Josh's Water Jobs – DWR - Deputy Division Engineer, Division 5 (PE III)

Employer: State of Colorado
Salary: $118,056.00 – $174,384.00 Annually
Location: Glenwood Springs, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: PEA 00243 10/2025
Department: Department of Natural Resources
Division: Division of Water Resources
Opening Date: 10/16/2025
Closing Date: 10/27/2025 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time (US & Canada)
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: 202 Center Drive, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Hiring Pay Rate: Employees new to State Government will be paid on a bi-weekly basis.
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: Catie.Weber@state.co.us
Salary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
Type of Announcement: A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

Department Information

This posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado.

***This position has received a waiver to be posted during the 2025 hiring freeze due to a failed recruitment.***
Are you interested in investing in a career that makes a difference?

Consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. It’s our mission to manage and conserve Colorado’s natural resources for the benefit of people today – and tomorrow. That means we have to balance development with conservation so the state we all love provides similar opportunities for our children and their children.

We invite you to explore our website at https://dnr.colorado.gov/ to find out more about the work we do to manage Colorado’s natural resources for today – and tomorrow.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.

In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

Medical and Dental plans
Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax 401K and 457 plans
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Employee Wellness programs
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Accounts
11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

Division of Water Resources (DWR):

State Engineer’s Office

Our mission is to administer the waters of the State to maximize lawful beneficial use, ensure that dams and water wells are properly constructed and safe, and provide information about water resources to the public. Division of Water Resources

This work unit exists to serve the public and preserve, protect, develop, and optimize the beneficial use of the state’s present and future water supplies. This work unit exits to administer, distribute and regulate the water of the Colorado River according to the doctrine of prior appropriation, pursuant to Colorado Statutes, and in compliance with the Colorado River Compact.

Description of Job

***This position has received a waiver to be posted during the 2025 hiring freeze due to a failed recruitment.***

This position exists to assist the Division Engineer in carrying out the statutory duties required of the Division of Water Resources and any written instruction of the State Engineer within the geographic area of Water Division Five: act as Division Engineer in his/her absence; assure integrity of the Prior Appropriations Doctrine while maximizing beneficial use of water; coordinate the regulation of water within the Division; consult with the Water Court; resolve disputes that exceed the abilities of Water Commissioners; supervise field and office personnel; assist the public through the Water Court process and well permit application process and in the understanding of water law, hydrology and water supply, and other water-related issues; prepare expert witness reports; consult with the Water Court regarding Water Court applications; respond to water user complaints and write reports summarizing the agency’s position; and negotiate or provide expert engineering support / testimony to litigate any conditions necessary to protect existing water rights.
Specific job duties include but are not limited to:

Water Rights Administration: Collaborates with the Division Engineer, River Administrator, and oversees duties of Water Commissioners in the distribution and regulation of water from streams, aquifers, and reservoirs by determining the physical availability in relation to allocation principles to meet our statutory, compact, and constitutional obligations. Evaluate, coordinate and implement river operational procedures to maximize beneficial use of water stream systems without adversely impacting other users.

Supervision/Personnel Management: Directs and oversees assigned staff by training, assigning work priorities, arbitrating disputes, providing technical support, monitoring and evaluating performance, and counseling on difficult situations or problems. Oversees the hiring and onboarding processes for vacant positions directly supervised and positions under Supervisees. Assists and provides guidance to Supervisees in all Human Resource tasks for employees under Supervisees.

Water Court Case Review and Disposition: Using knowledge of surface and ground water hydrology, geology, advanced computer programs and Colorado water law, analyze Water Court applications, engineering reports and proposed decrees to ensure compliance with law, sound engineering principals, and guidelines of the Division; negotiate necessary conditions with applicant’s engineers and attorneys; create Court exhibits and testify as an expert to support Division’s position at trials; formulate effective litigation strategy in coordination with Assistant Attorney Generals; create detailed written comments /recommendations for review with the Water Court Referee each month. Negotiates settlement of disputes in consultation with the State and Division Engineers, including stipulations to resolve lawsuits.

Public Assistance: Meet with the public, both individually and groups, to explain general Colorado water law, augmentation plans, substitute water supply plans, enforcement actions undertaken and other matters related to the overall mission of the Colorado Division of Water Resources and Water Division 5. Meet with Water Conservancy Districts and water user organizations, water engineers and attorneys to discuss the requirements (and reasons for those requirements) of augmentation plans, substitute water supply plans, enforcement actions undertaken and other matters related to water administration. Provide presentations for conferences.

