Description

Here in the Town of Erie, as staff and residents of a headwaters state, we understand the critical importance of managing our water resources. As a growing municipality, we are working proactively to ensure our residents have a safe community, clean drinking water and that our lakes and local rivers remain are in focus so we can support a healthy local ecosystem and vibrant community. To support this vital, long-term work, we are searching for our first-ever Water Resources Manager to join our Utilities Department. 

About the Role 

This position serves as a member of the Utilities Department leadership team and is responsible for developing the strategy for the Water Resources Division, engaging in broad local, regional and with state-wide workgroups, ditch companies and large water supply projects while managing a professional and accountable workgroup focused on continuous improvement and the effective, efficient delivery of services to the public and internal customers. 

Who We Are Looking For 

As the Water Resources Manager, you will provide leadership and oversee the Water Resources Division, including the accounting, planning, and development of the Town’s source water system, as well as the use, protection, and expansion of the Town’s water rights portfolio. 

We are looking for someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in Colorado and western water issues, particularly with North Front Range specific water rights and challenges and administration of Colorado Big Thompson (CBT) operations. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to think proactively and bring innovative solutions to complex issues and projects. The Town is one of the fastest growing communities in the country, along rapidly shifting water resources challenges and projects which create a fast-paced and challenging day to day work environment. If you enjoy tackling challenges with a fun and hard-working team while planning for the future, this is the place for you!  

Work Location: Erie Town Hall (645 Holbrook St, Erie, CO 80516)  

• This position is eligible to work remotely up to two (2) days per week dependent upon successful completion of the probationary period and supervisor approval. 
   

2026 Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $129,381/year - $155,258/year      

2026 Full Salary Range: $129,381/year - $181,134/year

Town of Erie Benefits: 

The Town of Erie offers a comprehensive benefit package and pays a major portion of the employee premium to make these benefits more affordable for you. Coverage of these benefits begin the 1st of the month following date of hire for benefited employees regularly working an average of 30 hours per week. Each year you will have the option of changing your elections through open enrollment. Visit our official job posting to learn more.

Designated full time employees are eligible for the following benefits: 

• Robust Medical, Dental and Vision plans including spouse, domestic partner and family coverage options
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity Plans
• Employer paid Basic Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
• Employer paid Short and Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Supplemental Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
• Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) reimbursement up to $750 per year for numerous health/wellness purchases
• Employer paid Employee Assistance Program
• Robust Extended Sick Leave (ESL)and family sick leave program
• 48 hours of Colorado Sick Leave preloaded on the 1st of every year; pro-rated at time of hire
• 3 ½ Weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year (increases with years of service)
• 40 hours of pre-loaded Paid Time Off (PTO) to each new employee upon hire  
• Fifteen (15) Paid Holidays
• Twenty-Four (24) Hours of Paid Volunteer Leave
• Up to 12 weeks of paid Parental Leave for bonding with a new child
• Option to “sell back” PTO after two years of continuous employment
• 457 Retirement Plan, with a 5% employer match and immediate 100% vesting in your deferralAND employer contributions
• Education reimbursement up to $3,000 per year
• Individual free membership to the Erie Community Center and steep discounts on couple or family memberships
• Employer sponsored wellness program, includingemployee-based fitness classes
• Childcare benefits which includes 10% discount to any KinderCare location in Colorado
• Half-off charging at town-owned EV charging stations
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Discount Program through Benefits Hub Eligible for discount Dell Computer program
• Onsite/virtual trainings for growth and development opportunities 
   

We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)-qualified employer! 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• At least five years of relevant experience accounting, administering, operating, planning, and maintaining water supply facilities and resources.  
• At least three years of supervisory or management experience.  
• Experience in managing budgets and developing budget proposals.  
• Experience in hydrology, western water rights and the doctrine of prior appropriations.  
• Experience managing water rights portfolios.  
    

A combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations 

• Valid Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record. 
   

Desired Qualifications: 

• Licensure as a Colorado Professional Engineer (P.E.) or ability to obtain through reciprocity.
• Experience with the South Platte River, Boulder Creek, Colorado River and Cache Le Poudre River Basins.  
• Experience analyzing water portfolios and developing strategies for operations, drought management, and climate adaptation.  
• Experience preparing expert reports and serving as an expert witness in water court.  
• Experience with water rights modeling and accounting.  
• Experience with field operations, construction, and project management. Experience managing source water quality including demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively with water treatment operations.  
• Experience with water reuse and reclaimed water systems.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public.
• Proven ability to lead, manage and organize work teams. Demonstrated ability to establish and achieve goals.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public.
• Proven ability to lead, manage and organize work teams.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and achieve goals.
• Demonstrated ability and initiative to work independently with minimal supervision.  
• Knowledge of safety issues related to source water operations and maintenance activities.  
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in and outside of normal work hours.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.