- Salary: $34.98 – $37.98 Hourly
- Location: Salt Lake County, UT
- Job Type: Full Time
- Job Number: 45432
- Agency: 560 Department of Natural Resources
- Unit: 7800 DNR WRT – Data Services
- Opening Date: 07/01/2025
- Closing Date: 7/14/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
- FLSA: Exempt
- Recruiter: Tim Conyers 801-538-4824
- # of Openings: 2
- Schedule Code: AX – Employees in supervisory positions – This is a career service exempt at will position.
- Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package. See benefits tab below for details.
- 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 III
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Job Description:
The Utah Division of Water Rights is looking for two skilled Hydrologic Scientists to join our Data Services Section in Salt Lake City. This section is responsible for managing Utah’s water distribution and use data, and is currently developing the Water Right Network. This innovative tool will help water planners, regulators, researchers, and citizens understand water movement across the state.As a Hydrologic Scientist III, you will lead a team of scientists or technicians, overseeing the development of the Water Right Network Program in the Colorado River Basin and the Great Salt Lake Basin. This position combines both fieldwork and office responsibilities. We are seeking candidates with strong expertise in water rights, a solid educational background, and the ability to foster a positive and collaborative team environment. If you’re interested in a leadership role in building this exciting new tool, we encourage you to apply!
The Agency: Please click here for more information about working for the Division of Water Rights.
Ideal Candidate:
- A working knowledge of Utah water rights, their characteristics and attributes.
- Proven ability to work independently.
- A working knowledge of hydrology and hydrologic principles.
- A knowledge of research and investigation methods and techniques.
- Excellent communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Manage and lead a team of 2-4 hydrologic scientists or engineering technicians, providing guidance, mentorship and support.
- Foster a positive collaborative team environment encouraging professional growth, curiosity, and development of team members.
- Establish and maintain regular communication with team meetings, quarterly performance evaluations, and brainstorming sessions.
- Train team members and staff on correct procedures of building out the Water Right Network.
- Lead the team in mapping efforts for the Water Right Network.
- Perform field visits to verify water use.
- Complete GIS projects as needed.
- Assist the Division in distribution modeling and depletion accounting efforts.
Qualifications
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- Adaptable, comfortable with changing priorities as new information becomes available, and an ability to guide others through evolving water rights issues.
- The ability to read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures.
- Familiarity with the various types of water measurement devices including but not limited to weirds, flumes, digital flow meters, and their use.
- Familiarity with court decrees, proposed determinations, distribution schedules and other available documents used in the administration of water rights.
- Ability to communicate technical information and ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to understand information and ideas as presented, both verbally and in writing.
- 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.
- Ability to use GIS technology solutions.
- Ability to teach new concepts and coach in learning situations.
- A working understanding of hydrologic concepts, terms, and ability to use river-modeling programs.
Supplemental Information
- Work may require physical exertion, including but not limited to the ability to stand, walk (over rough terrain),bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, lift moderately heavy items (up 50lbs) in a recurring manner for extended periods of time.
- Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work, but will occasionally be able to hike to field locations carrying equipment in various weather conditions.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive 4WD vehicles.
- Travel within the State of Utah is not an integral part of the requirements of the position, but may occasionally occur.
Why You Should Join Our Team:
As one of the oldest agencies in the State of Utah, the Division Water Rights has a long history of playing a critical role in the management of the state’s water resources. Consequently, water users of varied backgrounds rely on the Division of Water Rights to provide order and certainty in the management of Utah’s water. As a member of the adjudication team, you will have an opportunity to bring clarity to complex and challenging water rights issues for people all over the state, work in a niche profession that has a meaningful impact on life in the arid West, and shape the future of one of the state’s most valuable resources.
Employer: State of Utah
Address: 4315 S. 2700 W., Suite 2100, Taylorsville, Utah, 84129
