Natural Resource Analyst Colorado River Science, Policy & Environmental Programs

NATURAL RESOURCE ANALYST

Colorado River Science, Policy & Environmental Programs

Unclassified Position Announcement
Colorado River Commission of Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada

Shape the Future of Colorado River Science and Environmental Management

The Colorado River Commission of Nevada (CRC) is seeking a Natural Resource Analyst to support Nevada’s environmental, scientific, and policy interests on the Colorado River. This full-time, unclassified position offers the opportunity to work on high-profile issues involving river operations, endangered species management, ecosystem science, environmental compliance, and interstate water policy.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative technical team working at the intersection of environmental science, water management, and public policy in one of the most important river systems in North America.

This position offers a unique opportunity to influence environmental and natural resource decisions affecting the Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, the Lower Colorado River, and the long-term sustainability of Colorado River ecosystems.

WHY WORK FOR CRC?

The Colorado River Commission offers a rare opportunity to work on nationally significant environmental and water resource issues while enjoying the benefits and stability of public service.

Employees have the opportunity to:

• Influence environmental and resource management decisions affecting the Colorado River Basin
• Work directly with federal agencies, scientists, researchers, tribes, and interstate partners
• Participate in nationally recognized adaptive management and endangered species conservation programs
• Analyze cutting-edge scientific research and environmental monitoring data
• Represent Nevada in technical workgroups, advisory committees, and stakeholder forums
• Develop expertise in one of the most important river systems in the American West
• Build a career at the intersection of environmental science, public policy, and water management

ABOUT THE COLORADO RIVER COMMISSION

The Colorado River Commission of Nevada manages Nevada’s Colorado River water and hydropower resources for the benefit of the State of Nevada. The Commission works closely with federal agencies, interstate partners, tribes, water users, scientists, and stakeholders on issues involving drought response, river operations, ecosystem management, environmental compliance, and long-term resource planning throughout the Colorado River Basin.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Natural Resource Analyst provides technical analysis and policy support on environmental and natural resource issues affecting the Colorado River system. The position focuses on adaptive management science, environmental compliance, ecosystem monitoring, endangered species conservation, and technical evaluation of interstate and federal river management programs.

The analyst will represent Nevada in technical committees and stakeholder discussions involving Colorado River operations, endangered species management, environmental monitoring, and adaptive management programs, including participation in the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program Technical Work Group and the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCMSCP).

This position is well suited for a motivated professional capable of independently evaluating scientific information, interpreting technical studies and monitoring data, maintaining awareness of current scientific literature, and translating complex technical issues into management and policy recommendations.

Periodic travel throughout the Colorado River Basin and the western United States may be required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze environmental, ecological, and operational issues affecting the Colorado River system
• Review scientific literature, monitoring reports, environmental documents, technical analyses, and agency memoranda
• Maintain a working knowledge of current scientific literature and emerging research relevant to Colorado River ecosystem management and environmental compliance programs
• Evaluate ecosystem responses associated with river operations and adaptive management experiments
• Review Grand Canyon monitoring and research activities associated with the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program
• Monitor and assess issues involving endangered and native fish species, including humpback chub, and evaluate management strategies for non-native species such as smallmouth bass
• Support Nevada’s participation in interstate and federal environmental programs and technical committees
• Develop science-based recommendations, briefing materials, reports, and presentations for agency leadership
• Participate in stakeholder meetings, technical workshops, and interstate coordination efforts
• Support environmental compliance, budgeting, spreadsheet development, customer billing, and program cost tracking activities associated with the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program
• Prepare and deliver presentations to customers, stakeholders, and technical audiences
• Communicate technical and scientific information to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Maintain effective working relationships with federal agencies, interstate partners, consultants, researchers, and stakeholders

PRIMARY PROGRAM AREAS

Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program (GCDAMP)

The analyst will serve as Nevada’s representative on the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program Technical Work Group (TWG), a federal advisory committee that provides scientific and technical recommendations regarding the operation of Glen Canyon Dam and management of downstream resources within the Grand Canyon ecosystem.

Work includes evaluating scientific research, ecosystem monitoring results, proposed experimental dam operations, endangered species management strategies, and other resource issues affecting the Colorado River ecosystem.

Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCMSCP)

The analyst will support Nevada’s participation in the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, a multi-state and federal conservation program focused on the protection and recovery of threatened and endangered species and the conservation of riparian and aquatic habitats along the Lower Colorado River.

Responsibilities include reviewing biological monitoring and conservation activities, supporting program budgeting and cost allocation efforts, maintaining customer billing spreadsheets, and assisting with customer outreach and presentations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Applicants must possess:

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, biology, ecology, fisheries science, natural resources management, environmental policy, environmental engineering, or a closely related field; and
• At least three (3) years of professional experience related to environmental analysis, ecosystem management, fisheries science, water resources, environmental compliance, ecological monitoring, adaptive management, or related scientific programs.

Due to the highly technical and scientific nature of this position, graduate-level education is required. The position requires advanced technical analysis, interpretation of scientific literature and environmental research, evaluation of complex ecosystem and operational issues, and development of science-based recommendations involving endangered species management, adaptive management, environmental compliance, and Colorado River operations. These specialized knowledge, skills, and analytical abilities are typically acquired through advanced graduate education and professional experience in a related scientific field.

Relevant combinations of advanced education, research experience, and professional experience demonstrating equivalent technical expertise may also be considered consistent with Nevada State personnel requirements.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Ability to independently interpret and synthesize scientific literature, technical memoranda, and environmental analyses
• Knowledge of environmental compliance frameworks including the Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and related federal environmental regulations
• Experience with adaptive management, river ecology, fisheries science, hydrology, ecosystem monitoring, habitat restoration, or environmental planning
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience working with spreadsheets and technical data
• Strong technical writing, presentation, and communication abilities
• Ability to present technical information to agency leadership, stakeholders, customers, and interdisciplinary groups
• Ability to work collaboratively with scientists, engineers, attorneys, policy professionals, federal agencies, and interstate partners
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously

Experience with Colorado River issues, endangered species management, interstate water management, ecosystem restoration, federal advisory programs, or large-scale environmental compliance programs is highly desirable.

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Participation in the Nevada Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
• Paid annual and sick leave
• Twelve paid state holidays annually
• Deferred compensation program
• Professional development opportunities

SALARY

Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Expected Salary Range:
$90,000 – $135,000 annually
(Employee/Employer Paid PERS)

Starting salary will be commensurate with education, experience, and demonstrated qualifications.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Please submit:

• Cover letter
• Résumé

Colorado River Commission of Nevada
100 N. City Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89106

Email submissions accepted at:

ggoodman@crc.nv.gov

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in state government.