Entry Level Water District Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Idaho Opportunity
Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.
NOTICE: Due to a recent system improvement, if you have previously applied for a position with the State of Idaho, select Reset/Forgot Password and follow the prompts to access your account. For additional assistance, refer to the Candidate Guide located under Candidate Resources on the State of Idaho Careers page.
Important Guidelines: Applicant resumes must demonstrate how they meet the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS listed in the job announcement.
Selection Process: Resumes will be screened based on the criteria outlined in this announcement. A select number of candidates who have demonstrated that they meet the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position and have the most relevant qualifications may be given the opportunity to be interviewed.
The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) may conduct verification of the information provided in your application, including validation of driver's license status, education, employment, and criminal history. Omission and/or falsification of information provided in your application will result in your removal from consideration for employment, appointment, or promotion.
The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) has an exciting opportunity for a natural resource professional who wants to impact Idaho water issues.
IDWR is filling a vacancy for a Water Resource Agent/or a Water Resource Agent, Senior at our State Office in Boise. The position is part of the Water Administration Bureau and will support the Water Distribution Section's efforts to create, modify, and oversee water district operations throughout Idaho. The person in this position will support the technical needs of water districts related to water distribution and compliance with water measurement requirements.
Water Resource Agents and Senior Water Resource Agents in the Water Distribution Section interact with the public regularly, respond to inquiries about water use, water rights, water data, and the water appropriation process. The person in this position will attend, present, and represent IDWR at water district and related public meetings.
There are two levels for this job opening: Water Resource Agent and Water Resource Agent, Senior. The Water Resource Agent job classification is the entry-level position in the Water Resource Agent, Senior career path. The Water Resource Agent position is used for recruitment and training purposes for the Water Resource Agent, Senior position. Water Resource Agents gain professional experience with a variety of IDWR programs while playing a key role in accomplishing agency objectives for current and future water administration in Idaho. Through various types of on-the-job training, the Water Resource Agent will learn the duties of a Water Resource Agent, Senior, and develop the knowledge and experience to work independently. Typically, the Water Resource Agent, Senior level requires two years of experience as a Water Resource Agent (or equivalent work experience). Upon completion of training, the employee will be paid at the Water Resource Agent, Senior level. To qualify for the Water Resource Agent, Senior classification, the candidate must meet all minimum qualification requirements.
Example of Duties
• Explain laws and rules associated with water district operation, water distribution, and appropriation of water to the public
• Attend, present, and represent IDWR at water district and related public meetings
• Draft and review orders, manuals, and correspondence related to water district operation, water measurement, and watermaster guidance
• Investigate potential unauthorized use of water and evaluate compliance with water right conditions
• Research water rights, interpret water law, and produce water district mailing lists and watermaster delivery lists
• Conducts field examinations, measures discharge and volume of surface and ground water diversions, and verifies locations, method, purpose, and frequency of water appropriation
• Interprets legal descriptions, survey plats, aerial photographs, and maps to locate and document points of diversion and places of use
• Reviews various Department regulatory program applications for compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, and Department policies
Minimum Qualifications
Water Resource Agent

• Some knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to calculate water flow rates, pump efficiencies, water storage capacity, and/or land areas. Typically gained by successful completion of high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry classes.
• Good knowledge of hydrology, hydrogeology, hydraulics, and/or water measurement techniques for determining water quantity parameters such as flow rate, volume, pump efficiencies, and storage capacities. Typically gained by successful completion of at least one college-level course in hydrology, geology, or a similar natural resource field covering surface and groundwater principles OR at least two years of water-related field work experience for a water district, canal company, irrigation district, agriculture or natural resource development industry, or natural resource management agency.
• Experience interpreting public land survey legal descriptions utilizing at least one of the following: USGS quadrangle maps, survey plats, or similar cartographic material. Typically gained by successful completion of college coursework in a technical or scientific field that specifically included the interpretation of public land survey legal descriptions; OR at least six months of professional work experience in land surveying, cartography, geographic information systems, or a closely related field.

Senior Water Resource Agent (In addition to the minimum qualifications as listed above)
• Experience determining a system's water diversion and conveyance capacity, including pump systems. Typically gained by at least two or more years of experience measuring and/or computing the capacity of water diversion and distribution systems (including pump systems) for irrigation, drainage, municipal or domestic use, commercial or industrial use, or for other purposes; OR by successful completion of three semester credits or five quarter credits of college coursework in fluid mechanics (open channel flow) or water distribution system design and one year of related work experience.

• Experience interpreting aerial photography or satellite imagery, or using geographic information systems such as ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro. Typically gained by successful completion of college coursework in Cartography, Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geospatial Information, or a related technical or scientific field requiring interpretation of aerial photography or satellite imagery and use of GIS software; OR through at least 6 months of work experience interpreting aerial photography or satellite imagery and using GIS software as a regular part of the job.
• Experience applying federal and state regulations and laws pertaining to water appropriation and/or use in a work setting. Typically gained by at least two years related experience as a water resource agent, hydrologist, paralegal, or similar position that requires an understanding of natural resource laws.

Additional Qualifications

• Must possess a valid driver's license

Desired Qualifications
• Experience with water appropriation processes and the Prior Appropriation Doctrine
• Experience using GIS applications such as ArcGIS Pro
• Experience managing and analyzing data in spreadsheets and databases using Microsoft Access or Excel.
• Experience with water measurement or operation of water diversion and delivery systems
• Experience diffusing or resolving conflicts or negotiating settlements
Benefits
The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*
To learn more about the Idaho Department of Water Resources, please visit our website: https://idwr.idaho.gov.
Our Mission: To serve the citizens of Idaho by ensuring that water is conserved and available to sustain Idaho's economy, ecosystems, and resulting quality of life.
EEO/ADA/Veteran
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations