Salary : $6,100.00 - $9,011.00 Monthly
Location : Denver, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: PEA 00271 10/26
Department: Department of Natural Resources
Division: Division of Water Resources
Opening Date: 10/08/2026
Closing Date: 10/25/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: 1313 Sherman Street, Suite 821, Denver CO 80203
Hiring Pay Rate: Employees new to State Government will be paid on a bi-weekly basis.
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: 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 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.
Department InformationOPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADOAre 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 at 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:
Division of Water Resources (DWR):State Engineer's OfficeOur 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.
The Water Supply work unit exists to serve the needs of the public and to conserve, protect, develop, and maximize the beneficial use of the State's present and future water supplies. The work unit is responsible for conducting the engineering studies and analyses needed to support the decisions of the State Engineer, the Division Engineers, and the Colorado Ground Water Commission in administering water in the following areas: issuing well permits, subdivision water supply plan reviews, Determinations of Water Rights, replacement plans, changes of water rights, Water Court resume reviews, substitute water supply plan evaluations, inter-state water compact administration, hearings, water court case negotiations and trials, and public assistance for the northeastern portion of the state.
Description of JobOPEN ONLY TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO This position exists to provide support to maximize the beneficial use of waters of the state and facilitate the above by conducting engineering and hydrologic investigations pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes, rules, regulations, and policies of the State Engineer and Colorado Ground Water Commission. This position analyzes applications for well permits and approves or denies them or returns them to the applicant with necessary explanations; reviews water court cases and prepares determinations of facts; reviews requests for approval of substitute water supply plans; evaluates applications for determinations of water rights, replacement plans, and changes of water rights within the Designated Basins; reviews submittals from County planning departments and other State and Federal agencies for technical or legal issues; provides support to the State Engineer, Division Engineer, and Colorado Ground Water Commission on matters within the South Platte River Basin inside of the Denver Basin; and consults, assists, advises, and confers with water users and/or their attorneys and engineers.
Specific job duties include but are not limited to:- Reviews and evaluates requests for substitute water supply plans/replacement plans by evaluating surface and ground water hydrology, performing engineering analyses, researching water court decrees, and evaluating site specific data.
- Determine if substitute water supply plans result in injury to decreed water rights based on review and evaluation of the engineering report, consumptive use model and Glover model.
- Performs engineering evaluations of water court cases for engineering, geologic, legal, and administrative correctness and provides comments to the Division staff.
- Participates in negotiations with attorneys, consulting engineers, and geologist of applicants for water rights on behalf of the Division of Water Resources.
- Reviews and provides analysis and the State Engineer's opinion to counties regarding the adequacy and potential injury to other water rights of proposed subdivision water supply plans by reviewing applicable statutes, rules, regulations, and policies, and evaluating groundwater hydrology, performing engineering analyses, researching water rights, evaluating site specific data
- Provide (written and verbal) information, assistance, and advisement to the general public, water users, attorneys, engineers and private organizations on water issues, Colorado Revised Statutes, State Engineer and Ground Water Commission Rules, regulations, and guidelines, policies, geology, hydrology, and availability of groundwater.
- Conducts engineering, hydrologic, and geologic analysis and evaluation of applications for change of water rights within the Designated Basins and applications to construct and use large-capacity and non-exempt wells pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes, rules, regulations, and the policies of the State Engineer and Ground Water Commission.
- Evaluation and/or final review of applications to construct and use small-capacity and exempt wells.
- Determine, after analysis and evaluation, if an application to the Ground Water Commission for Determination of Water Right within a Denver Basin bedrock aquifer can be approved in accordance with applicable statutes and rules and decide if the application can be given favorable consideration by the Commission.
Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal RightsOPEN TO STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENTS ONLY Minimum Qualifications:Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:Current enrollment as an Engineer Intern by the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors.
SubstitutionsCurrent, valid licensure as a Professional Engineer from the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors will substitute for the enrollment as an Engineer Intern.
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.
Preferred Qualifications:- Current or former State experience relevant to this position.
- Knowledge and experience with Colorado water rights.
- Water administration experience.
- Licensure as a Professional Engineer.
- Water measurement experience.
- Water modeling experience such as historical consumptive use analysis, Glover equation, MODFLOW.
- 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)
Flexible workplace - working from a home/remote office, with mandatory in-office training currently twice a month and occasional in-state travel for presentations or offsite meetings.
Flexible schedule - may work four ten-hour days, five eight-hour days, or other schedule acceptable to supervisor that meets business needs.
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 have and maintain a valid Colorado license in accordance with DNR-120 Fleet and Driving Standards Administrative Directive, if utilizing a fleet vehicle.
- Current enrollment as an Engineer Intern or current valid license as a Professional Engineer by the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors.
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 to or 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, at under Rules.
Supplemental InformationThe 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 to document 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.
- This recruitment may be used to fill more than one vacancy at this level and reporting location.
Equity, Diversity, and InclusionWe are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives 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.
ADAAA AccommodationsAny 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 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-VerifyThe Department of Natural Resources participates in
E-Verify in accordance with the program's
Right to Work 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 about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Toll-Free Applicant Support - Technical HelpIf you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at , 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.
Former State Employees
Former employees of the Colorado Department of Transportation System or any other State of Colorado Department or Agency, who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination, must disclose this information on his/her application.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:
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.
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 rsum and cover letter to this on-line application?
06
Part, or all, of the assessment for this position involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Please verify that you understand that the failure to include adequate information or attachments to your job application may affect your final score and/or prevent you from competing in any subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.
07
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).
08
Do you possess a current enrollment as an Engineer Intern by the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors?
09
Please describe your knowledge and/or experience with water administration:
10
Please describe any water modeling experience you have such as historical consumptive use analysis, Glover equation or MODFLOW. If you do not have this experience, please enter "N/A."
11
Excellent public service and interpersonal skills are a critical part of this role. Please describe your experience and how you have utilized these skillsets.
12
Please describe any experience you have with conducting engineering and/or hydrologic investigations:
13
Are you proficient in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel?
14
Please describe any other experience relevant to the use or management of water resources.
15
Do you understand that you must be currently enrolled as an Engineer Intern or licensed as a Professional Engineer by the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors to be eligible for consideration?
16
Do you have an intimate or familial relationship with anyone who works at DNR or DWR?
17
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)?
Required Question
