Water Conservation Specialist

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

This position will remain posted until filled.                Location: Stockton, KS

Job Summary:

• Work with a diverse team of technical staff in the field, in the KDA-DWR Field Offices and at Manhattan Headquarters.
• Review proposed and existing Water Conservation Areas and Local Enhanced Management Areas to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Conduct water right inspections in the field to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and collect data used to certify water rights.
• Prepare reports, maps, and drawings used to assist in decision making by DWR Water Commissioners and the Chief Engineer.
• Use technical equipment such as global positioning system devices, ultrasonic water flowmeters and stream gaging equipment.
• Assist in the administration and distribution of surface water and groundwater, including enforcement of minimum desirable streamflow requirements.
• Assist water users and the public with filing water use data, completing application forms, maps, plats, and other associated documents.
• Communicate directly with water users, government officials, heads of industries or corporations, public water supply systems and the public regarding water rights and regulatory requirements.
• Utilize GIS computer software to prepare maps and analyze data.
• Conduct water level measurements in wells to monitor and evaluate the status of the groundwater resource. 
• Research historical documents to determine water right development.
• Prepare notices and orders to ensure water right compliance.

This position has the opportunity to telework per guidelines of the Telework Policy of the Kansas Department of Agriculture KDA after one year of service.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Professionally minded individuals with four years experience in environmental science, physical sciences, biological sciences, mathematics and/or engineering. Candidates may also qualify through a combination of relevant education, work experience, training or certification.  
• Capable of performing outdoor assignments for long hours in extreme temperatures during the year.
• This position requires the physical dexterity that permits standing, kneeling, bending, and stretching, and climbing up and down steps and ladders, lifting objects and traversing slippery/uneven surfaces. 
• This position would require the candidate to lift and/or carry 35 pounds of equipment. 
• This position at times would require driving a vehicle for long periods of time which may result in overnight travel. 
• This position must perform routine office tasks such as sitting, reading, examining documents, and viewing a computer for long periods of time.
• Good oral and written communication skills are essential.
• Employee must have a valid Class C (or higher) Kansas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state. Employee is responsible to maintain an acceptable driving record to safely drive state vehicle and be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position. 

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required):

• Knowledge of the Kansas Water Appropriation Act and water rights preferred. 
• Courses or work experience in hydraulics, hydrology, geology, natural resource management, agricultural, or earth science preferred.