Engineer II/III or Environmental Scientist

State of Utah Office of the Governor•Salt Lake City, UT

5d•$34 - $61•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to translate complex ideas into clear, actionable insights.
Actively listens, adapts message to diverse audiences, and collaborates seamlessly across various stakeholder groups.
Strong understanding of Colorado River issues with a particular emphasis related to recent interstate agreements, negotiations, and activities.
Working knowledge of Utah water law and policy.
Understanding how change applications are filed and approved.
Understanding of instream flow provisions found in Utah Code.
Working knowledge of hydrologic data, including reading maps and understanding water, hydraulic, or flow principles.
Ability to collaborate with consultants and/or work independently to maintain and run hydrologic accounting models.
Ability to conduct model runs to support planning for Authority conservation programs and projects, or related efforts.
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.
Exhibits strong communication and organizational skills to effectively manage multiple tasks and collaborate with team members.

Nice To Haves

Experience with RiverWare, Python, and ArcGIS is preferred.
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.
Masters degree or higher in engineering, natural science, technical writing, or a related field.

Responsibilities

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.
Coordinate 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.
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.
Manage federal funding grants for the installation of measurement devices and ensuring data reporting to the appropriate state or local agency.
Compile, analyze, and present Utah's water use data to support Utah’s interstate negotiations.
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.
Develop scopes of work, review 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.
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.
Train and mentor junior engineers or technical staff on the intricacies of Colorado River water management, project development, and relevant data analysis techniques.