Water Resource Agent/Sr Posting Begin Date: 2025/01/23 Posting End Date: 2025/02/06 Category: Natural Resources Sub Category: Water Agency Work Type: Full Time Location: Preston, ID, United States Minimum Salary: 25.00 Maximum Salary: 28.73 Pay Rate Type: Hourly Description Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date. 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 is hiring in its Preston Field Office in Preston, ID. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to start a career in water resource management or for an experienced professional with a keen interest in water’s role in our economy, ecosystems, and quality of life. 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 in IDWR’s programs while playing a key role in building the foundation for future water administration in Idaho. Through various types of on-the-job training, the 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. The Water Resource Agent / Water Resource Agent, Senior in the Preston Field Office reviews and investigates water right claims filed in the Bear River Basin Adjudication and prepares recommendations for decree by the adjudication court. Claim investigations require interacting with water users, analyzing aerial photographs and satellite imagery, reviewing historical documents, conducting field inspections, and writing reports to confirm the extent of historical water use. Agents frequently interact with the public, attorneys, and court staff to assist with all aspects of the adjudication process, including the filing of water right claims and motions with the presiding court. Matching good technical skills with strong interpersonal communication, customer service, and conflict resolution skills are keys to success in this role. The initial claims-taking phase of the adjudication process has limited field work. Field work opportunities increase during the claim investigation phase. An experienced Water Resource Agent, Senior may train or assist in training Water Resource Agents and temporary staff, act as team leaders, or supervise field activities. Example of duties: · Respond to customer inquiries regarding water rights, filing requirements, statutes, rules and policies and assist the public in all aspects of the adjudication process · Review and investigate water right claim filings · Data enter information from water right claims into a database and mapping software · Recommend actions on water right claims based on review and interpretation of statutes, rules and policies · Conduct field inspections to confirm historical water use Minimum Qualifications: Water Resource Agent · Some knowledge of algebra, geometry and trigonometry to calculate water flow rates, pump efficiencies, water storage capacities, and/or land areas · Good knowledge of hydrology as it relates to surface and ground water · Experience interpreting public land survey legal descriptions utilizing at least one of the following: USGS quadrangle maps, survey plats, or similar cartographic material Senior Water Resource Agent (in addition to qualifications listed above) · Experience interpreting aerial photography, satellite imagery, global positioning systems, or geographic information systems · Experience applying federal and state regulations and laws pertaining to water appropriation and/or use in a work setting · Experience determining a system's water diversion and conveyance capacity including pump systems Additional Qualifications: · Must possess a valid driver’s license Desired Qualifications: · Experience using GIS applications such as ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro · Experience applying the Prior Appropriation Doctrine in a work setting · Experience interacting with angry or hostile individuals 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 [email protected]. Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.