Technical Services Lead

Agency Information: The Kansas Water Office (KWO) was established in 1981 as the water planning, policy, coordination and marketing agency for the state. The primary statutory function of the agency is the development and implementation of the Kansas Water Plan. State law requires the Kansas Water Office to "Formulate on a continuing basis a comprehensive State Water Plan for the management, conservation and development of the water resources of the state". KWO in coordination with the KWA, also reviews all water laws and makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for needed legislation to ensure water policies and programs address the needs of all Kansans. Position Summary & ResponsibilitiesPosition Summary:The Technical Services Lead will perform highly technical work related to public water supply reservoir operations, water resources planning, and future water supply needs. This position will work on projects involving surface water supply modeling, reservoir bathymetric data analysis, geospatial data processing, water use data, and water rights information. The Technical Services Lead will support the Public Water Supply Program Manager by providing analysis of current water resource conditions and future projections, including evaluation of alternative scenarios to support water supply planning and decision-making. Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:Water Quantity Modeling:Provides unit leadership in the development and use of hydrologic computer models for water quantity analysis. Works to develop modeling “what if” scenarios to evaluate the effect of various management and regulatory options to solve complex hydrologic problems in river/reservoir systems. The employee develops both written and oral reports that clearly describe the modeling method and results of model runs. The employee presents the results in formal and informal presentations to the Kansas Water Authority and others in federal, state and local agencies and the public. This task is reviewed intermittently and annually by the supervisor for results achieved. Utilizes technical expertise, knowledge of statutory requirements and computer modeling skills to determine the 2% chance yield, as required by statute, available from state-controlled water supply storage space to ensure that the state does not over-commit to customers of statewide water contracting programs.Assists unit manager on determination of storage needed to support new members of water assurance or access districts and participates in negotiation sessions on that sale. Reservoir Storage Operation:Utilizes technical analyses and surface water modeling to make recommendations regarding reservoir operations to ensure needs of public water supply systems, industries and other surface water users are met. Coordinates with other state and federal agencies and local stakeholders to ensure that water quality and aquatic habitat needs are considered in evaluating various reservoir operations. Regularly has contact with staff from other state and federal agencies to acquire data and confirm whether proposed changes to reservoir operations are feasible. Works with supervisor and other Hydrology and Evaluation staff to negotiate updates to operations agreements with water assurance/access district as needed. This task is reviewed intermittently and annually by the supervisor for results achieved. Data/Program Analysis:Utilizes technical expertise to determine best sources of hydrologic, water use, and natural resources data available from multiple sources, to be collected, compiled, maintained, monitored and analyzed for use in making decisions regarding the management, operation and administration of statewide water resource programs. Serves as the manager of the reservoir bathymetry program. Analyzes program activities within geographic areas to determine causal relationships between activities and water resource conditions. This task is reviewed intermittently and annually by the supervisor for results achieved. QualificationsEducation: High school diploma/GED. Licensing & Certification: Valid Driver's License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State. Minimum Qualifications:Five years of progressively responsible experience in independent engineering, geology, environmental or water resources programs. Preferred Qualifications:Post-secondary education in hydrology, hydraulics, engineering, geology, economics, agronomy, environmental sciences or natural resource planning-related fields. Special knowledge, skills and abilities: Expert level knowledge of Kansas water law, geographic information systems, spreadsheets, especially Excel; and water resource models such as OASIS. Safe responsible watercraft transportation and navigation. Operation of hydrographic survey equipment to be used in reservoir bathymetry.