The Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC) seeks an Executive Director and Secretary for its Salt Lake City, UT office.

The UCRC is an interstate water administrative agency established by action of five state legislatures and Congress with the enactment of the 1948 Upper Colorado River Basin Compact. The UCRC’s role is to adopt rules and regulations, make estimates and findings and engage in cooperative studies of water supplies of the Colorado River, and to determine the extent and timing of curtailment of water use by the Upper Division States, if necessary, in accordance with the 1922 Colorado River Compact. The UCRC is comprised of one representative appointed by the Governor of each Upper Division State and one member appointed by the President to represent the United States.

Position Summary:

As chief administrative officer, the Executive Director/Secretary is responsible for carrying out the policies, directives, and authorizations of the UCRC, and performs all duties and functions relative to the position of Secretary as required by the Upper Colorado River Basin Compact and the By-Laws of the UCRC.

Essential Functions:

Under the Upper Colorado River Basin Compact and By-Laws of the UCRC, the Executive Director/Secretary:

Performs such duties as the Commission may direct. Sends notices of meetings, serves as an ex-officio member of all committees of the Commission, files formal committee reports, publishes notices relating to Rules and Regulations, compiles Rules and Regulations and prepares copies for distribution to the public, approves vouchers for disbursement of Commission funds, and prepares and keeps an up-to-date inventory of all the property of the UCRC. With the Chair or Vice-Chair of the UCRC, signs all contracts or other instruments for and on behalf of the Commission, except matters relating to the receipt or disbursement of funds. Makes available to the Governor of each of the States any information within the possession of the UCRC and provides free access to the Commission’s records by the Governor of each of the States, or their authorized representatives, or authorized representatives of the United States of America.

As chief administrative officer, based on direction from the UCRC Commissioners, coordinates and leads the Commission’s staff of engineering and legal specialists in water resources studies and investigations and in reviewing proposed water resource development projects; prepares technical and administrative reports to or for the Commission; and represents the UCRC in negotiations as directed.

Upon direction by the UCRC Commissioners, analyzes and makes recommendations regarding federal and state legislation pertaining to water matters; facilitates conveyance of engineering and economic feasibility determinations related to proposed water conservation and utilization projects in the Upper Colorado River Basin; has responsibility for receiving and answering correspondence for the Commission; has charge of all UCRC files and property; facilitates communication between UCRC engineering and legal staff and the Commissioners; cooperates with federal and state agencies for the purpose of developing greater utilization and conservation of the water resources of the Upper Colorado River Basin; directs the UCRC’s public relations such as press interviews and public presentations in accordance with UCRC direction or established positions.

Required Qualifications:

  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university or ten years of full-time paid employment in positions that include duties related to or similar to the duties of this position.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
  • Ability to analyze complex water resources issues.
  • Ability to respect and work effectively with all people.
  • Ability to organize, track and manage work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to apply principles of engineering to solve problems.
  • Experience working on Colorado River Basin issues.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in relevant discipline.
  • Responsible for management of a project or organization that would reflect the ability to organize and perform difficult and complex technical or legal or business assignments, and ability to supervise and plan the work of professionals, technical and clerical assistants and to express ideas and opinions clearly and concisely in both written and oral form.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working and cooperative relationships with Commissioners’ legal and technical advisors.

The position is full-time and located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Some travel is required.

The salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. The UCRC provides a competitive benefits package.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, detailed resume, and references no later than November 15th, 2021, to Rebecca Mitchell, Director, Colorado Water Conservation Board, via email: rebecca.mitchell@state.co.us. When applying, expect a received confirmation email within three business days.

The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

The Commission may consider remote work options for the selected candidate.

Please include the following documents with your application:

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
  3. References

The UCRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer