Water Transactions Specialist

Organization

Colorado Water Trust is the only statewide nonprofit solely dedicated to restoring water to Colorado's rivers. By working within Colorado’s water law system, we take the tools that were created to withdraw water from rivers and instead use them to do the opposite: return water to rivers with low flows or no flows at all. Together with our diverse partners throughout the state, we are restoring habitat for fish and other wildlife, improving local economic opportunities, and, where lost, returning to Colorado’s landscape the beauty of a flowing river. Since our inception in 2001, we have restored over 26 billion gallons of water to 814 miles of Colorado’s rivers and streams. We have staff strategically located both on the Front Range and across the state. Colorado Water Trust has a committed and knowledgeable board of directors and staff with exceptional expertise, talent and motivation as well as a passion for our mission. Internally, we promote a collaborative and supportive work environment, innovative ideas, flexibility, respect, and worklife balance. To learn more about our current programs, priorities, and our team, please visit ColoradoWaterTrust.org.

Position Summary

The Water Transactions Specialist will evaluate, develop, implement, and steward flow restoration projects throughout Colorado using collaborative, voluntary, and market-based approaches. They will work on a team environment under the direction of the Programs Director, with a self-starting and entrepreneurial ethos. The ideal candidate will share our passion for Western water and healthy rivers, be adept at innovative thinking to advance Colorado Water Trust’s goals, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, in addition to technical skills. The right person for this role will be comfortable communicating complex technical information to a variety of audiences, and be persistent despite occasionally skeptical audiences and challenging, long-term projects.

Essential Duties

• Conducts technical and/or legal evaluation of potential projects including water rights due diligence, and analysis of streamflow needs to support healthy aquatic habitats. 

• Manages reservoir release projects, including stakeholder consultation, administrative applications, contract execution, grant applications and reporting, and operational decisionmaking.

• Conducts site visits to support the development, implementation, and stewardship of streamflow restoration projects across the state.

• Represents Colorado Water Trust in front of agricultural interests, water users, nonprofit groups, watershed groups, and state and federal agencies. 

• Supports stewardship of Colorado Water Trust’s existing projects, including monitoring climate conditions and project water use, guiding project implementation and operations, and reporting project impacts. 

• Develops and maintains relationships throughout the water community, based on integrity, confidentiality, and mutual understanding.

• Prepares technical and/or legal memos, reports, grant reports, and presentations.

• Contributes web content, newsletters, blogs, and other project-related communications.

• Participates in general organization fundraising efforts, such as with events and thank you cards. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors or higher degree or equivalent experience in agricultural or water resources engineering, natural resources, environmental or physical sciences, law, or a closely related field. 

• 4-7 years of experience (including graduate work if relevant), with strong interest in western water rights, conservation, and water issues in the west.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Passionate belief in the mission of Colorado Water Trust and our organizational values.

• High degree of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to effectively balance multiple competing projects and issues.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective relationships over time.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel extensively throughout Colorado.

Additional Preferred Skills

• Legal degree or Master’s degree in a related field.

• Experience with grant applications.

• Experience in water right operations.

• Willing to exceed expectations to get the job done.

Compensation

This is a full-time, 40-hour per week, exempt position, with a salary range of $75,000-90,000. Colorado Water Trust offers a competitive benefits package including a comprehensive insurance package that includes health insurance, long- and short-term disability, life, vision, and dental; an FSA; unlimited paid time off; other need-based leave; and a retirement fund with employer contributions. Application

Procedure

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references by May 2, via email to Colorado Water Trust at admin@coloradowatertrust.org with “Water Transaction Specialist” in the email subject line. Interviews may be scheduled on a rolling basis, possibly before application period ends. No calls or drop-ins, please.

Location

Colorado Water Trust works statewide. We meet frequently in our shared office spaces in Salida, Durango, and Boulder, Colorado, but most employees spend a large percentage of their time working virtually. There is a geographic preference for applicants based in the Colorado Basin or Yampa-White-Green Basin for this position. However, we are open to the applicant being based in any Colorado region for the optimal candidate. Colorado Water Trust is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer.