DWR East Region Water Commissioner
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DWR East Region Water Commissioner
Salary
$2,408.31 - $3,557.54 Biweekly
Location
Other (see multiple locations in job posting), CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
PEA 02481 03/2026
Department
Department of Natural Resources
Division
Division of Water Resources
Opening Date
03/20/2026
Closing Date
3/30/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
301 Colorado Avenue, Suite 303, La Junta, CO 81050
Hiring Pay Rate
Employees new to State Government will be paid on a bi-weekly basis.
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Patrick.gerity@state.co.us
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
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 athttps://dnr.colorado.gov/ 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
11 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
Division of Water Resources (DWR):
State Engineer's Office
Our mission is to administer the waters of the State to maximize lawful beneficial use, ensure that dams and water wells are properly constructed and safe, and provide information about water resources to the public. Division of Water Resources (https://dwr.colorado.gov/)
This work unit exists to assist in preserving, protecting, and maximizing the beneficial use of the State's present and future water supplies by administering and distributing water under Colorado laws of the appropriation system and interstate compacts.
This position is located in Division 2 with a regional coverage area of Water District 17 , 66 and 67 . This includes Pueblo, Crowley, Otero, Bent and Prowers counties in Colorado.
Description of Job
OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO
The Deputy Groundwater Commissioner acts on behalf of the statutory and staff authority delegated to the Groundwater Commissioner to enforce the use and/or measurement rules applicable to the Arkansas River basin withinWater Division 2, primarily within Water Districts 17, 66 and 67 (https://drive.google.com/file/d/11uVp-BocJUHjG8MB1zlZIk2QfBBj216T/view) (primarily located in Pueblo, Crowley, Otero, Bent and Prowers counties in Colorado).
Specific job duties include but are not limited to:
Ground Water Administration/Regulation
Conduct Field Inspections to ascertain compliance with Measurement or Use Rules, Arkansas River Use Rules, Water Court decrees, Substitute Water Supply Plans, and well permits. Determine which wells are in violation of Measurement Rules, Ground Water Use Rules, Water Court Decrees, Substitute Water Supply Plans, Colorado Revised Statute (CRS), Policy, Guidelines, Standards, etc. (Rules) and post/issue Orders of the State and Division Engineer at the time of the inspection at the well to bring the well into compliance. This position will work with well owners to ensure proper measurement technique and that the equipment is installed and operating in compliance with the Measurement and Use rules.
Ground Water Enforcement
Under the direction and supervision of the Groundwater Commissioner, accomplishes the enforcement process when owners violate rules or orders of the division engineer. The enforcement process includes on-site analysis and determination if the well is or is not in compliance with the Rules. If the well is not in compliance with the Rules, this position will post an Order to Cease and Desist pumping at the well site. This position will often also notify the well owner that the well is in violation of the Rules and has been Ordered to not divert water until they comply with the Rules. This position will document any violations, posting of Order, and all other information that may be required for the enforcement action. This position will work with the Groundwater Commissioner and the Division Engineer on issuing the follow-up written Order that serves notice on the well owner and assist with compiling and presenting documentation and evidence to the Attorney General for the filing of enforcement actions against the well owner in District Water Court. This position will complete and sign notarized affidavits regarding factual information they witnessed and documented at the well location, as well as testify as a factual witness in water court regarding Rules enforcement.
This position will respond to incoming questions regarding the Measurement and Use Rules, disseminate and explain information pertaining to water availability and use to the public, and to guide and direct water users to gain their cooperation and resolve disputes informally.
Water Diversion Records
Under the direction of the Lead Ground Water Commissioner and other staff, verifies and inputs diversion record data into databases .
Public Interaction
Investigates counsels and mediates water disputes, applying State Water Law principles and participates in public/private meetings to provide data, information and field questions and/or mitigate concerns.
Independent Measurement Device Testing:
This position will conduct their own independent field tests of totalizing flow meters (TFM) and Power Conversion Coefficient tests (PCC) to confirm the accuracy of information provided by independent well meter testers and provide quality control tests of measurement devices.
Public Well Tester Certification and Re-Certification:
Under the supervision and direction of the Groundwater Commissioner, assists with the training, instruction and approval to those seeking to obtain or renew (required annually) well tester certification.
Research & Mapping:
Verify Data Related to Well Location, Ownership, and Legal Status.
Compliance Submittal Review and Approval:
This position will complete the Intake and Review of Compliance Data Submitted (Variance Requests, PCC and TFM Test Submittals, Inactivation Submittals) by the Public and provide analysis to determine if the submittal is accepted or denied. Review monthly usage submittals to record and compile permanent records of water diversions and use.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
OPEN TO STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENTS ONLY
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED
AND
Four (4) years of work experience assisting engineers, scientists, or technicians with work related to engineering or physical science, which involves the use, measurement, and control or distribution of surface or ground water.
(General experience may include farm or ranch work, which involves responsibility for water measurement, use, control, management, and/or distribution, or related field of work.)
ALL LEVELS
Experience as a ditch rider, rancher or farmer that included regulating and measuring water flow through headgates and ground water wells, canals or streams, or experience managing irrigation and irrigation systems including surface water and ground water wells, scientific field investigations, municipal water operations, or other experience related to water or natural resources that involved the oversight, management or use of ground water wells and/or totalizing flow meter or other similar @types of water discharge and measurement systems, is considered related experience.
Please note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. Your resume will NOT be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section of your application will be reviewed to determine this. "See Resume" statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.
