Water Resource Specialist

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Water Resource Specialist 

The Great Plains Region of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) is seeking a water resource specialist to provide project management for issues or assigned initiatives relating to ecosystem service markets in water resources. Ducks Unlimited has partnered successfully with agricultural producers and water rights owners to develop river/aquifer augmentation projects through recharge projects that provide wetland habitat.  Our successful program is evolving to provide ecosystem market-based solutions and consulting services in water quantity and quality using wetland’s natural functions.  The successful applicant will inherit responsibilities for identifying and managing suitable projects that meet the needs of our diverse partners ranging across municipal, industrial, agricultural, and environmental water users.  Managing projects in this diverse partnership requires strong consensus building skills and a professional capable of communicating new and innovative ideas. 

This position will be a full-time salaried position located in our field office in Fort Collins, Colorado.  The position reports to the Manager of Conservation Programs – Ecosystem Services, also located in Colorado. 

Specifically, the successful applicant will: 

• Identify and develop aquifer recharge projects in Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas.
• Conduct, or supervise conduct of, investigations on matters of river/aquifer recharge, water management, and water pollution management.
• Negotiate for water rights to support proposed projects.
• Manage diverse projects ranging from studies of water availability and water quality to on-the-ground project siting and development.
• Analyze hydrologic, hydraulic, geomorphological characteristics of potential projects.
• Complete and submit permits or other regulatory compliance issues.
• Develop relationships and partnerships with jurisdictional water and natural resource districts.
• Represent DU as a leading participant in local, regional, and state water resource planning efforts.
• Review and provide recommendations for plans, policies, procedures, and regulations to support water resource or conservation goals.
• Write grant proposals, project reports, informational brochures, press releases, or other documents.
• Understand ecosystem service market structure, credit trading, and business planning. 

Skills:

• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology related to water resource planning including hydrogeomorphological principles and physics
• Knowledge of principles and methods for describing physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life
• Knowledge of design and analytic techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models
• Ability to analyze soil logs, hydrologic data
• Experience with Alluvial Water Accounting System, Civil 3D, and Microsoft Office
• Identify complex problems and review and comprehend related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions through critical thinking processes
• Demonstrated ability for inductive reasoning
• Communicate effectively through various styles to diverse audiences
• Proficient in comprehension of laws, decrees, and rules and regulations
• Understand business planning and management principles
• Experience in the principles and processes for providing customer and team services 

Qualifications:  The successful applicant should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, civil or environmental engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology, or similar with preference for an advanced degree and/or professional designation. The applicant should have at least two years of related post-baccalaureate experience.  Applicants should provide examples of entrepreneurial initiative in project management, water resource engineering, or environmental management. 

How to Apply:  Complete the online application at www.ducks.org/jobs and attach a cover letter, resume and daytime contact information (email & phone numbers) for three professional references. For more information regarding this position or to request application materials, contact Candace Miller at 701.355.3511 or cmiller@ducks.org.

Deadline:  Applications will be accepted through October 17, 2014.