WATER RESOURCE AGENT/SR
Posting Begin Date: 2024/10/08
Posting End Date: 2024/10/20
Category: Natural Resources
Sub Category: Water Agency
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Twin Falls, ID, United States
Minimum Salary: 25.00
Maximum Salary: 28.75
Pay Rate Type: Hourly
Description
Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.
The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) has an exciting opportunity for two natural resource professionals who want to impact Idaho water issues. IDWR is filling two Water Resource Agent or Water Resource Agent, Senior positions at its Southern Region office in Twin Falls.
One position reports to the Water Distribution Section manager in Boise and provides technical support to water districts regarding water distribution, water measurement, and water right compliance. This position will also review water use and assessment reports for accuracy and compliance and will assist with maintaining various IDWR databases. This position interacts with the public regularly, and responds to inquiries about water use and delivery, water rights, water data, and the water appropriation process.
The second position reports to the Southern Region office manager and will process applications for new water rights, process applications to change existing water rights, and conduct field examinations to document and quantify the extent of beneficial use developed under existing water right permits. The incumbent will also respond to inquiries from the public and maintain water right records to support the orderly allocation of Idaho's water resources.
There are two levels for these job openings: Water Resource Agent(WRA) and Water Resource Agent, Senior (WRA Senior). The Water Resource Agent (WRA) job classification is the entry-level position in the Water Resource Agent, Senior career track. The classification at hiring depends on qualifications. The WRA position is used for recruitment and training purposes for the WRA Senior position. Through various types of on-the-job training, WRAs learn to carry out the duties of a WRA Senior. Typically, the WRA Senior level requires two years of experience as a WRA or equivalent work experience. Upon completion of training, the employee will be paid at the WRA, Senior level. To qualify for the WRA Senior classification the candidate must meet all minimum qualification requirements.
Example of Duties: WRA/ WRA Senior, Water Distribution Section
- Conducts field examinations, measures surface and ground water diversions and collects spatial and other related data
Migrates or enters water diversion data into databases using manual or automated methods
Interprets legal descriptions, survey plats, aerial photographs, and maps to locate and document points of diversion and places of use
Reviews regulatory program applications for compliance with related laws and rules
Investigates unauthorized water diversions and water right disputes
Explains water laws and regulations to the public and prepares related correspondence
May serve as watermaster for assigned water districts
Example of Duties: WRA/WRA Senior, Southern Region office
Review water right applications for compliance with state and federal laws, and department policies
Interpret legal descriptions, survey plats, aerial imagery, and maps to locate and document points of diversion and places of use
Measure water quantities and flow rates for surface and ground water diversions. Document locations and components of water delivery systems. Determine the extent of water use developed
Review proposed changes to water rights. Evaluate the impact of the proposed change on other water users
Explain water laws and regulations associated with water appropriation, water distribution, and water district operation to attorneys, technical consultants, and the public
Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications for Both Vacancies
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 gained by 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 by 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.
Water Resource Agent, Senior (In addition to the minimum qualifications as listed above)
Experience interpreting aerial photography or satellite imagery, or using geographic information systems such as ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro. Typically gained by 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.
Experience 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.
Experience measuring water diversion systems and conveyance system capacities including pump systems, storage volumes, and experience with measuring equipment and methods.Typically gained by at least two years of field work experience as a Water Resource Agent or similar work for a water district, canal company, irrigation district, other agricultural or natural resource industry, or natural resource management agency.
Additional Qualifications
Must possess a valid driver's license
Desired Qualifications
Experience using GIS applications such as ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro
Experience with water appropriation processes and the Prior Appropriation Doctrine
Experience managing and analyzing data in spreadsheets and databases using Microsoft Access or Excel
Experience interacting with upset or confrontational individuals
Good time management, attention to detail, and organizational skills
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[email protected].
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.