Job Title: Division Director Location: Salt Lake City
If you have a passion for Utah’s water and its future, this position is for you. The Director of the Division of Water Resources leads statewide efforts to plan, conserve, develop, and protect Utah’s water resources for current and future generations. This position oversees all operations of the Division, including water planning, engineering, hydrology, conservation, and infrastructure development.
The Director provides strategic direction, technical expertise, and executive leadership to ensure that Utah’s water supplies are managed responsibly and sustainably. The position requires balancing growth and conservation, advancing data-driven policy, and coordinating complex projects that serve the public interest.
As one of the state’s leading water official, the Director represents Utah in interstate, regional, and national forums to protect and promote the state’s water interests. The Director advises the Governor, the Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources, and the Board of Water Resources on critical water policy decisions, investment priorities, and long-term planning strategies that support Utah’s communities, economy, and environment.
Why Join Our Team: Utah’s water future depends on informed, forward-thinking leadership. As Director, you will guide the policies and projects that shape how Utah meets its water challenges for generations to come. This is an opportunity to lead a respected team, collaborate with experts, and ensure that every Utah community has a sustainable and secure water supply. See more details here.
Appointment and Reporting: This position is appointed by the Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources and is exempt from career service. The Director reports to the DNR Executive Director and works closely with the Deputy Director and the Board of Water Resources.
Responsibilities:
The Director will:
Lead the Division of Water Resources in fulfilling its mission to plan, conserve, develop, and protect Utah’s water supplies.
Direct statewide programs in water planning, hydrology, modeling, infrastructure development, and conservation.
Advise and support the Board of Water Resources in setting policies, budgets, and programs that guide water development and preservation.
Oversee the preparation and administration of the Division’s budget and strategic plans.
Coordinate with federal, state, and local partners to ensure long-term water security and effective resource management.
Represent the State of Utah in legislative, media, and public settings on water-related matters.
Manage division personnel, operations, and statewide initiatives to align with agency priorities and state objectives
Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Strong leadership and management experience at an executive or senior administrative level.
A record of success in water resource management, public policy, or large-scale infrastructure planning.
Proven skills in negotiation, collaboration, and communication with diverse stakeholders.
Strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making experience in complex technical and political environments.
An understanding of Utah’s water systems, laws, and inter-state compacts.
The ability to inspire teams, set measurable goals, and lead effectively across divisions and partner agencies.
Preference may given to current or active Utah PE licence holders.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, or a closely related field.
Significant management experience in water resource programs, public administration, or engineering leadership.
Experience working with elected officials, boards, and commissions on high-level policy decisions related to natural resource management.
Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing large-scale water projects, policy initiatives, or planning studies at the state, regional, or federal level.
Proven ability to manage budgets, direct multi-disciplinary teams, and navigate complex regulatory and political environments.
Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to represent Utah’s water interests in legislative, public, and intergovernmental forums.
Supplemental Information:
•Primarily office-based in a professional environment. •Periodic travel throughout the state and region for meetings, site visits, and interstate commission duties
