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Water Law Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Boulder

Water Resources Technician

Boulder, CO · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Knowledge of Colorado Water Law and Prior Appropriation system for water rights. * Skills and strong proficiency with ArcGIS and GPS. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE * High school diploma or ...

Bouldercolorado

Water Resources Technician

Boulder, CO

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Knowledge of Colorado Water Law and Prior Appropriation system for water rights. * Skills and strong proficiency with ArcGIS and GPS. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE * High school diploma or ...

Moore Engineering, Inc.

Water Rights Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

In depth KNOWLEDGE OF COLORADO WATER LAW * Experience supporting water lawyers in Colorado Water Court proceedings * Fieldwork experience in streamflow measurement and drilling observation * Strong ...

TAPPAN LAW FIRM PLLC

Associate Attorney

Helena, MT · On-site

Candidate must have significant interest in water law and property disputes, contracts, and public lands law * Candidate must demonstrate a high level of honesty and integrity, recognizing the highly ...

TAPPAN LAW FIRM PLLC

Associate Attorney

Helena, MT · On-site

Candidate must have significant interest in water law and property disputes, contracts, and public lands law * Candidate must demonstrate a high level of honesty and integrity, recognizing the highly ...

TAPPAN LAW FIRM PLLC

Associate Attorney

Helena, MT · On-site

Candidate must have significant interest in water law and property disputes, contracts, and public lands law * Candidate must demonstrate a high level of honesty and integrity, recognizing the highly ...

Borton Petrini, LLP

Litigation Attorney

San Diego, CA · Remote

$110K - $165K/yr

Our attorneys offer proven expertise in civil litigation, family law, bankruptcy, estate and tax planning, land use, insurance law, corporate law, employment law, public entity, water law ...

CDM Smith

Water Resources Engineer 4

Columbus, OH · Hybrid

$75K - $103K/yr

... law and regulations; watershed management; water supply planning and systems; and water quality, etc.). * Provides technical guidance and training to more junior staff. * Reviews the work of more ...

Borton Petrini, LLP

Litigation Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Our attorneys offer proven expertise in civil litigation, family law, bankruptcy, estate and tax planning, land use, insurance law, corporate law, employment law, public entity, water law ...

Borton Petrini, LLP

Be Seen First

Litigation Attorney

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Our attorneys offer proven expertise in civil litigation, family law, bankruptcy, estate and tax planning, land use, insurance law, corporate law, employment law, public entity, water law ...

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Water Law information

See salary details

$13

$26

$40

How much do water law jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for water law in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Water Law vs Water Rights Specialist?

AspectWater LawWater Rights Specialist
CredentialsJD or equivalent, legal licensingBachelor's or Master's in environmental or water resource fields, often with certifications
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, government agencies, courtsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, water resource companies
Industry UsageLegal practice, policy development, litigationWater rights assessment, compliance, resource management

While Water Law involves the legal aspects of water rights, regulations, and policies, Water Rights Specialists focus on assessing, managing, and ensuring compliance with water rights within environmental and resource management contexts. Both roles often collaborate but serve different functions within the water industry.

More about Water Law jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Law jobs? Cities with the most Water Law job openings:
What states have the most Water Law jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Law jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Law jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Law jobs are:
Water Law jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Law job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,297 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Assistant Attorney-Water and Environmental

