Voluntary Consumptive Use Program Principal

Position: Voluntary Consumptive Use Program Principal 2026-01160
Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position will serve multiple rolls in support of the State Engineer's Office's mission to protect both inter- and intra-state waters of Wyoming, including appropriation, distribution, and application to beneficial use of water as provided under the prior appropriation doctrine, and to maintain the flexibility within that framework to meet the changing needs of the citizens of Wyoming. The initial primary duty will be to assist in developing and implementing the Voluntary Water Conservation Program established during the 2026 legislative session.

Once implemented, the primary duty will be to conduct complex technical reviews of the applications submitted for the Program. This position may also assist with other responsibilities of the Surface Water Division as time and workload allows. This may include review of surface water applications, petitions (including complex exchange petitions), or temporary water use agreements, and other duties as assigned.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

* Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

* Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays

* Retirement - Pension and 457(b) plans that help you build a secure future

* Flexible schedules and work-life balance options

* Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE! for detailed information, oryou can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator:compensation calculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact:
Rachael Reinhardt  rachael.reinhardt2

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.

* Assist in the development and implementation of the Voluntary Water Conservation Program Act, Wyoming Statutes §§ 41-3-117 through 119. This includes the development of rules and forms for the Voluntary Water Conservation Program (Program) and providing notice of the Program through newspaper advertisements, advertisements in trade publications, and participation in public meetings.

* Conduct complex technical reviews of conservation project applications to ensure compliance with the statutes and rules associated with the program.

* Analyze historic consumptive use, conveyance loss, storage of water conserved under the application, and review other factors to ensure the approved application will not injuriously affect the water rights of other appropriators.

* Ensure proper notice of said applications to water right owners and other interested persons.

* Maintain a list of water rights owners and other interested persons who have requested notice of conservation project applications.

* Produce annual reports for two legislative committees

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

Preference may be given to applicants with a Master's degree in civil engineering (water resources), hydrology, watershed sciences, agricultural engineering or other natural resources field plus four years of work experience in water resource management.

KNOWLEDGE:

* Knowledge of Wyoming water law and the prior appropriation doctrine; regulation and water administration policies and practices in Wyoming and the west; geologic, hydrologic, and irrigation principles and practices; water resources planning and project evaluation techniques; the public land survey system; and consumptive use of water and methods for calculating historic consumptive use, including methods adopted by the Upper Colorado River Commission.

* Skills in interpersonal, written and verbal communications; managing time and resources; working with multiple groups with diverse interests.

* Knowledge of computer applications for creating, manipulating and updating spreadsheets, databases and presentations; hydrologic data collection, interpretation, analysis and reporting.

* Use of a variety of hydrologic measuring and monitoring equipment and tools for data collection.

* Knowledge of complex mathematical computations; maps and records interpretation.

* Skills in reviewing and comprehending technical studies, reports, proposals, and other documents to determine relevancy and accuracy of information.

* Ability to develop collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals and to build strategic relationships among people, work groups, and divisions (both internal and external) with widely diverse interests and outlooks.

* Ability to think critically and strategically on complex technical and political issues; interpret and implement statutes, rules, and policy directives and relate same to others; review and understand technical studies, reports, and proposals.

* Ability to create and manipulate maps with GIS software; interpret aerial infrared photography and satellite imagery to determine status of irrigation and land use.

*…