POSITION SUMMARY

Northern Water is seeking a Water Resources Engineer to provide engineering support and analysis for Northern Water and the Municipal Subdistrict, with a focus on the protection of native water supplies, water resource planning, water rights analysis and the protection of yield and return flows. Northern Water is growing and we're seeking employees who are passionately committed to helping us collect and deliver water to more than 1.1 million people and about 550,000 acres of irrigated farmland. Since 1937 our strong and stable reputation has attracted employees to be a part of our mission. We offer competitive pay, exceptional benefits and a workplace environment that offers great culture and collaboration. With more than 190 employees, most are based at our beautiful Berthoud, Colo. headquarters, and about 20 are based in scenic Grand County on the West Slope of the Continental Divide. This is an exciting time to become a part of our organization as we embark on building two of the largest water storage projects in recent United States history. Construction was complete on the Chimney Hollow Reservoir Project in 2025. We are also anticipating to start construction on Northern Integrated Supply Project in 2028, which will help meet the growing water needs of the region for generations to come. We're proud of our reputation as a leading water delivery, conservation and management organization, not only in the western United States, but across the nation. Be sure to check out these interviews with Northern Water staff where they highlight the many benefits of working for our organization. Come join our team!

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

The Water Supply Planning and Protection Department is responsible for managing the water right assets owned by Northern Water and its enterprises, oversees the protection of those assets as needed in Water Court in cooperation with Northern Water's legal counsel, and serves as a voice for Northern Water and Colorado water users to ensure water resources are protected on a state, regional and federal level. Overall, this department helps provide oversight and guidance on a variety of recovery, alternative management and water protection programs.

GENERAL STATEMENT

This position is responsible for providing engineering support and analysis for Northern Water and the Subdistrict, focusing on the protection of native water supplies, water resource planning, water rights analysis and the protection of District and Subdistrict yield and return flows.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Water Rights Protection & Development Provides technical support and management to projects involving water rights administration, augmentation plan accounting, and water system operations. Develops, maintains, and reviews water rights accounting and submits monthly and annual accounting reports to the appropriate entity. Prepares technical reports that present the data, methodologies, and results of water rights analyses in a clear and concise format. Prepares technical reports and responses in support of Water Court applications and Statements of Opposition. Conducts analyses of project operations and potential impacts related to technical aspects of the water court process both as an applicant and as an objector. Conducts hydrologic studies and investigations using water resource planning models. Provides engineering support for Northern Water and Subdistrict projects to protect District and Subdistrict water rights, ensures that CBT water is not transferred or used outside of the District boundaries and that CBT return flows are protected and accounted for properly. Provides subject matter expertise, technical analysis, and negotiation support for efforts to protect base water supplies for continued use within District and Subdistrict Boundaries. Protects, develops, and defends Northern Water and Subdistrict water rights and operations through involvement in the Water Court process, as well as through other public policy and stakeholder forums. Water Supply Planning Provides water resource engineering and subject matter expertise to support Northern Water and Subdistrict projects, policies, water supply development, water efficiency, and drought planning efforts. Participates in water resource and infrastructure planning studies performed by Northern Water and/or its partners. Evaluates water supply and infrastructure alternatives to optimize water system yield or operations. Compiles and analyzes information relating to water supply portfolios, water system yields, rate structures, and other relevant information to understand regional water trends. Consults with CBT allottees, water users, and other key stakeholders. Provides technical review and comment on water planning studies, comprehensive plans, water master plans, water supply elements, and other related documents. Provides input on water allotment contract transfers, cap calculations, water commitments, land use referrals, and related matters. Researches and develops appropriate tools and methods to protect base water supplies. Assists in developing and implementing supply-side technical assistance and grant programs. Works with Northern Water and legal staff to recommend new or modified policies for Board approval. Provides review and comment on water-related legislation. Works with professional and technical personnel and consultants, provides technical guidance and quality control checks. Provides technical assistance to other departments within Northern Water, as requested. Regional Water Matters Assists in developing content and messaging involving regional water issues, base supply protection, and general water education. Participates in local, regional, and statewide water meetings, stakeholder groups, and planning studies to protect and advance Northern Water, Subdistrict, and Northeastern Colorado interests. Develops and maintains relationships with CBT allottees, water users, and other key stakeholders. Provides technical support and subject matter expertise related to Interstate & Intrastate water matters including Endangered Species Recovery Programs, Interstate Compact matters, Wild & Scenic Rivers Alternative Management Plans, and local, regional, and statewide water planning efforts.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Education B.S. in Water Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a similar field. Experience Minimum 3 years of experience in water resources or related professional field is required 5 to 10 years water resources or related professional work experience is desired

LICENSE, CERTIFICATE AND CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Professional Engineering License (PE) is desirable. Valid driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge Water resource engineering principles and fundamentals and their relevant applications to Northern Water and Subdistrict projects and operations. Understands and can demonstrate application of complex water rights, hydrologic modeling, and river/reservoir operations engineering studies and analyses. Knowledge of climate and hydrologic systems. Familiarity with the operation of the C-BT and Windy Gap Projects is desired. Familiarity with the planning and operation of complex water systems in Colorado is desired. Understanding of Colorado water law Familiarity reading, interpreting, and administering agreements and water rights decrees. General understanding Interstate Compacts is desired. Skills Create and present technical information, reports, and presentations internally and externally. Organizational skills such as team concepts, task scheduling, and task prioritization. Work both independently and within a team. Builds relationships and works effectively with internal and external staff and stakeholders. Abilities Spreadsheet/database applications, statistical programs and program languages, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and word processing programs. Statistical and probability applications and forecasting tools relevant to water resources related problems. Previous experience and understanding of water resource models (e.g., MODSIM, Riverware, etc.) is desirable. Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Walking and climbing stairs daily. Sustained operation of keyboard devices. Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking in performance of daily activities. Ability to lift, drag, or push boxes, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds. Must be able to meet the physical requirements of a post job offer physical examination. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Occasional travel away from headquarters in Berthoud, with occasional overnight trips. Maintains a personal appearance appropriate for job position and image of Northern Water. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. Northern Water provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. Northern Water complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Northern Water also prohibits any form of workplace harassment in accordance with these laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$127,875.00 - $141,077.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person