Water Rights Consultant

17850 County Road JJ Rocky Ford, Colorado 81067-9551

Cit y  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 to be commensurate with experience

The hiring range for this position is $85-$102 hourly

This job posting with close Friday, November 8, 2024

This is classified as VHNE (Variable Hour Non-Benefit Employee), where the selected candidate will work less than 29 hours per week. This position does not provide medical benefits. This position earns sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplace Act.  

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT

Aurora Water is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage systems, treatment of drinking water and non-potable reclaimed wastewater for irrigation, billing and collection, public outreach and water conservation, acquisition and development of future water rights, major capital projects programs, and quality control for regulatory compliance and public health.

Aurora Water is seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Water Rights Consultant to guide and support the municipality in water rights negotiations, contract review, and water basin regulation. This part-time, hybrid role offers the opportunity to work both on-site and remotely, assisting with large-scale water projects that have a profound impact on community resources and environmental sustainability.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Water Rights Negotiations: Assist with negotiations surrounding water rights acquisitions, ensuring fair and legal agreements that benefit the municipality and protect citizen water access.
• Contract Review and Advisory: Review contracts related to water rights, providing expert insights into contract language and potential impacts on municipal operations.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as the department’s expert on Colorado water rights, including detailed knowledge of Colorado and Arapahoe water basins and associated state legislation.
• Project Support: Offer critical insights and guidance on large-scale water projects, aiding in planning, regulatory compliance, operational execution, and administration.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with diverse stakeholders, handle challenging discussions professionally, and advocate for water conservation and environmental protection.
• Capital Improvement: Participates in long-term capital improvement program for the operations fund in conjunction with the planning, and development of capital improvement programs
• Operations: In collaboration with the Water Resources Manager, develops operational priorities, goals, and objectives
• Performs additional duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Educations:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, specifically in Colorado water rights and water basin regulations
• Experience with municipal water operations is required

Knowledge: 

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and operating requirements of a full-service water utility
• Financial management; and regulatory requirements
• Deep understanding of water rights acquisition, regulation, and basin management specific to Colorado.

 
Abilities: 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and citizens.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to understand oral and written instructions
• Handle stressful situations with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines with little supervision

• Ability to engage in challenging conversations with diplomacy, empathy, and professionalism.

 
Skills: 

• Efficiently and accurately key information using a keyboard and skill in performing data entry.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills
• Strong commitment to responsible water management, with a focus on safeguarding citizens’ water access and supporting water conservation efforts.
• Proficient in fostering productive relationships with internal teams, legal experts, environmental stakeholders, and community representatives.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Colorado driver's license with a good driving record

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 requiring the ability to lift a maximum of 10 pounds
• Occasional walking and standing
• Vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents
• Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment

Equipment Used:

• Frequently uses standard office equipment including computer, calculator, multi-line telephones, and copy/fax machines
• This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment

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.
                                         

Information

• Location: Aurora, United States

Industry experience

Education: Bachelor

Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant

Years of experience: 10 to 20 years

Taxonomy

• Consultant
• Water Rights
• Consultant
• Environmental Engineers & Consultants
• Civil Engineer And Infrastructure Consultant