Watershed Scientist - Wildfire Programs Lead

Working for Denver Water offers a rewarding and comprehensive employment experience marked by exceptional benefits and a strong organizational culture. Employees enjoy a robust 401(k) plan with employer contributions, a secure pension fund to support long-term financial well-being, and high-quality benefits that include a generous PTO package as well as medical, dental, and vision coverage.

At the heart of Denver Water’s workplace are its core values: vision, integrity, passion, excellence, and respect. These principles guide every aspect of the organization, fostering a collaborative and purpose-driven environment where employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the community and the future of water sustainability.

Position Summary

At the Scientist Sr. level, this position will manage the programs related to wildfire and forest health within Denver Water’s Holistic Watershed Plan. As a subject matter expert, perform complex professional level planning, scientific analyses, and system-level problem solving related to forest management and source water protection. The position will establish and lead new projects and programs to fulfill Denver Water’s obligation to meet its customers’ needs and to be a responsible steward of the natural environment. The position will align forest management programs with Denver Water’s watershed values of drinking water treatability and infrastructure protection.

At the Scientist level, this position will support the programs related to wildfire and forest health within Denver Water’s Holistic Watershed Plan. Under general supervision, complete planning, scientific analyses, and system-level problem solving related to forest management and source water protection. The position will establish new forest and watershed management programs and projects to fulfill Denver Water’s obligation to meet its customers’ needs and to be a responsible steward of the natural environment. The position will align forest management programs with Denver Water’s watershed values of drinking water treatability and infrastructure protection.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Scientist Sr.

Lead the program-level oversight of the From Forests to Faucets Partnership and other forest and wildfire management programs.

• Coordinate with foresters, hydrologists, researchers, and emergency managers to collaboratively identify, fund, and implement landscape scale fuels treatments.
• Evaluate and approve forest management project proposals based on benefit to Denver Water infrastructure and raw water supply.
• Manage contracts, Memorandums of Understanding, and cost-sharing agreements with critical external partners. Management includes negotiating contracts, administering budgets, and performing quality assurance/quality control of outputs.
• Engage in regional efforts to improve wildfire management systems and reduce barriers to increasing the pace and scale of forest management in Denver Water’s collection system.
• Represent Denver Water as our forest health and wildfire expert at stakeholder meetings, conferences, externally appointed positions, and other engagement opportunities.
• Translate wildfire risk data into management strategies to guide Denver Water’s investments in forest restoration and wildfire mitigation.
• Manage consultant teams and contractors that support the program’s wildfire initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with external stakeholders to balance meeting collaborative management goals while protecting Denver Water’s critical infrastructure and water supply.
• Co-develop wildfire preparedness initiatives with internal Denver Water teams, such as the Emergency Management team.
• Review and prepare oral and written technical reports as well as communication materials for wider audiences.
• Review and advise positions on wildfire related state and federal policy.
• Perform other pertinent related work as requested and required.

Scientist:

• Support the program-level oversight of the From Forests to Faucets Partnership and other forest and wildfire management programs.
• Coordinate with foresters, hydrologists, researchers, and emergency managers to collaboratively identify landscape scale fuels treatments.
• Review forest management project proposals and advise on benefit to Denver Water infrastructure and raw water supply.
• Manage contracts with external partners, including negotiating contracts and performing quality assurance/quality control of outputs.
• Engage in regional efforts to improve wildfire management systems and reduce barriers to increasing the pace and scale of forest management in Denver Water’s collection system.
• Represent Denver Water at stakeholder meetings, conferences, externally appointed positions, and other engagement opportunities.
• Translate wildfire risk data into management strategies to guide Denver Water’s investments in forest restoration and wildfire mitigation.
• Manage consultant teams and contractors that support the program’s wildfire initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with external stakeholders to balance meeting collaborative management goals while protecting Denver Water’s critical infrastructure and water supply.
• Co-develop wildfire preparedness initiatives with internal Denver Water teams, such as the Emergency Management team.
• Review and prepare oral and written technical reports as well as communication materials for wider audiences.
• Review and advise positions on wildfire related state and federal policy.
• Perform other pertinent related work as requested and required.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Watershed Science or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years of related work experience. – Scientist Only
• Minimum 8 years of related work experience. – Scientist Sr. Only
• Any equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities for the position.

Licenses, Registration, and Certifications

• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 'R' Colorado driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record at time of hire.

Preferred Skills & Competencies

• Verbal and written communication
• Organization and coordination skills
• Time management
• Leadership skills
• Data analysis
• Project management
• Conflict resolution
• Collaboration
• Public speaking

An offer of employment may be contingent upon satisfactory results of a post-offer drug test and alcohol. Denver Water tests for the following: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). A strength test may also be conducted due to the physical requirements of the position. This strength test may include lifting, pushing, and pulling various amounts of weight as well as crouching, squatting, and lifting one’s own body weight from various positions. If the position is deemed safety-sensitive or requires a CDL, you will be placed on the random drug and alcohol testing list, which means you may be tested if your name is selected while employed at Denver Water.

Applicants for employment at Denver Water must be authorized to work in the U.S.  Denver Water will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.