Water Rights Specialist

~ Forward-looking stewardship, protection, and leadership of state-owned lands, Trust lands, and natural resources are at the heart of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources's Mission. ~

To manage this work effectively, we have 12 Divisions, each focused on a specific business area; 6 Regions with offices in communities around the state; many Boards & Councils that were created by law for specific purposes; and Tribal Relations for respectful government-to-government interactions on natural resources issues.  

At the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) our mission is:

In partnership with citizens and governments, the Washington State DNR provides innovative leadership and expertise to ensure environmental protection, public safety, perpetual funding for schools and communities, and a rich quality of life.

We manage 5.6 million acres of forest, range, agricultural, aquatic, and commercial lands for the people of Washington. These lands generate more than $200 million a year, much of it to support public schools, state institutions, and county services. We also manage these lands to provide fish and wildlife habitat, clean and abundant water, and public access for you.

~ It's how we are caring for your natural resources... now and forever ~ 

Position Overview

Interested in Water Resources and supporting the generation of revenue for scenic Washington States schools? Join DNR's Agriculture team to sustainably manage water supplies on State Trust Lands for the benefit of the schools.

This position may be filled at the NRS 2 In-Training level and upon successful completion of a formal training program the incumbent would be promoted to the NRS 3 level. For more information about the NRS 2 In-Training requirements go to the web link below.

Responsibilities

• This position is responsible for water supply data management, water use measurement and reporting for irrigated agriculture, and water-related analyses and recommendations for DNR leases that rely on State water supplies.
• Work includes providing programmatic guidance to Land Managers, providing guidance on day-to-day water rights and irrigation district allotment related issues, working to streamline business practices associated with our water rights portfolio, developing a water use measurement and reporting program and ensuring DNR water rights are not relinquished. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree involving major study in a water resource management, agriculture, environmental, or other natural resource or technical field related to water.
• Two to three (2-3) years professional level experience in environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, water resources or natural resource management.
• Experience drafting and interacting with experts on documents including but not limited to contracts, compliance orders, and other complex technical documents.
• Managing a high workload and managing many projects congruently.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and GIS.
• Excellent communication skills, i.e., writing, reading, speaking, and listening.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships, respond effectively to changing needs and priorities, efficiently allocate resources, and create and implement program improvements.

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below. Questions? Please contact Ingrid Ekstrom at (509) 925-0944. Closes February 12, 2018.