distribution schedules and other documents used in the administration of these water rights.

Problem Solving and Analytical Skills:

• Ability to find solutions to complex water right issues as well as possessing the ability to communicate these solutions to other staff members and water users.
• Ability to solve problems using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions; analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions.

Communication Skills:

• Ability to speak clearly, concisely and effectively as well as the ability to listen, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing as well as the ability to read and understand information presented in writing.

Professional Development and Growth:

• Ability to learn new concepts and become more capable with time and experience.
• Commitment to positive and supportive staff management principles. 
• Familiar with the concept(s) of water rights, real property, and/or natural resource management. 

Interpersonal and Leadership Skills:

• Ability to inspire and motivate team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Proven ability to work independently and inspire others to achieve.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and guide the team through evolving water rights issues.

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of and ability to work with Google Workspaces, and/or Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with GIS software.

Supplemental Information

• Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles. 
• Some outdoor fieldwork is required, including the ability to walk by foot on uneven terrain for 3-5 miles. Must hike to field locations carrying equipment in various weather conditions. 
• Travel within the State of Utah is not an integral part of the position, but may occasionally occur. 

Why Should You Join Our Team:
As one of the oldest agencies in the State of Utah, the Division of Water Rights for the Department of Natural Resources has a long history of playing a critical role in the management of the state’s water resources. Consequently, water users rely on the expertise of the Division of Water Rights to provide order and certainty in the distribution of Utah’s water. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to help people from all over the state understand water rights, work in a challenging profession that has a meaningful impact on every aspect of life in the arid West, and shape the future of the state’s most valuable resource.

Employer: State of Utah

Website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/utah

Address: 4315 S. 2700 W., Suite 2100, Taylorsville, Utah, 84129