Voluntary Consumptive Use Program Principal 2026-02228

State of Wyoming•Pinedale, WY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will serve multiple roles in support of the State Engineer's Office's mission to protect both inter- and intra-state waters of Wyoming, including appropriation, distribution, and application to beneficial use of water as provided under the prior appropriation doctrine, and to maintain the flexibility within that framework to meet the changing needs of the citizens of Wyoming. Their initial primary duty will be to assist in developing and implementing the Voluntary Water Conservation Program. This program was recently established through Wyoming Statutes §§ 41-3-117 through 119. Once implemented, the primary duty will be to assist with complex technical reviews of the applications submitted for the Program. This position will be solely responsible for field verifications of conservation projects and accounting. This position may also assist in other field administration activities, including stream gaging and other duties as assigned. Ready to trade the daily grind for an elevated mountain lifestyle? Nestled at the base of the majestic Wind River Range, Pinedale, WY is a vibrant, authentic mountain town that serves as the ultimate playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Bordered by millions of acres of national forest and home to Fremont Lake (Wyoming's second-largest natural lake), you will have world-class hiking, blue-ribbon fly fishing, skiing at White Pine Ski Resort, and premier snowmobiling right at your doorstep. Pinedale offers the perfect mix of high-alpine adventure and small-town comfort, featuring a fantastic local aquatic center, great local craft breweries, and thriving summer events like the Green River Rendezvous Festival. Best of all, with no state income tax, breathtaking scenic views, and a safe, welcoming community, your hard work goes further in a place you'll love to call home. If you are looking for clean air, spectacular scenery, and a meaningful career where you can truly unplug after work, join us in Pinedale!

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (typically in The Sciences)
1-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in The Sciences) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Natural Resources Analyst OR 4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in The Sciences) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Natural Resources Analyst
Knowledge of hydrology and water resources; engineering principles and practices; irrigation practices; water rights law, regulation and water administration policies and practices in Wyoming and the west.
Knowledge of federal and state natural resource, case law, regulations and policies; water resource applications of computer modeling and its applications and limitations including analysis and calculations of evapotranspiration of water, consumptive use of water by agricultural crops, depletions associated with ground and surface water, transit losses and water balance studies.
Skills in interpersonal, written and verbal communications.
Skills in managing time and resources.
Knowledge of computer applications for creating, manipulating and updating spreadsheets, databases and presentations.
Knowledge of hydrologic data collection, interpretation, analysis and reporting; use of a variety of hydrologic measuring and monitoring equipment and tools for data collection; stream gaging telemetry and measuring device installation and maintenance; complex mathematical computations; maps and records interpretation.
Skills in reviewing and comprehending technical studies, modeling, reports, proposals, and other documents to determine relevancy and accuracy of information; summarizing technical presentations and policy development dialogues.
Ability to create and manipulate maps with GIS software; interpret aerial infrared photography and satellite imagery to determine the status of irrigation and land use.
Analyze land survey data, hydraulics, water storage and flow measurement data; work effectively in groups to convey information and represent Wyoming's interests.
Think strategically on complex technical/political issues; manage multiple tasks simultaneously; present and convey information clearly and concisely to groups or individuals verbally, electronically and/or in writing to ensure they understand the information.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering (water resources), hydrology, watershed sciences, agricultural engineering or other natural resources field plus four years of work experience in water resource management.

Responsibilities

Assist in development and implementation of the Voluntary Water Conservation Program Act, Wyoming Statutes §§ 41-3-117 through 119. This includes development of rules and forms for the Voluntary Water Conservation Program (Program) and participation in public meetings.
Assist with complex technical reviews of conservation project applications and ensure proper field administration and accounting can be accomplished.
Ensure compliance with the statutes and rules associated with the consumptive use program, including historic consumptive use.
Analyze conveyance loss and storage of water conserved under the application and review other factors to ensure the approved application will not injuriously affect the water rights of other appropriators.
Field administration of projects to ensure compliance.
Accounting of water from the point of conservation to the reservoir or location where the conserved or contributed water will be stored or used.
Produce annual reports with two legislative committees.
Assist in other field administration activities, including stream gaging and other duties as assigned.