Job Description

HYDROLOGIC SCIENTIST I (ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST I)

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $28.60 - $42.30 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Karen Weir | kweir@utah.gov | 8015387425
Application Deadline – 9/6/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-day responsibilities of this position:

• Participate in and contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment that encourages professional growth and development.
• Participate in regular team meetings, performance evaluations, and goal-setting sessions.
• Assist the public in navigating the water rights adjudication process.
• Employ correct procedures relating to general stream adjudications.
• Coordinate team efforts to ensure efficient and effective claim evaluations.
• Plan and participate in fieldwork activities, ensuring quality data collection and assessment.
• Collaborate with other hydrologic scientists, engineers, and a supervising program manager.
• Compose written reports and prepare calculations.
• Conduct water right title investigations.
• Attend presentations and make presentations.

Qualifications

Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:

• Holds a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in a natural science or related field, or directly related work experience equivalent
• Familiar with the concept(s) of water rights, real property, and/or natural resource management.
• Proven ability to work independently and inspire others to achieve.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work with a team through evolving water rights issues.
• Knowledge and ability to read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures.
• Ability to solve problems using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions; analyze or
• identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions.
• Ability to speak clearly, concisely and effectively as well as the ability to listen, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with Google Workspaces, and/or Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing as well as the ability to read and understand information presented in writing.
• Ability to learn new concepts and become more capable with time and experience.

Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications:

• Previous work experience in water rights or other natural resource management beyond university-related activities.
• Ability to find solutions to complex water rights issues as well as possessing the ability to communicate these solutions to other staff members and water users.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with court decrees, proposed determinations, distribution schedules and other documents used in the administration of these water rights.
• Ability to inspire and motivate team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with GIS software.

About the Role
Location –
1594 West North Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service
Supplemental Information - Candidates must reside within the state of Utah
Work Schedule - 08:00AM - 05:00PM
Work environment, working conditions, physical requirements -

• Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles.
• Some outdoor field work is required, including the ability to walk by foot on uneven terrain for 3-5 miles.
• Must hike to field locations carrying equipment in various weather conditions.
• Travel within the State of Utah is not an integral part of the position, but may occasionally occur.

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
As one of the oldest agencies in the State of Utah, the Division of Water Rights for the Department of Natural Resources has a long history of playing a critical role in the management of the state's water resources. Consequently, water users rely on the expertise of the Division of Water Rights to provide order and certainty in the distribution of Utah's water. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to help people from all over the state understand water rights, work in a challenging profession that has a meaningful impact on every aspect of life in the arid West, and shape the future of the state's most valuable resource.
Utah Department of Natural Resources
Division of Water Rights
Water Rights Adjudication

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.