Lead Water Resources Professional (OSE/ISC #10117385)

Lead Water Resources Professional (OSE/ISC #10117385) State of New Mexico - 3.4 Albuquerque, NM Job Details Full-time $44.98 - $71.96 an hour 1 day ago Qualifications Customer communication Driver's License Data collection Full Job Description Posting Details

THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE. INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED AFTER THE HIRING MANAGER RECEIVES A LIST OF QUALIFIED APPLICANTS.

This position is located in the Water Resources Allocation Program (WRAP), Water Rights District I, Albuquerque, NM To learn more about the Office of the State Engineer, please visit our website: https://www.ose.state.nm.us/ Why does the job exist? Drought in the State of New Mexico has created a water shortage in the Middle Rio Grande (MRG) stream system, and this shortage affects the State of New Mexico's compliance with the Rio Grande Compact. As a result, the MRG is being designated as a priority basin under Active Water Resource Management (AWRM). The purpose of the position is to serve as the MRG Basin Water Master, performing AWRM duties and supporting MRG Administrative Team planning activities for the MRG Water Master District. Generally, the position will focus on the administration of surface water and groundwater rights within the MRG, including but not limited to the following: processing water rights applications, declarations, and other related documents; field work; monitoring permit holders for compliance; providing customer assistance related to water rights and measurement, including engaging with irrigators and stakeholders; investigating alleged illegal water use and other complaints; compiling technical reports including annual reports; and serving as an expert witness in administrative hearings. More specific duties are described below. How does it get done? Serve as the MRG Water Master in support of AWRM, actively administering surface and ground water resources in accordance with New Mexico statutes, interstate compacts, and State Engineer rules and regulations, including providing technical support. The duties and responsibilities described below will change with the seasons and as certain projects transition from foundation-laying to maintenance. Prepare recommendations and final action memoranda for water rights applications, declarations, and extension of time requests. Assist water resource specialists with water rights applications and declarations by preparing field reports and other technical reports. Conduct research on water rights files, survey maps, aerial photography, metering data, and other historical data to support recommendations. Utilize computer software including GIS applications to prepare exhibits that accompany memoranda and technical reports. Monitor permit holders for compliance. Serve as the lead on municipal depletions accountings and audits, as well as the lead on annual San Juan Chama Project (SJCP) water accountings, further making SJCP water release recommendations for depletion offsets, all involving coordination with the Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) to ensure compact compliance. Conduct compliance reviews of a number of wildlife refuges in the MRG, and serve as the lead on the MRG pond compliance project to address unpermitted ponding. Conduct field work, maintaining an active field presence for all water diverters in the MRG, and further representing the State Engineer in stakeholder interactions. Coordinate measurement efforts and monitor diversions to ensure compliance and prevent over-diversions, compile diversion data, conduct meter inspections and collect meter readings in the field. Prepare and submit detailed memorandum documenting field investigations and recommended actions. Enter meter readings and serve as the MRG metering lead. Investigate complaints of water use violations, prepare findings, and recommend appropriate actions. Conduct investigations and follow-up activities related to compliance issues, including thorough documentation of complaints. Respond to reports of illegal diversions by performing detailed field investigations and gathering technical information to determine legal status. Prepare comprehensive field reports and ensure timely communication with the complaining party. Maintain spreadsheets to track compliance status, provide follow-up actions, and refer cases to the Enforcement Unit with sufficient documentation for enforcement proceedings. Draft and issue notices of violation, monitor compliance with diversion and permit conditions, and make informed recommendations to supervisors to achieve compliance objectives. Compile water rights documentation and serve as an expert witness in administrative hearings. Research historical data and water rights files to support agency recommendations on protested or contested applications. Prepare memoranda for supervisors or staff attorneys and provide expert testimony as required. Assist the public with various water rights applications and questions. Provide technical guidance to applicants, educate the public on agency policies and procedures through presentations at public meetings, and maintain correspondence on water-related matters to ensure clarity and compliance. Assist with public outreach efforts. Engage with irrigators and stakeholders to address concerns and prepare statistical data for annual reports. Work closely with and participate in MRGCD board meetings monthly. During each irrigation season, the MRG Water Master will administer water rights and monitor diversions in accordance with AWRM regulations. In the offseason, the MRG prepares a comprehensive report on the previous year's irrigation season and plans for the upcoming season. The position is responsible for authoring and publishing the annual Water Master Report, which summarizes irrigation activities and resource management outcomes. Who are the customers? The customers Include a diverse group of both surface water and groundwater water users in the State that represent farming, ranching, dairy, municipalities, and other private and public interests that seek public service and water resources administrative services from the Office of the State Engineer. Ideal Candidate The customers Include a diverse group of both surface water and groundwater water users in the State that represent farming, ranching, dairy, municipalities, and other private and public interests that seek public service and water resources administrative services from the Office of the State Engineer. Minimum Qualification Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Science, Hydrology, Geology, Environmental Science, Water Resources, Watershed Management, Physics, Natural Science, Physical Science, Life Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Forestry/Forest Science, Conservation Science, Wildlife Science, Emergency Management, or Engineering and six (6) years of relevant experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling ten (10) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Employment Requirements This position is required to drive a state vehicle. This position is required to drive a state vehicle. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment Working Conditions Work performed primarily in an office setting with extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some travel may be required with an ability to handle tight deadlines and multiple demands related to work requirements. Supplemental Information Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Agency Contact Information:

Lorrie Gallegos 505-383-4043 Email For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement. Bargaining Unit Position This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.