Engineer II/III or Environmental Scientist

ENGINEER II/III or ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

The Colorado River Authority of Utah (Authority) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated water resource professional to join our team as a Project Manager. This individual will play a pivotal role in advancing Utah’s Colorado River water interests under the 1922 Colorado River Compact and the 1948 Upper Colorado River Basin Compact, specifically focusing on intrastate initiatives that bolster the State’s broader interstate efforts.

POSITION DETAILS & COMMITMENT

• FT / PT Status – Full-Time
• Salary – $34.39 - $60.77 Hourly
• Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office (60 East South Temple, Suite 850, Salt Lake City, UT 84111)
• Schedule – Monday - Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)
• Sitting for periods of time doing office work and research.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles.
• Travel within the State of Utah is an integral part of the position.
• Application Deadline – 6:00 PM (MDT) on June 5, 2026
  
  

PRINCIPLE DUTIES

• Project Management: Ability to manage hydrologic engineering and research projects. Conduct technical research and analyze hydrologic modeling to assess water supply, demand, and potential impacts of various scenarios related to Colorado River management. This work includes coordination with other state agencies on water conservation and efficiency initiatives. Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and updates for the Executive Director, Principal Engineer, and the Authority Board.
• Data Acquisition and Management: In close coordination with other Utah water agencies, undertake initiatives to improve water measurement capabilities across the Colorado River system in Utah to support planning efforts to ensure continued compliance with the Colorado River Compact. This will involve managing federal funding grants for the installation of measurement devices and ensuring data reporting to the appropriate state or local agency. Work closely with other Authority staff to compile, analyze, and present Utah's water use data to support Utah’s interstate negotiations. This will involve a deep understanding of data gaps and how to address them.
• Grant, Contract & Project Management: Manage state and federal grants to secure resources for intrastate water projects. Ensure compliance with grant requirements. Oversee staff project managers, consultants and contractors engaged for project design, studies, and construction. This includes developing scopes of work, reviewing request for proposals, contract administration, and quality control. Ensure all projects comply with state and federal environmental regulations and permitting requirements. Work collaboratively with other state agencies, local water users, and external consultants. Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure projects are completed on time and within financial constraints.
• Policy Support: Provide technical input and analysis to inform the development of Authority policies and positions on Colorado River issues. Develop an understanding of the complex legal framework governing the Colorado River, including the Colorado River Compact and other foundational agreements, to inform project development and data collection.
• Mentoring & Training: Train and mentor junior engineers or technical staff on the intricacies of Colorado River water management, project development, and relevant data analysis techniques.
  
  

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Communication: Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills and can translate complex ideas into clear, actionable insights. The ideal team member actively listens, adapts their message to diverse audiences, and collaborates seamlessly across various stakeholder groups to drive projects forward.
• “Law of the River”: The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of Colorado River issues with a particular emphasis related to recent interstate agreements, negotiations, and activities.
• Utah Water Law: Possesses a working knowledge of Utah water law and policy. This includes an understanding how change applications are filed and approved, along with a understanding of instream flow provisions found in Utah Code.
• Principles of Hydrology: Has a working knowledge of hydrologic data, including reading maps and understanding water, hydraulic, or flow principles. Collaborate with consultants and/or work independently to maintain and run hydrologic accounting models. Conduct model runs to support planning for Authority conservation programs and projects, or related efforts. Experience with RiverWare, Python, and ArcGIS is preferred.
• Critical Thinking and Initiative: Demonstrates the ability to work independently and inspire others to achieve common goals. Capable of using logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw accurate conclusions.
• People Skills: Exhibits strong communication and organizational skills to effectively manage multiple tasks and collaborate with team members
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:

• Minimum 3-years’ experience in managing engineering or research projects and developing contracts.
• Ability to summarize a technical analysis in written format.
• Ability to write and review technical reports
• Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to understand and review engineering documents.
• Ability to make decisions or recommendations based on available data.
• Ability to perform and/or interpret hydraulic measurements.
• Ability to read and interpret maps. Competence in performing mathematical calculations.
• Ability to teach new concepts and coach in learning situations
  
  

Preferred Or Trainable/on-the-job Qualifications

• Knowledge of water diversion measurement devices including but not limited to weirs, flumes, digital flow meters, and their use.
• Knowledge of evapotranspiration measurement, and how to apply it in complex water accounting problems.
• Ability to apply principles of water distribution to complex water systems.
• Ability to run hydrologic accounting models.
• Knowledge of and ability to use RiverWare, Python, and ArcGIS.
• Knowledge of and ability to use GPS equipment.
• Continuing education on best available science and policy developments regarding the impacts of climate change on water supply and water use trends.
  
  

Preference may be given to applicants with a masters degree or higher in engineering, natural science, technical writing, or a related field.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM

The Authority Was Created In 2021 To Represent Utah’s Interests On The Colorado River System And To “protect Utah's Right To Use Waters From The Colorado River System”. This Involves a Multifaceted Approach That Includes

• Defending Utah's Right to Use Colorado River Water: Vigilantly defending Utah’s legal entitlement to the Colorado River and ensuring our state’s allocated share remains protected against evolving interstate challenges.
• Advancing Utah’s Interests in Interstate Negotiations: Spearheading Utah’s engagement in complex Colorado River Basin negotiations. Collaborating with intrastate and interstate partners to establish equitable post-2026 guidelines that address the rapidly changing needs of the river system and the state.
• Developing and Implementing Intrastate Programs: This includes initiatives focused on:
• Measurement: Improving the accuracy and reporting of water use data within Utah to facilitate planning efforts and to provide solid data for interstate negotiations.
• Hydrology: Utilizing cutting-edge data and predictive modeling to analyze river flows, reservoir operations, and improve the accuracy of water forecasts across Utah’s critical watersheds.
• Drought Mitigation: Developing and implementing strategies to conserve water and adapt to drought conditions while continuing to meet our downstream Compact obligations.
• Building capacity and institutional knowledge: Fostering a team of experts (engineers, hydrologists, policy analysts, and attorneys) who understand the complex "Law of the River" and can strategically navigate its intricacies while at the same time working with intrastate partners on projects that increase Utah water users’ resilience.
• Fostering collaboration: Working closely with water users, tribal entities, and other stakeholders within Utah, as well as with other basin states and the federal government.
  

THE AGENCY For more information visit our website at https://cra.utah.gov/

EEO STATEMENT The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.