Water Resources Senior Engineer

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

October 2, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range

101,171.20 - 150,280.00

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time salaried position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Non Union (30+ Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under limited direction, the Water Resources Senior Engineer takes a lead role in water resources activities associated with water supply and demand analyses and planning, water conservation program development and implementation, and irrigation ditch matters. This position functions as a member of the Utilities supervisor team and is responsible for supporting a culture of efficient and effective service delivery based on a foundation of trust, teamwork and support at all staff levels.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises and supports water resources and water conservation staff to achieve a supportive culture where teamwork, employee development, coaching and mentoring and candid feedback are prioritized.
• Develops work plans for staff.
• Thinks strategically about planning efforts and analyses to align with broader city and department goals and values.
• Leads and directs water rights and water resources engineering analyses to support Utilities’ water rights protection efforts, water rights development, water supply development and water court proceedings. Performs engineering analyses as appropriate.
• Coordinates with staff on long- and short-term supply and operational planning and implementation.
• Manages drought decision process and oversees coordination of drought plan implementation.
• Provides water resources and water rights-related support to other city departments.
• Leads and manages planning efforts, studies and evaluations associated with long- and short-term water supply planning, drought protection and climate change. Thinks strategically about water supply planning and water supply development to reliably meet current and future needs of the city.
• Oversees and directs water supply model development and related analyses. Performs model operations and analyses as appropriate.
• Coordinates source water protection and planning studies with other work groups.
• Provides raw water supply system operation and water rights information to the public and other city departments.
• Represents Utilities in regional water supply coordination and collaboration efforts.
• Leads, manages and performs water efficiency planning efforts, water demand analyses and studies. Thinks strategically about water efficiency practices and water demand management to align with broader city and department goals, policies and values.
• Develops water conservation program goals and coordinates with water conservation staff to develop, direct and implement the water conservation program.
• Manages and directs consultants and contractors supporting water resources engineering and planning efforts and source water capital improvement projects.
• Prepares and administers contract documents.
• Manages project budget.
• Holds board of director leadership position in irrigation ditch companies.
• Manages resolution of public concerns associated with urban irrigation ditches and coordinates with staff and regional water users as appropriate.
• Supports city-related projects that affect ditch easements including advising on ditch rights and responsibilities and development of ditch-related agreements.
• Provides irrigation ditch information to the public and other city departments.
• Performs field inspections of construction activities and approve and implements minor design and scope changes as necessary.
• Coordinates with operations and engineering project management staff as appropriate.
• Works with Water Resources Senior Manager and, for relevant topics, takes a lead role in written and verbal presentations to the Water Resources Advisory Board, City Council, other agencies and groups and the public.
• Assists with creation and maintenance of water resources related information on city website.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Leads with emotional intelligence and works to build a high-trust, high-teamwork environment. Demonstrates commitment to mentoring, answering questions and providing a safe space to learn. Inspires confidence and respect.  
• Thinks strategically about long-term effects of project development and implementation and anticipates future consequences of current approaches and decisions.
• Ability to be flexible and creative. Is adaptable to changing circumstances and priorities. Ability to identify and suggest creative solutions to unique problems.  
• Actively listens to concerns and is open to the ideas of colleagues, city leadership and community members.
• Recognizes the importance of collaboration and willingly engages in a collaborative work environment.
• Ability to communicate complex information effectively, adapting content and level of detail to a range of audiences, both verbally and in writing.  
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in the use of spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of water rights administration and related engineering principles.
• Skill and experience with water resources, water supply planning and analyses.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to demonstrate supervisory experience that includes performance review and professional development.
• Knowledge of and experience with climate change and drought analyses.
• Knowledge of and experience with Colorado Prior Appropriation Doctrine and water court proceedings.
• Knowledge of and experience with irrigation ditch operation, maintenance and easements.
• Knowledge of water supply modeling principles and experience with model operation and analysis.
• Skill and experience with water conservation program development, implementation, outreach strategies and program evaluation.
• Skill and experience with water demand analysis principles and customer sector water use trends.
• Master’s degree in civil or environmental engineering, physical science or related field.
• Six (6) years’ experience in project management, project coordination, program development and implementation, or strategic planning in a water resources or related field.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering or physical science; or equivalent of eight (8) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
• Four (4) years of demonstrated experience independently conducting or leading water rights engineering analyses, water demand analyses or water supply planning.
• One (1) year supervisory or lead project manager or project engineer experience.
• Colorado Professional Engineer or new hires have ability to obtain within two (2) years.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Water Resources Senior Manager

Supervision Exercised: Water Resources Engineer, Water Resources Project Manager, Water Conservation Program Manager

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Physical and Mental Effort: Primarily sedentary physical work requiring the ability to lift a maximum of 20 pounds and carrying, walking, and standing. Frequent hand and eye coordination to operate computer and office equipment. Vision for reading, recording, and interpreting information. Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with others. Periodic visits to field or construction work sites requiring kneeling, walking over rough surfaces and climbing in confined spaces.  Ability and willingness to work under adverse field conditions, including high elevation.
• Work Environment: Works primarily in a home or an office environment. Routine visits to work sites, including outdoor sites in a variety of weather conditions and where there is exposure to open trenches, moving equipment, traffic, and open water. Travel and local commuting between city office buildings and other Boulder locations can be expected. May be required to work irregular hours, evenings, weekends and holidays, or respond to emergency calls, as required.
• Machines and Equipment Used: Hand tools, power tools, water measuring devices, water flow recording devices, water system operating equipment, valves, ditch headgates, motor vehicles, and four-wheel drive vehicles. Frequently uses standard office equipment including computers and mobile devices.

As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.