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State of Utah

Engineer II or III (Adjudication)

State of Utah, Salt Lake City

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Salary: $37.46 - $45.00 Hourly
Location : Salt Lake County, UT
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 45994
Agency: 560 Department of Natural Resources
Unit: 7500 DNR WRT ADJUDICATION
Opening Date: 08/07/2025
Closing Date: 8/17/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Exempt
Recruiter: Tim Conyers
# of Openings: 1
Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service - Employment in this position requires a probationary period.
Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package. See benefits tab below for details.
Driver License Requirements: Employees hired for this recruitment will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards found at the following link:
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, dial 711 or TTY: 800-346-4128.
Job Description
Job Title: Engineer II or III (Adjudication)
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
The Utah Division of Water Rights is seeking a qualified engineer to join our water right adjudication team. In this position, you will learn Utah's water laws and policies as you apply your engineering education and experience to evaluate water rights throughout the state. The Division is in the midst of the Utah Lake/Jordan River adjudication, which includes the evaluation of some of the most critical water sources in the state. In this position, you will help to provide the information that is used by decision makers to better manage Utah's water challenges.
Why You Should Join Our Team:
As one of the oldest agencies in the State of Utah, 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.
The Agency:
If you would like to read more about working for the Division of Water Rights please click here.
Responsibilities
  • Apply Utah water law and policy as you analyze water right issues.
  • Review and compose written reports.
  • Conduct research and gather information to inform decision-making.
  • Review and interpret historical documents related to water rights, including legal documents, maps, and historical water use records.
  • Assist the adjudication team in the publication of court ordered adjudications
  • Perform field investigations of water rights, identifying water uses and locations of pertinent infrastructure.
  • Provide technical support to the team, including engineers, hydrologic scientists, and attorneys.
  • Collaborate with senior engineers to ensure accurate recommendations.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering is required
  • Proof of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam is required.
  • Principles, theories and practices of engineering.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Familiarity with the various types of water measurement devices including but not limited to weirs, flumes, digital flow meters, and their use.
  • Familiarity with court decrees, proposed determinations, distribution schedules and other available documents used in the administration of these water right areas.
  • Ability to provide technical assistance to water users.
  • Ability to speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally.
  • Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing.
  • 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 use GIS technology solutions.
  • Ability to teach new concepts and coach in learning situations.
To Qualify for the Engineer II
Satisfactory completion of Engineer -In-Training (EIT) or the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) required. Incumbents have experience working as an Engineer but are not licensed as a Professional Engineer. Most of their work must be reviewed and approved by a licensed Engineer. Incumbents use independent judgment in the modification and evaluation of standard techniques, perform independently on most assignments, receiving technical guidance on unusual problems. Incumbents apply the knowledge and techniques of advanced mathematics and engineering to assignments.
To Qualify for the Engineer III
Must be registered as a professional engineer in accordance with the provisions of Utah Code Annotated 58-22. This is a working level job requiring minimal supervision. Incumbents in this job utilize advanced training, experience and independent judgment in the evaluation and modification of complex engineering situations requiring specialized abilities. Incumbents apply the knowledge and techniques of advanced mathematics and engineering to assignments.
Preferred/Additional Qualifications
  • A background and/or interest in water rights law and policy.
  • An understanding of common principles and practices of real property conveyance.
  • An ability to use logic to analyze complex technical subjects together with the ability to make decisions based on analysis.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and learn new skills.
Supplemental Information
  • 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.

Certifications/Licenses
  • Engineer-In-Training (EIT or the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) or PE license.

Benefits:
The State of Utah offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for a detailed information page: To access a Total Compensation Calculator in Excel format click
FMLA General Notice:
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01
The interview selection process is based on the answers to the supplemental questions listed below. It is imperative that information provided on the application and job profile is detailed and clearly outlines your work experience and skills. Your answers to the supplemental questions must be documented in your work experience and job profile. "See resume" is not an acceptable response for any question. Failure to follow these instructions will result in disqualification from further consideration for this position.
  • I have read and understand the above statement.

02
Using the drop down box, indicate the highest level of engineering credentials you have received.
  • None
  • I have passed the FE
  • I hold the EIT Certification
  • I hold a PE License from a state other than Utah
  • I hold a Utah PE License

03
Please indicate how many years of experience you have working in the water resources field.
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 completed year
  • 2 completed years
  • 3 completed years
  • 4 completed years
  • 5 or more completed years

04
Do you have professional work experience with any of the following: 1) Water rights appropriation, distribution, and adjudication 2) Water rights laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures 3) Researching and investigating water rights issues 4) Working with legal descriptions 5) Working with maps, plats, charts, & plans 6) Conducting presentations & educating others on water issues 7) Educating the water community regarding water rights issues 8) Writing technical reports, articles, or other documents regarding water rights issues. Check all that apply.
  • None
  • Water rights laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
  • Researching and investigating water rights issues
  • Working with legal descriptions, maps, plats, charts, & plans
  • Conducting presentations & educating others on water issues
  • Writing technical reports, articles, or other documents regarding water rights

05
If you answered "None" to the question above type N/A in the space provided. If your answer indicated that you have experience with any of the items listed in the question above rate your experience as Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced & give brief DETAILS describing your experience with each specific item in the space provided below. Please be specific. (For example: Item #1 - Beginner, then list experience or state "no experience", Item #2 - Advanced, list experience or state "no experience", Item #3 -Intermediate )
06
Do you have knowledge of common principles and practices relating to real property? Examples might include experience with title searching, preparation of deeds, contracts, legal decrees, etc.
  • Yes
  • No

07
For Question #6, please describe. Add N/A if no experience.
08
#DO NOT COPY TO CREATE YOUR OWN - Please indicate how you heard about this specific job posting.
  • State of Utah job site (
  • Referred by a Friend or Family
  • Indeed
  • Other External Job Board or Site
  • LinkedIn
  • Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
  • DWS job website (
  • Advertisement (Digital Ad, Billboard, Print, etc.)
  • Professional Network (Association, Membership, Work Colleague)
  • University Network (Handshake, School Job Board, Career Center, etc.)
  • Contacted by a Recruiter
  • Career or Job Fair
  • Internship
  • Interviewed for different position
  • Internal communications (Agency/Division, etc.)
  • Other (not listed above)

Required Question