Water Resource Agent/Sr

State of Idaho Opportunity

Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

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Important Guidelines: Applicant resumes must demonstrate how they meet the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS listed in the job announcement.

Selection Process: Resumes will be screened based on the criteria outlined in this announcement. A select number of candidates who have demonstrated that they meet the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position and have the most relevant qualifications may be given the opportunity to be interviewed.

The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) may conduct verification of the information provided in your application, including validation of driver's license status, education, employment, and criminal history. Omission and/or falsification of information provided in your application will result in your removal from consideration for employment, appointment, or promotion.

The Idaho Department of Water Resources is hiring a Water Resource Agent/Senior Water Resource Agent in our Northern Region office in Coeur d’Alene. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional with a keen interest in Idaho’s water resources and water’s role in our economy, ecosystems, and quality of life.

This position will be working primarily in our Adjudication Section. The Water Resource Agent and Senior Water Resource Agent reviews and investigates water right claims filed in the Northern Idaho Adjudications and prepares recommendations for decree by the adjudication court. Claim investigations require interacting with water users, analyzing aerial photographs and satellite imagery, reviewing historical documents, writing reports, and conducting field inspections to confirm the extent of historical water use. Water Resource Agents and Senior Water Resource Agents frequently interact with the public, attorneys, and court staff to assist with all aspects of the adjudication process, including the filing of water right claims and motions with the presiding court. Matching good technical skills with strong interpersonal communication, customer service, and conflict resolution skills are keys to success in this role. The initial claims-taking phase of the adjudication process has limited field work. Field work opportunities increase during the claim investigation phase.

Water Resource Agents and Senior Water Resource Agents in our Adjudication Section gain extensive knowledge in a variety of IDWR’s programs while playing a key role in building the foundation of future water administration in Idaho. The Water Resource Agent job classification is the entry-level position in the Senior Water Resource Agent career path. The Water Resource Agent position is used for recruitment and training purposes for the Senior Water Resource Agent position. Through various types of on-the-job training, the Water Resource Agent will learn the duties of a Senior Water Resource Agent. Water Resource Agents who develop the knowledge and experience to work independently may advance to Senior Water Resource Agent. Typically, the Senior Water Resource Agent level requires two years of experience as a Water Resource Agent (or equivalent work experience). Upon completion of training, the employee will be paid at the Senior Water Resource Agent level. Experienced Senior Water Resource Agents may train or assist in training Water Resource Agents and temporary staff, act as team leaders, or supervise field activities.

Example of Duties

• Review and investigate water right claim filings
• Interprets legal descriptions, survey plats, aerial photographs, and maps to locate and document points of diversion and places of use
• Respond to customer inquiries regarding water rights, filing requirements, statutes, rules, and policies
• Recommend actions on water right claims based on review and interpretation of statutes, rules, and policies
• Conduct field inspections to confirm historical water use

Minimum Qualifications

Water Resource Agent

Some knowledge of:

• Algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to calculate water flow rates, pump efficiencies, water storage capacity, and/or land areas

Typically gained by successful completion of high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry classes.

Good knowledge of:

• Hydrology, hydrogeology, hydraulics, and/or water measurement techniques for determining water quantity parameters such as flow rate, volume, pump efficiencies, and storage capacities

Typically met through successful completion of at least one college-level course in hydrology, geology, or a similar natural resource field covering surface and groundwater principles OR at least two years of water-related field work experience for a water district, canal company, irrigation district, agriculture or natural resource development industry, or natural resource management agency.

Experience:

• Interpreting public land survey legal descriptions utilizing at least one of the following: USGS quadrangle maps, survey plats, or similar cartographic material

Typically gained through successful completion of college coursework in a technical or scientific field that specifically included the interpretation of public land survey legal descriptions; OR at least six months of professional work experience in land surveying, cartography, geographic information systems, or a closely related field.

Senior Water Resource Agent (in addition to the minimum qualifications listed above)

Good knowledge of:

• Hydrology as it relates to surface and ground water

Experience:

• Determining a system's water diversion and conveyance capacity including pump systems

Typically gained by approximately two years of experience measuring and/or computing the capacity of water diversion and distribution systems (including pump systems) for irrigation, drainage, municipal or domestic use, commercial or industrial use, or for other purposes; OR three credits of college coursework in water distribution system design AND one year of related experience as described above.

• Interpreting aerial photography, satellite imagery, global positioning systems, or geographic information systems

Typically, this background is gained through successful completion of college coursework in Cartography, Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geospatial Information, or a related technical or scientific field requiring interpretation of aerial photography or satellite imagery and use of GIS software; OR through at least 6 months of work experience interpreting aerial photography or satellite imagery and using GIS software as a regular part of the job.

• Applying federal and state regulations and laws pertaining to water appropriation and/or use in a work setting

Typically gained by at least two years related experience as a water resource agent, hydrologist, paralegal, or similar position that requires an understanding of natural resource laws.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience applying the Prior Appropriation Doctrine in a work setting
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and experience interacting with angry or hostile individuals
• Experience interpreting aerial photography, satellite imagery, global positioning systems, or geographic information systems (GIS)

Benefits

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

To learn more about the Idaho Department of Water Resources, please visit our website: https://idwr.idaho.gov

Our Mission: To serve the citizens of Idaho by ensuring that water is conserved and available to sustain Idaho’s economy, ecosystems, and resulting quality of life.

EEO/ADA/Veteran

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.