- Salary: $44.42 – $70.49 Hourly
- Location: Salt Lake County, UT
- Job Type: Full Time
- Job Number: 46372
- Agency: 060 Governor’s Office
- Opening Date: 09/11/2025
- Closing Date: 10/1/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
- FLSA: Exempt
- Recruiter: Sarah Humphries
- # of Openings: 1
- Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
- Schedule Code: AC – Employees in Offices of Elected Officials – 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.
Job Description
SENIOR PROJECT ENGINEER
The Colorado River Authority of Utah (Authority) is seeking a highly skilled, motivated and experienced Engineer to fill a mid-level position as Senior Project Engineer. A Senior Project Engineer at the Authority would have a critical role in advancing Utah’s water interests under the 1922 Colorado River Compact and Law of the River, particularly within the intrastate realm to support interstate efforts. Duties will be a blend of technical engineering, project management, data analysis, and collaboration with other state and federal agencies. The position would report directly to the Authority’s Principal Engineer.
Responsibilities –
Interstate Engagement and Intrastate Project Development and Management:
- Technical Analysis: Supervise and assist project managers with detailed engineering water measurement, modeling and conservation projects. Conduct technical research and analyze hydrologic modeling to assess water supply, demand, and potential impacts of various scenarios related to Colorado River management. Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and updates for the Executive Director, Principal Engineer, and the Authority Board.
- Data Acquisition and Management: In close coordination with Utah water agencies (Division of Water Rights and Division of Water Resources) undertake initiatives to improve water measurement capabilities across the Colorado River system in Utah to support planning efforts to ensure continued compliance with the Colorado River Compact. This will involve managing federal funding grants for the installation of measurement devices and ensuring data reporting to the appropriate state or local agency. Work closely with other Authority staff to compile, analyze, and present Utah’s water use data to support Utah’s interstate negotiations. This will involve a deep understanding of data gaps and how to address them.
- Grant, Contract & Project Management: Manage state and federal grants to secure resources for intrastate water projects. Ensure compliance with grant requirements. Oversee staff project managers, consultants and contractors engaged for project design, studies, and construction. This includes developing scopes of work, reviewing request for proposals, contract administration, and quality control. Ensure all projects comply with state and federal environmental regulations and permitting requirements. Work collaboratively with other state agencies, local water users, and external consultants. Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure projects are completed on time and within financial constraints.
- Policy Support: Provide technical input and analysis to inform the development of Authority policies and positions on Colorado River issues. Develop an understanding of the complex legal framework governing the Colorado River, including the Colorado River Compact and other foundational agreements, to inform project development and data collection.
- Mentoring & Training: Train and mentor junior engineers or technical staff on the intricacies of Colorado River water management, project development, and relevant data analysis techniques.
Ideal Candidate –
- Inquisitive, dedicated, and detailed-oriented Engineer.
- Ability to manage unique, one-off issues with minimal supervision.
- Successful completion of the PE exam (in state of Utah).
- Proven ability to work independently.
- Excellent public service skills.
- Effective verbal and written communicator.
- Working knowledge of hydrology and hydrologic principles.
- Knowledge of research and investigation methods and techniques.
- Ability to use logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions.
- Knowledge of water laws, compacts, acts, treaties, agreements and policies related to the Colorado River.
- Proven GIS Skills.
- Proficiency in using surface water models particularly RiverWare.
- Skills and experience to be safe and comfortable in remote locations that could require driving off road using a 4×4 vehicle, traveling by ATV, and hiking numerous miles in varying weather conditions to reach a location.
Qualifications –
- Have a minimum of 5-years in the private sector managing engineering projects, managing engineering teams, developing contracts along with a working knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of engineering.
- Knowledge of Colorado River issues, 1922 Colorado River Compact and other Law of the River acts, agreements and treaties.
- Knowledge of western water law, water rights, water right policies and procedures. 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 weirs, flumes, digital flow meters, and their use.
- Ability to provide technical assistance to contractors and water users.
- Ability to speak clearly, concisely, and effectively listen to and understand information and ideas as presented verbally.
- Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely in writing.
- Ability to read and understand technical reports.
- Ability to solve a problem using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions.
- Be able to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw a conclusion.
- Expertise in the use of GIS technology solutions.
- A working understanding of hydrologic concepts, terms, and ability to use river-modeling programs. A working understanding of geologic concepts and terms.
- Ability to teach new concepts and coach in learning situations.
Why You Should Join Our Team –
The mission of the Colorado River Authority of Utah (Authority) is to protect, preserve, conserve, and develop Utah’s Colorado River system interests. The Authority is the State of Utah’s dedicated water entity for managing Utah’s share of the Colorado River. This involves a multifaceted approach that includes:
- Defending Utah’s Right to Use Colorado River Water: Ensuring the state maintains its allocated share of Colorado River water in the face of ongoing challenges.
- Leading on Interstate Negotiations: Representing Utah in negotiations with the other six Colorado River Basin states (Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California), the federal government, and the Republic of Mexico, particularly regarding the post-2026 operating guidelines for the river system.
- Developing and Implementing Intrastate Programs:This includes initiatives focused on:
- Measurement: Improving the accuracy and reporting of water use data within Utah to facilitate planning efforts and to provide solid data for interstate negotiations.
- Hydrology: Understanding and analyzing the river’s flow and water availability within Utah.
- Drought mitigation: Developing and implementing strategies to conserve water and adapt to drought conditions while continuing to meet our downstream Compact obligations.
- Building capacity and institutional knowledge: Fostering a team of experts (engineers, policy analysts, attorneys) who understand the complex “Law of the River” and can strategically navigate its intricacies.
- Fostering collaboration: Working closely with water users, tribal entities, and other stakeholders within Utah, as well as with other basin states.
The Agency –
If you would like more information about working for the Colorado River Authority of Utah, please on this link:
Employer: State of Utah
Address: 4315 S. 2700 W., Suite 2100, Taylorsville, Utah, 84129
