Environmental Program Analyst

$65,000 - $95,000/Yr

Unclassified - Las Vegas, NV

Full-time - Entry Level

Las Vegas, NV

About the position

The Colorado River Commission of Nevada is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Environmental Program Analyst. This unclassified, full-time role is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is open to all qualified applicants. The Environmental Program Analyst will be responsible for managing various water resource projects, which include Colorado River water accounting, modeling, and the analysis of natural resource data. This position requires the individual to represent the State in multiple workgroups, stakeholder groups, and meetings related to the Colorado River, which is one of the most highly regulated rivers in the world, flowing through seven states and Mexico. The Commission's Natural Resources Group (NRG) is tasked with preparing reports on Nevada's diversions, returns, and consumptive use of Colorado River water. The NRG also analyzes data related to runoff, temperature, precipitation, snowpack, and the impacts of climate change. The Environmental Program Analyst will assist or represent the agency in Colorado River water resource programs, including the Salinity Control Workgroup, and will be expected to review scientific research to manage resources effectively. This includes preparing science-based recommendations and analyzing proposed reservoir operations that may impact Nevada. The candidate will participate in various initiatives, task forces, interstate forums, advisory councils, and committees that the agency is mandated to engage with. Additionally, the Environmental Program Analyst will support the Assistant Director of Natural Resources and the Senior Assistant Director in areas of water accounting and analysis of factors affecting the Colorado River, such as hydrology, drought, climate change, and regulatory requirements. The role may also involve presenting information to the agency's Commissioners and participating in community-based environmental volunteer opportunities. The successful candidate will need to acquire a solid understanding of the issues affecting the Colorado River and contribute relevant knowledge and experience to the agency's efforts. Collaboration and consensus-building skills are essential for advocating Nevada's interests to federal and state partners, agency management, stakeholders, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Manage water resource projects related to Colorado River water accounting, modeling, and analysis of natural resource data.
• Represent the State in various workgroups, stakeholder groups, and meetings pertaining to the Colorado River.
• Assist or represent the agency on Colorado River water resource programs, including the Salinity Control Workgroup.
• Review scientific research and apply knowledge to manage resources on the Colorado River.
• Prepare science-based recommendations and analyze proposed reservoir operations that may impact Nevada.
• Participate in initiatives, task forces, interstate forums, advisory councils, and committees relevant to the agency's interests.
• Support the Assistant Director of Natural Resources and the Senior Assistant Director in water accounting and analysis of factors affecting the Colorado River.
• Present information to the Commissioners of the agency and hydropower customers at meetings.
• Participate in community-based environmental volunteer opportunities and outreach.
• Monitor water permits and applications with the State Engineer that affect the Commission's Las Vegas Wash Permit.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in earth sciences, geology, engineering, or environmental studies, or a master's degree in related fields.
• Experience in resource management and monitoring is preferred.
• Experience with data management and statistical analysis is preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to create, develop, and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of interested and affected parties.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in consensus building and advocacy for environmental interests.
• Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations related to water resources.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: medical, dental, life and disability insurance programs for employees and dependents.
• Vacation: Accrual of approximately three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of approximately three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Paid Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employee Retirement System (PERS).
• Deferred Compensation: The State has a voluntary deferred compensation program.