Colorado residents: Water Planning & Climate Impacts Specialist

Colorado Department of Natural Resources

Denver, CO, USA 🇺🇸

Salary: $68,460.00 – $77,166.00 Annually

Location: Denver Metro, CO

Job Type: Full Time

Department: Department of Natural Resources

Job Number: PDA 00068 2/23

Closing: 3/13/2023 5:00 PM Mountain

Department Information

OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO

 
 Are you interested in investing in a career that makes a difference?
 
Consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. It’s our mission to manage and conserve Colorado’s natural resources for the benefit of people today – and tomorrow. That means we have to balance development with conservation so the state we all love provides similar opportunities for our children and their children.
 
We invite you to explore our website at https://dnr.colorado.gov/about-us to find out more about the work we do to manage Colorado’s natural resources for today – and tomorrow.
 
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.
 
 In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:
 

  • Medical and Dental plans
  • Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax 401K and 457 plans
  • Paid life insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Employee Wellness programs
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • 10 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
  • Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
  • Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

Colorado Water Conservation Board 

The Colorado Water Conservation Board exists to advocate the protection, conservation, and development of water of the State in order to secure the greatest utilization of such waters for the benefit of the present and future inhabitants of the State of Colorado. The Water Supply Planning Section manages the operation of legislatively required stakeholder groups including the nine basin roundtables and the Interbasin Compact Committee (IBCC), oversees regular updates to and implementation of the Colorado Water Plan, funds and manages water plan and other grant programs and integrates water conservation, drought, climate and agricultural planning efforts as they relate to the Colorado Water Plan. The work unit exists to fulfill the CWCB’s mission, meet legislative requirements, advance integrated water planning, promote the wise use of water resources and support adaptive water policy in Colorado. This includes coordinating with stakeholders who represent environmental and recreation, agricultural and municipal interests. This work includes researching and identifying all current uses of water, understanding factors that influence water use, identifying future projected uses of water, development of future needs assessments, identifying potential solutions and utilizing complex water management models, and understanding the risks associated with all of these elements. The work unit is also responsible for providing the bases for the CWCB Board to make findings, decisions or policy related to water supply and demand planning. This includes working with DNR to ensure that other state agencies, the legislature and the Governor’s office are informed about future needs, challenges and opportunities.

For more information about the Colorado Water Conservation Board, please go to http://cwcb.state.co.us/Pages/CWCBHome.aspxThe Work Unit:
The CWCB exists to establish water policy as directed by statutes to address Colorado’s water issues. The CWCB is governed by a 15 member board that includes governor-appointed representatives from each of the eight major river basins, the City and County of Denver and several state agencies. Since nearly all of Colorado’s water originates within its boundaries but is shared with other downstream states, the CWCB works to protect and assure that Colorado maintains its ability to fully use its allocation of the water under various agreements and court decrees. However, the development of those resources increasingly must focus on the wise use of water in recognition of future drivers like population growth that put pressure on state waters. The five major “units” (sections) of the CWCB related to water supply planning, interstate and federal water issues including water information, instream flow and natural lake level protection, watershed and flood protection, water project financing including agency budgeting/admin support. This work unit, the Water Supply Planning Section, interacts with all of these sections but has specific duties as follows.  Description of Job

OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO 
This position helps with the development of actions for integrating water planning into climate planning, specifically as it relates to municipal water providers. The position creates strategies, tools and facilitates discussions around mitigating climate change impacts to water resources as discussed in the 2023 Colorado Water Plan (Water Plan). Work includes logistical planning and coordination for drought meetings, table top exercises, drought tours and special events related to drought, climate and the Colorado Water plan.

  • This position works with municipal partners (e.g. water providers, local officials, land use planners) as it relates to implementing the Colorado Water Plan and the nexus between climate adaptation, drought and water conservation. This includes supporting climate modeling updates, scenario planning analysis, drought plans and water conservation strategies that support securing water supplies and implementing the 2023 Colorado Water Plan.
  • Determines how to best Integrate drought, climate and conservation planning tools across water providers.
  • Coordinates interagency drought discussions, meetings and planning activities.
  • Identifies how to implement Water Plan actions and lead a contract team on related drought/climate work. 
  • Reaches out to and decides best approaches for coordinating with round tables/stakeholders to inform tools.
  • Carries out the Water Availability Task Force meetings, monitors drought trends and evaluates when triggers in Drought Planning warrant recommending a drought declaration.
  • Leads stakeholder discussions, facilitates workshops and presents information then evaluates feedback and produces summaries that can help shape next steps.
  • Helps coordinate across conservation, drought and agricultural staff to integrate municipal planning and identify possible strategies and tool enhancements that can help increase resilience and water security.
  • Helps facilitate discussions in workshops with sometimes opposing views of how to proceed on a desired outcome and creating alignment on decisions even when discussions are contentious. 
  • Selects best approaches for sequencing Water Plan climate actions and events that lead to their development. 
  • Coordinates with roundtables, IBCC, CWCB and DNR staff to identify opportunities for creating alignment and buy-in with local stakeholders on tools and strategies to inform Water Plan actions. 
  • Determines the sequence of Water Plan actions and creates strategies for achieving a final deliverable.
  • Identifies budget and contract needs to support the development of projects.
  • Helps interpret complex climate data and make it accessible to the general public.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO 

The Colorado Constitution, Article XII, Section 13 requires that applicants for state classified government jobs be residents of Colorado, unless this requirement is waived by the State Personnel Board. This announcement does not include a residency waiver.
 
