Salary: $110,315.00 - $145,615.00 Annually
Location : City of Thornton; Infrastructure Maintenance Center, CO
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 26170
Department: Infrastructure
Division: Water Resources
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA: Exempt
WORK HOURS: STANDARD 40 HOUR WORKWEEK
PROBATION: One year (if not currently a certified City of Thornton employee)
STATUS 2: FLSA EXEMPT/CAREER SERVICE INCLUDED
BENEFITS: SEE BENEFITS TAB

The Water Resources Division is seeking a seasoned and forward-thinking water resources professional for the role of Senior Water Resources Administrator. The position leads a team responsible for the management and operation of the city's water rights and is part of the Water Resources leadership team. The position works collaboratively with Water Resources leaders responsible for other Division functions, including water rights protection and development, water efficiency and demand management, and source water capital projects.

Job Summary
Under general direction, directs water supply development, water supply demand management, and/or raw water operational functions, including water rights accounting, raw water facility operations, maintenance, and development, water efficiency efforts, water supply protection, water rights development, and Northern Property operations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

Coordinates work efforts related to water supply operations, including water rights administration, accounting, facility operations, facility maintenance, and facility development.

Coordinates work efforts related to water supply development, including water supply acquisition, water rights development, water supply/water rights protection, and Northern property operations.

Coordinates work efforts related to water demand management, including tracking and analyzing water demand across all customer classes; developing, implementing and evaluating water efficiency programs; working across all city departments to achieve water efficiency objectives; developing water demand projections; developing and implementing the city's Water Efficiency Plan, and providing exceptional service to water customers.

Implements and assists in the development of the planning efforts for the management and use of the city's Northern properties.

Implements and assists in the development of the planning efforts for the ongoing operation, maintenance, and development of the city's raw water facilities.

Implements and assists in the development of programs, policies and practices to meet the city's water efficiency objectives.

Supervises and directs the activities of assigned staff; makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline, termination or advancement of employees. Schedules employees, assigns work, and monitors progress; guides, trains, and develops employees in the accomplishment of their duties and professional growth; evaluates performance.

Prepares profit and loss statements; approves capital improvements, expenses and payment requests.

Negotiates and resolves controversial water rights issues. Applies the requirements and provisions of the city's raw water policy, applicable state water law and court decisions.

Prepares and administers the division budget; forecasts necessary funds for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Submits budget recommendations and justifications. Monitors expenditures against approved budget.

Prepares and administers CIP budgets.

Works pro-actively and positively across city departments to achieve Division and city objectives.

Works with various entities to fulfill contractual commitments to which the city is obligated.

Represents the city in litigation efforts in the retention and acquisition of water rights and resources. Researches, analyzes, and makes recommendations on water rights applications and Water Court resumes. Negotiates water-related agreements and Water Court case settlements.

Represents the city on boards as assigned.

Oversees legal, engineering and other consultants assisting with litigation, water development, and demand management efforts. Plans and directs work of legal, engineering and other consultants.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, natural sciences or related field from an accredited college or university; five years' experience in water resources, including one year of supervisory experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

Valid Colorado driver's license with a safe driving record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of municipal policies and procedures related to water rights and surface water diversions/storage.
Knowledge of the principles of Colorado Water Rights and Water Law and water transfer law.
Knowledge of water decrees and contracts.
Knowledge of facilities and appurtenances, hydraulics, hydrology, and water flow in the transportation of water.
Knowledge of practices and procedures of farm management and agricultural irrigation; knowledge of ditch company operations.
Knowledge of water conservation principles, methods and techniques.
Knowledge of horticultural principles and practices, irrigation design, and landscape architecture.
Knowledge of data collection and statistical analysis methods.
Knowledge of general management principles and practices including budget preparation and personnel management.
Knowledge of fundamental engineering practices and principles.
Knowledge of budgeting, expense tracking and procurement policies.
Skill in assessing and assigning priorities as required.
Skill in analyzing and evaluating complex information and communicating technical information in a clear, understandable manner.
Ability to develop, implement and evaluate measures of accountability.
Ability to understand and interpret complex laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to analyze and solve problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, computer equipment and software including word processing, presentation, database management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.
Ability to supervise, direct and train employees.
Ability to research, develop and lead formal and informal presentations and discussions with diverse groups.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, elected officials, boards and commissions, other agencies or jurisdictions and community members.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to finger, talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly sedentary work; exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity.
TESTING PROCEDURES
Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.

As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.

Benefits offered may include the following depending on the job type/status of the position:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life, Dependent Life & Supplemental Life Insurance Options
• Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
• Flexible Spending Plan
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Retirement & Deferred Compensation Plans
• Short & Long-term Disability Plans
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation & Sick Leave
• Multilingual Incentive Pay
• Recreation Pass
• Wellness Program
• In-House Training Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

01

Do you have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, natural sciences or related field?

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of experience do you have working in water resources?

• 0-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5-6 years
• 7-8 years
• more than 9 years

03

Do you have 1 year or more of experience working as a supervisor?

• Yes
• No

Required Question