Senior Water Rights Engineer

Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2025.

Ecological Resource Consultants, LLC (ERC), a proud subsidiary of Western States Water, a leading provider of water rights, water resource engineering,  and environmental science services, is currently accepting applications from qualified candidates for an experienced water rights engineer at our Lakewood, Colorado location.  

Why ERC?

ERC provides a diverse range of technical services allowing our team members to gain a wide variety of technical experiences. We employ a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists with a variety of skills and expertise. Therefore, projects that ERC is involved in extend far beyond water rights and include stream restoration, hydraulic design, construction observation, geotechnical studies, geomorphology, design/build work, water balance and system reliability studies, and development review. Much of our work is in Colorado, but we have projects across the US and around the world. Our array of projects provides opportunities for growth and development for engineers in any stage of their career.

ERC benefits from many long-standing client relationships. As such, project managers can focus their attention on project work and technical tasks, not business development. 

Skills and Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, water resources, hydrology, or a closely related field
• years' experience.
• Active PE license in Colorado (preferred).
• Strong computer literacy skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-directed with strong organization and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and staff.
• Knowledge of Colorado water law and water rights administration.
• Proficiency in GIS desired.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in our small team environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage or assist in managing  projects including scheduling staff, supervising, training, and mentoring junior staff, preparation of scopes and budgets, and client interactions.
• Provide engineering support for Water Court applications.
• Perform water rights investigations including analyses of crop consumptive use, interpretation of irrigation acreage, stream depletions, lagged groundwater return flows, and water availability for water rights claims.
• Development and maintenance of water accounting forms.
• Prepare expert disclosure reports to support Water Court cases.
• Participate in expert meetings and settlement negotiations with clients, opposers' experts, and attorneys.
• Provide litigation support and expert testimony in Water Court.
• Conduct water supply planning and hydrologic studies.
• Conduct studies using surface water allocation models.
• The majority of the work will be performed in the office; however, occasional fieldwork opportunities will occur.

Additional Requirements:

• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Benefits:

• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Up to 48 hours of paid sick time per year
• 401K Retirement with company match
• Health insurance (Medical, Vision, Dental)
• Life Insurance

Equal Opportunity

ERC is proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. The Equal Opportunity policy at ERC provides a fair and equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, nation origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, protected veteran status or disability or any other status(es) protected by law. ERC ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and mandatory supplements to EEO (revisions).

More information about the ERC team, philosophy, and projects can be obtained