Water Rights Tabulation and Abandonment List: Maintains current and descriptive record concerning water rights, water right changes and court approved plans for augmentation, entering new water rights decrees within statutorily required deadlines. Responsible for facilitating coordination meetings to maintain quality control and ensure others are following the accepted protocol for tabulation of new decrees.

Prepares decennial lists of water rights meeting the criteria for abandonment as required by statute. In developing the abandonment list, communicates standards for review, assigns staff tasks to query HydroBase data, and field inspect structures. Prepares factual justification for proposed abandonments, considers objections, makes necessary revisions and disposes of any protests either through settlement or litigation, in consultation with the Division Engineer.

Non-Jurisdictional Dams and Stock Tanks: Review notices of intent to construct non-jurisdictional structures and applications for stock tanks. With notice/application information, satellite images, and Water Commissioner field inspections for each application, Correct/Add information on the NOI/application, and then determine that NOI/application is acceptable or make recommendations to applicant. Prepare approval/acceptance letters with terms and conditions for the Division Engineer’s signature.
Budget: Tracks and Reviews spending activities for Division 5 and monitors expenditures to ensure Division 5 is within allocated Budget. Projects spending needs through the end of the Fiscal Year, ensuring adequate funds are available to carry out statutory duties. Identify equipment needs of the division and plans for capital purchases. Approves overtime requests.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications:Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Current, valid licensure as a Professional Engineer from the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors.
OR
Current valid licensure as a Professional Engineer in the United States, and able to obtain licensure in Colorado within six (6) months of hire.

AND

Three (3) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position, one (1) of which must have been as a licensed professional engineer.

Substitutions:

Additional appropriate education in addition to that required for the professional engineer license will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Please note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section of your application will be reviewed to determine this. “See Resume” statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

If you are using a degree to substitute for the required experience, you may be required to provide copies of your educational transcripts for verification of your qualifications if requested.

Preferred Qualifications:

Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
Knowledge and experience with Colorado water rights.
Knowledge and experience with Colorado water law.
Knowledge and experience with plans for augmentation.
Experience in water resource engineering.
Experience with diversion, use, and/or measurement of surface water.
Experience managing programs and staff.
Experience with assisting customers and/or public outreach.
Other experience relevant to the use or management of water resources.

The current work arrangement for this position is as follows:
(Please note, this arrangement can be subject to change)

Hybrid schedule to be worked out with supervisor. Expected to work in main Glenwood Springs office (located at 202 Center Drive, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601) a minimum of two (2) days a week after initial training period.

Conditions of Employment:

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify their application from the current position. (Please Note: Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with DNR).
Applicants who do not have a current, valid licensure as a Professional Engineer from the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors will be required to obtain a Colorado license within six (6) months of hire as a condition of employment.
Must be willing and able to possess and maintain a State of Colorado Driver’s License
Must possess and maintain a current P.E. license in the State of Colorado (or have valid PE licensure in another state at time of application).
Must be prepared to defend and support actions and records in depositions or court testimony.
Must be able to address frequent and detailed inquiries from attorneys, professional engineers and hydrologists from government and private agencies.

APPEAL RIGHTS:
It is recommended that you contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below to resolve issues related to your possession of minimum qualifications. However, if you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Supplemental Information

The Assessment Process

All applications received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed by an HR Specialist against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement.
Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position will be a structured application review by Subject Matter Experts.
Resumes, cover letters and other attachments are not considered as part of initial reviews, therefore, it is important to document in your application your education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement.
Please thoroughly answer all supplemental questions (if listed) since question responses may be evaluated for content, writing ability, spelling, grammar, and effective communication.
This recruitment may involve additional testing and/or exams to arrive at the top group for interviews.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, atdnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us.
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

ADAAA Accommodations

Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us at least five business days before the date that any accommodation will be required to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.

E-Verify

The Department of Natural Resources participates in E-Verify in accordance with the program’s Right to Work for all newly-hired employees. Employees are queried through the electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete section 1 of the I-9 form upon your acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment and in addition, on your first day, but no later than the third day, you are required to submit original documents to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Toll–Free Applicant Support – Technical Help

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues. Helpful hints: If you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and close the document before you attempt to upload it.

Employer: State of Colorado

Address: See the full announcement by clicking
the “Printer” icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, —

Website: https://careers.colorado.gov/

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