Water Resources Technician

Job Description Summary:

The Water Resources Technician safely and efficiently conducts maintenance of Open Space and Mountain Parks water delivery infrastructure, including irrigation ditches and laterals; assists with various agricultural and irrigation infrastructure improvement projects; documents activities; conducts inventories and condition assessments; assists with research and data collection to update water rights inventories and to help determine water rights utilization and optimization;  and performs related duties as assigned.   

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES                  

Conducting Ditch Delivery Infrastructure Maintenance  

• Conducting various treatment methods including weed whipping, manual removal of vegetation with shovels or clippers, mowing using tractors and attached mow decks, herbicide applications, tree and shrub cut stump/chain saw treatments.
• Using heavy equipment such as backhoes and mini-excavators, perform ditch maintenance on water infrastructure including ditches, laterals, headgates.
• Use survey tools such as laser levels to assure proper conveyance through ditch infrastructure.
• Assist with operations and monitoring of reservoirs, ditches, and other water assets.

Conducting Inventories and Condition Assessments  

• Use ArcGis and Collector software to catalog water delivery infrastructure and perform condition assessments of infrastructure.  

Leading

• Lead volunteer and paid work crew daily work plan meetings, communicate project goals and details, ensure safe and quality work, resolve conflicts among crew members, maintain a positive team environment.
• Openly share successes and challenges to support team learning and individual growth.

Reporting & Communications 

• Maintain detailed records of maintenance work throughout the system and resources used.  Use city software programs and spreadsheets to document the work.
• Communicate weekly accomplishments with supervisor during staff meetings or when necessary.

Planning 

• Assist project supervisor with project logistics such as methods, equipment needs, time allocation requirements, and use of external resources to accomplish project tasks.
• Coordinate timeframes, equipment, and materials for all work projects.

Other  

• Assist Water Resources Senior Program Manager with various research projects or programmatic updates.
• Know and comply with all policies, including safety best practices.
• Report all accidents, damage to city property, and/or policy infractions.  Take proper safety precautions, anticipate unsafe circumstances, and act accordingly to prevent accidents.  Follow safety protocol, including use of all proper safety (protective) equipment as described by the department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS   

• Demonstrated ability to rely on experience, training, and independent judgment in determining how to plan and execute responsibilities in resourceful and effective ways.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, departments, governmental agencies, and the public.
• Ability to prepare effective written reports, and to work and communicate effectively with diverse groups of people, including the ability to deal courteously with the public and land users.
• Effective organization skills.
• Physical ability and willingness to work in adverse weather and field conditions.
• Ability to use all safety equipment.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to have and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, rangeland ecology/management, water resources, restoration ecology, natural resource management, or a related field, plus a minimum of two years of work experience in natural resource, agriculture, water resources, or restoration management.
• Knowledge and experience with hand and power tools including small tractors and implements such as mow decks, loading, unloading, and hauling trailers, various hand tools, including shovels, power drills, other, and small push or riding equipment such as mowers and/or mini-skid steers.
• Prior experience leading temporary work crews, and/or volunteers. Ability to review and evaluate engineering designs and drawings.
• Knowledge of Colorado Water Law and Prior Appropriation system for water rights.
• Strong proficiency with ArcGIS and GPS.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

High school diploma or equivalent, and two years of experience in agriculture, natural resources, water resources, restoration management or related field, or any equivalent combination of education and experience. 

SUPERVISION 

Supervision Received:  Water Resources Senior Program Manager 

Supervision Exercised:  None   

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Physical and mental effort: Primarily physical work in an outdoor environment requiring the ability to frequently stand, walk and kneel for extended periods of time while using manual, power and long handled under a variety of weather conditions. Ability to carry up to 40 pounds while hiking on rough terrain. Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions.  

Work Environment: Works in a clean, comfortable environment, and also works in an outdoor environment year-round. Potential exposure to dangerous wildlife (e.g., rattlesnakes, mountain lions, stinging insects), and dangerous weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, lightning).  

Machines and equipment used: Frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers, calculators, cell phones, and copy machines; vehicles including four-wheel drive vehicles; a range of relevant and appropriate tools and equipment including small tractors or mini-excavators.  

Additional Job Description:

last updated 12/21/23

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.