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Water Rights Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Intera

Water Resources Specialist

Westminster, CO · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

... Resources Specialist to join our Water Resources and Supply line of business in the Denver ... Water Rights Support : All aspects of water rights, including but not limited to augmentation plans ...

Colorado Psychiatric

$65 - $90/hr

This Water Resources Specialist provides technical information; evaluates native water shares, non ... rights; creates and analyzes models for long range water supply planning; and performs water ...

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Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

This includes assisting with field data collection, analyzing water resource information and imagery, map production, performing historic water rights and landownership research, summarizing water ...

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Water Rights Specialist information

What is a water rights specialist?

Water Rights Specialists are professionals who focus on the legal and regulatory aspects of water use and allocation. They help individuals, organizations, and government agencies navigate water rights laws, acquire permits, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal water regulations. Their work often involves research, documentation, and providing expert advice on water resource management. Water Rights Specialists play a crucial role in resolving disputes and managing water resources sustainably.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water rights specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Rights Specialist, you need expertise in water law, hydrology, and environmental regulations, typically supported by a relevant degree in environmental science, law, or engineering. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, water rights databases, and permitting systems is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation, and communication skills help you interpret legal documents and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate management of water resources and compliance with complex regulatory frameworks.

How does a water rights specialist typically collaborate with legal, engineering, and environmental teams on projects?

Water Rights Specialists often work closely with legal teams to ensure compliance with water laws and regulations, as well as with engineers and environmental scientists to assess water usage impacts and develop sustainable management plans. Collaboration is key, as projects frequently require input from multiple disciplines to address complex water allocation issues and stakeholder concerns. Effective communication and coordination help ensure all regulatory, technical, and environmental aspects are properly addressed, leading to successful project outcomes.

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

AspectWater Rights SpecialistWater Rights Analyst
Required CredentialsEnvironmental or water resource degree, certifications in water law or rightsEnvironmental or water resource degree, certifications in water law or rights
Work EnvironmentField inspections, legal consultations, regulatory agenciesData analysis, report writing, policy research
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, water districts, legal firmsConsulting firms, government agencies, research institutions

Both roles involve understanding water rights laws and regulations, often requiring similar credentials. The Water Rights Specialist typically engages more in fieldwork and legal compliance, while the Water Rights Analyst focuses on data analysis and policy research. They often work together within water resource management to ensure legal and sustainable water use.

More about Water Rights Specialist jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Water Rights Specialist jobs?

The top employers for Water Rights Specialist jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Water Rights Specialist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Rights Specialist jobs are:

Water Rights Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Rights Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Water Resources Specialist

Intera

Westminster, CO • On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Work closely with a team on engineering and water resources planning projects.

  • Develop technical documents such as water resources plans, analyses, and planning reports.

  • Support water rights activities including augmentation plans, changes of water rights, and due diligence.

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
INTERA is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented Water Resources Specialist to join our Water Resources and Supply line of business in the Denver, Colorado area. Our ideal candidate would work from our Westminster office in the Denver, Colorado area, but we may consider fully remote employees. In this position, you will support both our Colorado Water Resources team and our growing Hawai?i team. We are looking for someone who brings a strong foundation in technical writing, water resources planning, Colorado water rights, and technical evaluations, along with a genuine passion for sustainable management and protection of water resources.
This role is well-suited for a collaborative professional who values building and sharing technical expertise within a team-focused environment. At INTERA, you'll join a group of dedicated professionals committed to technical excellence, integrity, and making a meaningful environmental impact in the communities we serve. If you're looking to join a collaborative team where your expertise is valued and your work has purpose, we invite you to join INTERA and help shape a more sustainable water future.
Key Responsibilities
In this position, you will be responsible for working closely with a collaborative team on a variety of engineering and water resources planning projects. Tasks and responsibilities include:
  • Technical Writing: Developing highly visible planning documents for a variety of audiences. This includes documentation of technical analyses and water resources plans.
  • EA, EIS and Master Planning Support: Prepare water resources planning and hydrogeology documents in support of Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements and Master Plans.
  • Water Rights Support: All aspects of water rights, including but not limited to augmentation plans, changes of water rights, historical consumptive use analyses, and water rights due diligence
  • Water Resources Modeling: Utilizing a variety of modeling platforms in support of water resources planning projects
  • Data Processing: Collection, management, and interpretation of large-scale datasets
  • GIS Support: Conducting spatial analyses and generating figures

?Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, or a water resources-related discipline
  • 2 - 6 years in the water resources, preferably in Colorado
  • Foundational understanding of Colorado water rights
  • Ability and willingness to learn and support Hawai?i projects
  • Highly skilled in writing technical reports
  • Clear, well-rounded communication skills and the ability to maintain strong interpersonal relationships
  • Proficiency with Excel
  • Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and basic data visualization tools
  • Experience with modeling applications, including spreadsheet models (e.g. exchange potential, water supply/demand, water availability)
  • Ability to collaborate across diverse, multidisciplinary teams
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Desire to join or be actively involved in professional organizations

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, or a water resources related discipline
  • Professional registration or the desire/ability to earn a professional registration (EIT or PE)
  • Experience with water resource modeling platforms (e.g. water rights point flow models, MODFLOW, GoldSim)

About INTERA & Our Benefits
INTERA is a Top Workplaces USA 2025 award winner!
Founded in 1974, INTERA has grown into an international geosciences and engineering consulting firm that helps clients make informed business decisions, mitigate risk, and drive optimal outcomes in a multitude of industries. Building and sustaining a strong company culture is at the heart of INTERA's practice of good stewardship. We strive to foster an environment where people love the work that they do and the place that they work because we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. As an employee-owned company, we are committed to investing in our people's needs for security, health, and well-being with:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance that includes a free health plan option for employee-only coverage
  • Paid parental leave - up to 12 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parents
  • Group term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term coverage - paid 100% by the company
  • Paid holiday, vacation, and sick time
  • Opportunities for stock ownership
  • Performance-based bonuses and award programs for technical paper publication and employee referrals
  • Career coaching instead of performance evaluations
  • Tuition reimbursement, financial assistance for professional licensure and registration, and one paid membership to a professional society
  • Pet insurance, LegalShield, IDShield, and more

These are just some of the reasons why many of our employees have spent 10 to 25 years at INTERA. We love what we do, and it shows.
Salary Description
$70,000 - $100,000, depending on experience

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