Water Resources Planner (Colorado Basin)

Water Resources Planner (Colorado Basin)

***This position has the flexibility to report from the Colorado Basin Field Office in Eagle, CO, or offices in Colorado Springs.***

Join Colorado Springs Utilities as a Water Resources Planner and help shape the future of water in the Colorado River Basin! In this pivotal role, you’ll lead planning, protection, and project management efforts that ensure a resilient water system for generations to come.  You will support water resource planning, protection, and project management for initiatives critical to current operations and future development of our water system. 

***This role focuses on advancing goals within the Colorado River Basin.

***This job is eligible for relocation assistance to aid with the costs associated with moving to the Colorado Springs, or Eagle CO area.***
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with agencies, partners, and stakeholders across the Colorado River Basin
• Conduct engineering studies and modeling for water resource planning, reservoir storage, and water rights administration
• Analyze data, regulations, and risk assessments to evaluate impacts on water system operations and Colorado River supplies
• Develop and implement policies, best practices, and agreements related to water rights, watershed management, and resource planning
• Support a balanced water portfolio aligned with the Integrated Water Resource Plan
• Manage projects from scoping through procurement, budgeting, and contractor oversight
• Travel required for meetings and fieldwork across Colorado
• Occasional light physical activity outdoors

Who You Are:

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related field is preferred but not required
• 5–10 years in water resource planning, modeling, hydrology, Colorado water rights, western water law, water operations, or project management experience is preferred
• Experience with utilities or Colorado/Rocky Mountain water systems preferred
• Skills: Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal abilities; self-directed; adaptable; creative problem-solving
• A Professional Engineer (PE) license is viewed favorably, along with established connections in Colorado’s water community

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a small amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, and intense noises

Our Commitment to Our Employees…
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities.  They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving.  We don't just say people are important – we prove it!  That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Personal Leave –3 days per year
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs

Additional Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250  annually to support continued education
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness