Water Resources Administrator

HIRING RANGE: $97,957 to $117,548 per year

The Water Resources Administrator serves as a steward of the City’s critical water supply, ensuring that the City’s residents, businesses, and future growth have a safe, reliable, and sustainable source of water. This position is responsible for the strategic planning, accounting, and stewardship of complex legal and operational water supply systems for the City. This role oversees the management of water rights and regulatory processes to guide current operational decisions, long-range water supply planning, capital project management, and conservation initiatives that ensure long-term sustainability.

As a leader in Public Works, this position supports an engaged and productive team environment and exemplifies City values including the supporting Public Works values:  

Public Works C.A.R.E.S.:

• Communication: The cornerstone that supports collaboration and customer service excellence.
• Adaptability: We are always ready to respond to change and challenge.
• Respect:   We bring integrity, honesty, and kindness to the workplace.
• Efficiency: We embrace training, innovation and teamwork to get the job done.
• Safety: Working safely ensures everyone goes home at the end of the day.

This position operates under the supervision of the Public Works Director with appreciable latitude for independent judgement.

Provide strategic stewardship of the City’s water supply

• Prepare studies, reports, and data-driven recommendations to ensure reliable water supply for the City both today and into the future.
• Utilize data and reports to develop strategic long- and short-range water supply plans.
• Develop and implement actionable and impactful water conservation and drought mitigation plans to include strong public engagement.
• Provide clear, accurate communication with employees, colleagues, supervisor, and the public.

Water rights legal process and regulatory administration

• Protect the City’s water supply through various water rights legal processes.
• Ensure water rights are administered and documented in line with City decrees, State regulation and laws.
• Represent the City in meetings with State water officials, municipalities, and ditch companies to determine priorities, flows and risks to deliveries.
• Review ordinances, regulations, and technical reports for accuracy and feasibility.
• Evaluate State legislation and report on potential legislative actions that may be impactful to the City’s water utilities.

Operational management of the City’s raw water systems

• Ensure water supply delivery structures are open and functional to maximize water supply availability.
• Periodically inspect ditches, canals, and reservoirs and coordinate cleaning, repair, and maintenance of these facilities.
• Maintain accurate water accounting and ensure water accounting is managed to maximize wet water availability.
• Develop and implement raw water system programs and projects.
• Coordinate raw water leases, exchanges, purchases, and annual supply updates.
• Represent the City on ditch company boards.

Capital project management

• Plan, develop, and management water supply-related capital improvement projects.
• Review construction for compliance with specifications.
• Coordinate with contractors, internal departments and external partners.

Leadership and supervision

• Plans and organizes workload for a small team.
• Train, evaluate, and motivate staff.
• Ensure work aligns with departmental goals and community needs.
• Models and re-enforces safe workplace practices.

Strong candidates often bring a mix of skills and experiences. If this role aligns with your strengths and career goals, we welcome your application—even if you do not meet every qualification

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in water resources, watershed science, hydrology, or related field.  
• Five years of progressively responsible water resources planning, analysis, and management in the State of Colorado.
• Preferred: Licensed professional engineer in the State of Colorado.
• Considerable knowledge of various components of raw water systems including Colorado water law, water supply planning and management, and conservation and drought management.
• Strong ethics standards with ability to exercise considerable initiative and sound judgement.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience managing budgets, contracts, and regulatory compliance programs.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license;

• Position requires both sedentary office work and field work.
• Outdoor activities include driving, walking, stooping, climbing ditch banks and ladders, heavy lifting and handling of heavy equipment in inclement weather.

Salary : $97,957 - $137,139