Assistant Attorney-Water and Environmental

City of Aurora

Aurora, CO • On-site

$99K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

JOB LOCATION
15151 E Alameda Pkwy Aurora, Colorado 80012-1555
City of Aurora, Colorado
It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
Why Work for Aurora?
  • Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
  • Diverse community
  • Competitive total compensation package
  • Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
  • Light rail station minutes away
  • On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
  • Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
SALARY
Hiring range: $99,204.78 - $124,005.97
Full Compensation Grade: $99,204.78 - $155,007.46
OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT
The Aurora City Attorney's Office is seeking a lawyer with an interest in water law, litigation and environmental law to join its growing team of talented legal professionals. The individual will represent the City of Aurora and its Utility Enterprise, Aurora Water, and appear in Colorado Water Court. The individual will advise Aurora Water on legal matters, including adjudication of water rights. The position will be classified as an Assistant City Attorney.
The Aurora City Attorney's Office follows a hybrid work structure. Employees have some required days in the office (both scheduled and as needed for case-related tasks), but can otherwise work remotely or from the office, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Effective the first day of employment, the individuals selected must maintain Colorado residency.
All applications must include a Writing Sample, Resume, and Cover Letter. Applications received without these items will not be reviewed.
Early applications are encouraged; this post may close early as soon as a sufficient pool of qualified candidates have applied.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Serves as counsel and in assisting roles in all aspects of Water Court litigation, including preparation of pleadings; responses and objections; handling water court hearings; taking and defending depositions; securing experts; interviewing witnesses; updating clients; and representing Aurora Water at trial
  • Performs legal research and can succinctly draft persuasive pleadings, informative memoranda, and audience-appropriate correspondence
  • Advises and consults with Aurora Water staff on legal matters -- determining the nature of legal problems and counseling based on legal expertise and experience
  • Acts as legal counsel to Aurora Water, including providing legal advice on water rights, ditch company governance, acquisitions, intergovernmental agreements, legislation, drafting ordinances and resolutions
  • Review and provide feedback on proposed legislation that affects Aurora Water and its water rights and service
  • Represents Aurora Water in administrative hearings and rulemakings
  • Provides legal counsel to various Boards and Commissions
  • Performs direct legal service on a variety of matters concerning and/or related to the Charter, Ordinances, or rules and regulations of the City
  • Responds to requests from Aurora Water staff and members of City Council and presents information during City Council Meetings and Executive Sessions
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

This job description is not designed to cover all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Education:
  • Graduation from an accredited law school.

Licenses and Certifications Required:
  • Applicants must be licensed to practice or have the ability to become licensed w/in 6 months by the Colorado Supreme Court and be in good standing

Experience:
For Assistant City Attorney:
  • 3 years of experience in law - Required
  • Prior experience in litigation, water or environmental law - Preferred
  • Prior experience working with Federal, State and local governmental entities and Colorado water law entities including Colorado Division of Water Resources, Colorado Water Conservation Board, Colorado State Land Board, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, municipal water conservancy and conservation districts - Preferred
  • Genuine interest to learn Colorado water law and water rights, to include: Prior Appropriation Doctrine, Change of use cases, Exchanges of water, Storage rights, Augmentation Plans, Short term water leases, Substitute Supply Plans Required

Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of the basic substantive areas of water law and the ability to conduct legal research, and write motions and briefs
  • Knowledge of procedural rules Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and local court rules
  • Utilizes knowledge and abilities obtained through law school education and prior legal experience to conduct research, draft legal documents, provide sound advice to City staff, and/or participate in litigation
  • Knowledge of general office procedures, legal terminology, legal forms, computers including related word processing software applications, legal research and writing
  • Bluebook and other similar legal citation methods

Skills:
  • Skill in court pleadings practice
  • Skill in legal research
  • Motivation, ability and perseverance for courtroom/litigation duties
  • Teamwork, professionalism, positive attitude
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Skill in the use of windows-based programs
  • Skilled in the use of Westlaw legal research platform
  • Strong customer service skills

Abilities:
  • Ability to litigate cases
  • Demonstrated knowledge of human behavior, and ability to effectively counsel, train, interview, and imbue others with an opinion or understanding of a concept
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
  • Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Creatively solve problems, negotiate, and handle stressful situations in a positive manner

WORKING CONDITIONS
Essential Personnel:
  • When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel

Physical Demands:
  • Sedentary physical work that involves moving no more than 10 pounds at a time
  • Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate office equipment
  • Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens.
  • Clear vision to read, recording, and interpret information
  • Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing
  • Occasional pushing, pulling, bending, and stooping.

Work Environment:
  • Works primarily in clean, comfortable environment; in an office or courtroom
  • The City Attorney's Office currently follows a hybrid work structure where employees have some required days in the office (both scheduled and as needed for case related tasks), but otherwise can work remotely or from the office, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. This structure is subject to change, depending on the direction from City Council.
  • The City Attorney's office is a collegial work environment that is committed to providing excellent legal services to its clients, and supporting their efforts to better serve the citizens of the City of Aurora

Equipment Used:
  • Uses standard office equipment including personal computers and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel, and menu driven databases.
  • This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.

The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.
For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.
Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.
Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.

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