Natural Resource Economist

Join to apply for the Natural Resource Economist role at North Dakota Department of Water Resources
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Are you passionate about the management and development of natural resources? Do you understand that water is one of our most valuable and important resources? If you want to be part of a dedicated and talented team that works toward a collective mission to responsibly manage North Dakota’s water needs and risks for the people’s benefit, this employment opportunity might be for you.

DWR offers rewarding work opportunities with a competitive employee benefits package including a fully paid family health insurance plan, paid annual and sick leave, excellent retirement plan options, volunteer insurance options, a flexible work schedule, and more!

The salary range for this position is $6,800 to $9,800 per month (dependent upon experience).

Summary of Work

Primary responsibilities involve planning, developing, and executing financial analyses, economic analyses, life cycle cost analyses and capital improvement planning reviews pertaining to various types of water development projects. Maintain tools, guidance documents and assist political subdivisions in their understanding and application of economic and financial cost-share application requirements. Conduct research and data analyses as applicable for agency decision making and communications.

Represent the agency in a variety of venues and as a subject matter expert.

Duties and Tasks

• Plan, develop, execute, and review economic analyses for flood control, water conveyance, and other water development projects as directed by policy.
• Maintain and update the ND Guidance for Economic Analysis of Flood Control and Water Conveyance Projects and associated technical tools.
• Plan, develop, execute, and review life cycle cost analyses for water supply and other water development projects as directed by policy.
• Maintain and update the ND Guidance for Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Water Supply Projects and associated technical tools.
• Review capital improvement plans for water supply and other water development projects as directed by policy.
• Provide economic analysis and life cycle cost analysis results to the Director and State Water Commission as part of the agency's project prioritization efforts and cost-share program project review process.
• Conduct natural resource management and development planning, with emphasis on financial requirements for project implementation.
• Analyze and evaluate the potential economic impacts of proposed natural resource development projects, programs, or policies on people, the environment, the agency, and the state.
• Analyze data, develop conclusions, and formulate recommendations to aid in prioritization of projects that benefit the state.
• Coordinate and manage the development of special studies to improve management of water resources, support decision-making, and litigation.
• Develop and coordinate related public involvement and review programs.
• Assist with compiling statewide water project and program funding needs – to be used in agency biennial budgeting cycles and Water Development Plans.
• Represent the agency at public, user group, and interagency committee meetings dealing with natural resource management; and work with planning boards, natural resource boards, advisory committees, and other groups and agencies involved in natural resource planning at local, state, regional, federal, and international levels.
• Prepare technical reports, letters, and other documents.
• Some travel and overnight lodging may be required to attend, conduct, and participate in various meetings or events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in natural resource economics, or a field closely related to the responsibilities of the position, and two years of work experience utilizing economic analyses methodologies and techniques. A master’s degree could substitute for up to 2 years of work experience if found to be relevant to the position advertised.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s or Ph.D. degree in an economics-focused discipline.
• Three or more years work experience conducting economic analyses related to public infrastructure projects.

Application…