Substitutions:
Satisfactory completion of course work from an accredited, non-correspondence college or university in engineering, geology, hydro-geology, water resources engineering, watershed science, natural resources, environment science, geography/GIS or other field related to the assignment may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required general experience.
If you are using a degree to substitute for the required experience, you may be required to provide copies of your educational transcripts for verification of your qualifications if requested.
Preferred Qualifications:
Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
Knowledge and experience with Colorado water rights.
Water administration experience.
Water measurement experience.
Knowledge and ability to read geographical maps.
Ability to use mapping and GPS software.
Excellent public service skills.
Proficiency with Google and Microsoft suites.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets.
Other experience relevant to the use or management of water resources.
The current work arrangement for this position is as follows:
(Please note, this arrangement can be subject to change)
Hybrid: to be determined with supervisor after initial training period
(This position will at times have a responsibility to report to work during emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. The ideal candidate must be willing to live within sixty (60) minutes' driving time, under normal weather conditions, of where the work station and/or equipment is located.
Conditions of Employment:
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify their application from the current position. (Please Note: Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with DNR).
Must be willing and able to possess and maintain a State of Colorado Driver's License
Must be willing and able to travel daily throughout the assigned work area within Water Division 2 (Lower Arkansas River Basin).
Must have the ability to report to the work location that can include off-road conditions and rugged terrain.
Must have the ability to independently access remote locations to complete work assignments within the assigned work area.
Must be willing and able to spend up to several hours per day standing and/or climbing up and down hills.
Must be willing and able to work overtime.
Must be willing and able to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.
Must be willing and able to work on weekends and holidays during the peak season as necessary.
Must be willing and able to respond to emergency situations on weekends and evenings.
Must be willing and able to perform physical tasks, which may include lifting up to 50 lbs.
Must be prepared to defend and support actions and records in depositions or court testimony.
Must be able to address frequent and detailed inquiries from attorneys, professional engineers and hydrologists from government and private agencies.
Must be willing and able to effectively and efficiently communicate with the Public and DWR staff on a regular basis.
The successful candidate must be capable of reviewing; creating and operating computerized spreadsheets, databases, mapping software, GPS units, and word processing software.
The successful candidate must possess an understanding of a variety of different surface and ground water measurement functionality and technologies.
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 tospb.colorado.govor 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, atspb.colorado.govunder Rules.
Supplemental Information
The Assessment Process
All applications received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed by an HR Specialist against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement.
Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position will be a structured application review by Subject Matter Experts.
Resumes, cover letters and other attachments are not considered as part of initial reviews, therefore, it is important todocument in your application your education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement .
Please thoroughly answer all supplemental questions (if listed) since question responses may be evaluated for content, writing ability, spelling, grammar, and effective communication.
This recruitment may involve additional testing and/or exams to arrive at the top group for interviews.
A salary range is posted for this position and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority as compared to others doing substantially similar work. While all offers are compliant with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, there is no guarantee an offer will be at the top of the posted range based on the salary analysis.
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
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, at dnrhremployeebenefits@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 our ADAAA Coordinator at dnrhremployeebenefits@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 inE-Verify (https://secure.neogov.com/images/AgencyImages/jobposting/2027/jobpostings/image/E-Verify\Participating\Employer.jpg) in accordance with the program'sRight to Work (https://secure.neogov.com/images/AgencyImages/jobposting/2027/jobpostings/image/ier_righttoworkposter-%20jpeg(1).jpg) 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 are required to submit original documents to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S.Learn more (https://www.e-verify.gov/) about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
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.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
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. There is no residency waiver for this announcement. Please confirm that you are a current resident of Colorado.
Yes
No
02
Current and former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or who were deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation) must disclose this information on the application.
I am not a current or former State of Colorado classified employee.
I am a current or former State of Colorado employee but have NEVER been disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation).
I am a current or former State of Colorado employee and have been disciplinarily terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or deemed to have resigned without notice (Board Rule 7-5, Automatic Resignation). NOTE: Failure to disclose this information and/or falsification of Application materials may result in being removed from consideration for this position.
03
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify you application from the current position:
04
If you are using education to meet or substitute for qualifications, did you upload a copy of your official or unofficial transcript? (Your transcript is required as verification that you meet the requirements).
Yes, I have attached my transcripts.
No, I am not using college course work to meet minimum requirements for this position.
Not Applicable
05
Did you upload your résumé and cover letter to this on-line application?
Yes
No
06
If you are a veteran who is eligible for preference points, did you upload/attach your DD-214? Veterans who wish to seek disability preference points based on a service related disability must submit acceptable documentation to support your claim for veterans' preference (exclude specific/private medical information).
Yes
No
Not Applicable
07
Part, or all, of the assessment for this position involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials. This announcement requires a Cover Letter and Resume. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application. Resumes and Cover Letters WILL NOT be reviewed for minimum qualification screening. Please acknowledge your understanding of notice and requirements:
I understand and acknowledge this requirement
08
Please describe your knowledge and experience with Colorado water rights:
09
Please describe your water administration experience:
10
Please describe your water measurement experience:
11
Do you have experience working with Google and Microsoft Suite?
Yes
No
12
Do you have experience using Microsoft Excel?
Yes
No
13
Do you have an intimate or familial relationship with anyone who works at DNR or DWR?
Yes
No
14
Do you or your family have any private interests that could result in a conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest with the job duties of this position (such as personal water rights)?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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