Check out https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply for a quick video on how to apply for State of Colorado and Department of Natural Resources jobs, as well as how to search for jobs.
 
Minimum qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental sciences, natural resources, natural sciences, hydrology, public administration, political science, urban planning, environmental economics, environmental education, environmental communications, environmental engineering, sustainability, climate science with a focus on water or field of study directly related to the assignment 

AND 

Two (2) years of experience in in water resources, water supply planning, or local government organizations who work on water, drought and climate. 

Substitutions:

  • Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.
  • Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
  • Current or former local or federal experience relevant to this position.
  • Willing to travel to various meetings in state and out, with occasional international travel as needed.
  • Experience working for a water provider on water supply/demand, water conservation, drought and climate challenges.
  • Experience with making climate science and modeling relatable for public audiences.
  • Experience with event planning for local government with diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience helping contractors and teams create public-facing research.
  • Experience with hazard mitigation including drought response. 
  • Experience working on water and climate issues with disproportionately impacted communities and/or indigenous communities.
  • Ability to speak, read and write Spanish.
  • Masters degree in Public Administration or Environmental Science 

Conditions of Employment: 

  • Colorado residency is required at the time of application.
  • Former employees of the State of Colorado MUST have concluded employment in good standing to be eligible for rehire.
  • Must be willing and able to possess and maintain a current, valid Colorado driver’s license.
  • Must be willing and able to travel in-state and out-of-state as needed to meet with Board members and stakeholders, as well as for meetings and workshops
  • Must be willing and able to occasionally exert up to 20 lbs. of force to move objects

APPEAL RIGHTS:

It is recommended that you contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below to resolve issues related to your possession of minimum qualifications. However, if you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. 

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules. Supplemental Information

The Colorado Constitution requires all appointments and promotions in the state personnel system be made according to merit and fitness.
 
 Check out https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply for a quick video on how to apply for State of Colorado and Department of Natural Resources jobs, as well as how to search for jobs.
 
 Applicant Checklist:
 
 Complete Applications must include the following documents:

  • A complete online Application for Announced Vacancy 
  • A cover letter that describes how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online  application.
  • A current resume uploaded as an attachment to your online application
  • If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing that your degree has been conferred and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
  • If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

The Assessment Process:
The Colorado Constitution requires all appointments and promotions in the state personnel system to be made according to merit and fitness. Your on-line application will be reviewed by a Human Resource Specialist and/or Subject Matter Expert to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for the position.
 
Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the assessment process may consist of a Structured Application/Resume Review.  Utilizing your detailed on-line application, cover letter, resume and transcripts, the review is a comparative analysis against the listed required competencies, job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and job fit in comparison to all other applicants for this position.  It is imperative that you provide adequate detail on your application and cover letter to describe how you meet and/or exceed the requirements for this position.  â€śSee Resume” or “See Attached” will not substitute for the completed and detailed on-line application.

Comparative analysis factors to be assessed:

  • Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
  • Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement; varied and not one dimensional; and demonstrate progressively higher level of responsibility with a wide range.
  • Job Fit – Experience evaluated to determine how well your experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position.  Current/recent experience is preferred.
  • Upload additional pages if necessary to detail your experience and accomplishments.  Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the deadline for application may result in your application not being accepted for this position and may affect your inclusion in future steps in the assessment process.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.


The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Anna Kargobai-Murray, at anna.kargobai-murray@state.co.us.

ADAAA Accommodations
Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact Anna Kargobai-Murray at anna.kargobai-murray@state.co.us at least five business days before the date that any accommodation will be required to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.
 
E-verify
The Department of Natural Resources participates in E-Verify in accordance with the program’s Right to Work for all newly-hired employees. Employees are queried through the electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete section 1 of the I-9 form upon your acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment and in addition, on your first day, but no later than the third day, you will are required to submit original documents to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S.  Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at http://dhs.gov/e-verify
  
 Toll–Free Applicant Support – Technical Help
 If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with technical issues.   Helpful hints: If you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and close the document before you attempt to upload it.

Agency: State of Colorado
Department: Department of Natural Resources
Address: 1313 Sherman Street, Suite 415, Denver, Colorado, 80203
Phone: 303-866-3311
Website: http://dnr.state.co.us


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

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