Assistant Attorney General - Water Resources/Water Conservation
State of Colorado See More Job Openings by This Employer
- Department Information
This position is not subject to the Hiring Freeze as outlined in Executive Order D 2025 009.Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!
The Water Resources Unit and the Water Conservation Unit of the Natural Resources and Environment Section are seeking an experienced attorney with a passion for Colorado water law and a desire to work on the appropriation, adjudication, administration, and protection of surface and groundwater water rights on behalf of the people of Colorado. Few law practices offer a comparable opportunity to work directly with the leaders of state agencies and water users across the state to optimize the beneficial use of Colorado’s water supplies and protect the rule of law governing the appropriation and use of water for each of Colorado’s unique river basins and aquifers. The State of Colorado is a longstanding leader in prior appropriation systems of western states and a more recent leader in the integration and conjunctive use of surface and groundwater supplies that are vital to our livelihoods. Colorado is also a front runner in protecting the environment under the Colorado Water Conservation Board’s water rights for instream flows and natural lake levels. This attorney will work as a part of a fast-paced team of professionals dedicated to furthering the interests of Colorado's Division of Water Resources and the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
WHO WE ARE
The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the “People’s Lawyer.” The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State’s chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: “Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all.” Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together.
Visit our website to learn more: https://coag.gov/.- Description of Job
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The Water Resources Unit represents the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR), which includes the Office of the State Engineer, the seven Division Engineers of Colorado’s seven Water Divisions (South Platte, Arkansas, Rio Grande, Gunnison, Colorado, Yampa/North Platte, and San Juan/Dolores Rivers), the Dam Safety Section, the Colorado Groundwater Commission, and the Colorado Board of Examiners of Water Well and Geothermal Heat Exchanger Contractors. The position will represent these clients in judicial proceedings, including in various water court matters: applications for new water rights, changes of water rights, plans for augmentation, injunctive proceedings to enforce orders of the Division Engineer, and any other applications under Colorado’s Water Right Determination and Administration Act. This position will also represent the clients in administrative proceedings, including administrative objections to DWR well permit issuances and denials, appeals of agency decisions, the promulgation of agency and Board rules and regulations, and other water use related matters. This position will provide general counsel advice on water rights administration, decree interpretation, the Colorado Open Records Act, Colorado Open Meetings Law, and the Administrative Procedures Act.
The Water Conservation Unit represents the Stream and Lake Protection Section of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in the acquisition, adjudication, and protection of instream flow water rights. The Unit also advises the Finance Section and the Watershed and Flood Protection Section of the CWCB in implementation of their programs, as well as represents other state agencies in the adjudication and protection of water rights.
The Assistant Attorney General will join a dedicated team of water attorneys working on behalf of the State of Colorado and its state agencies to defend the rule of law, protect the water resources of the State of Colorado, and to maximize the beneficial use of water for Colorado’s growth and prosperity. The attorney may work for one or both of the units described above. The attorney will advise clients on a wide variety of programs and substantive and procedural legal issues and primarily represent DWR or the CWCB in administrative and judicial proceedings. This work will include handling water right matters, enforcement actions, and appeals of water court decisions or final agency actions, and providing advice and representation to our clients on rulemaking proceedings.
Attorneys with less than 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General I (AAG I). The salary range for an AAG I is $88,197 - $96,554/annually.
Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). The AAG II salary range is $102,099 - $136,558/annually.
In order to be considered for a Senior Assistant Attorney General, candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of subject matter expertise in water law which includes at least five years of experience in water court litigation practice in Colorado Water Courts as lead counsel. If the position is filled at the level of Senior Assistant Attorney General, the pay range will be $112,564 to $150,556/year. Final determination for Senior Assistant Attorney General is at the discretion of the DOL. If not appointed to the senior level, the finalist will be offered the position at the Assistant Attorney General range listed above.
This recruitment may be used to fill more than one Assistant Attorney General position in the Water Conservation/Water Resources Units.Salary Note: The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.
Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.- Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Water Resources Unit and the Water Conservation Unit are seeking a talented and enthusiastic attorney with experience in water law to join our Units. This position offers an exciting opportunity to serve as a lead litigator and mentor, focusing on representation of the state agency in charge of administration of water rights in Colorado and the state agency with the exclusive authority to appropriate and acquire instream flow water rights for the preservation of the natural environment.
Applicants must:- Be admitted to the Colorado bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application. Applicants eligible to waive into the bar must be eligible to Practice Pending Admission.
For this position, we are most interested in candidates with strong experience in civil litigation, including trial experience and experience with Colorado water law, the State Administrative Procedures Act, rulemakings, negotiating settlements, and transactional work. Please highlight and detail your trial, motions, and discovery experience in your cover letter. We are also seeking candidates who have:- A genuine enthusiasm for water law
- Experience with water court practice and negotiation of water court decrees
- Experience with reviewing water rights engineering and water rights accounting
- Excellent writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
- Keen attention to detail
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities
- Ability to handle a heavy caseload and a fast-paced litigation environment
- Ability to be a self-starter who is capable of and enjoys working independently and as a team member
- Desire and ability to be responsive and timely in all communications to clients and colleagues
- Confidence to work well with technically and legally sophisticated clients
- Eagerness to be resourceful and to take initiative to learn complex subject matter
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and integrity
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting a culture of integrity and accountability within the office
- Maturity and judgment when dealing with high-level stakeholders, including knowing when to consult teammates and supervisors
- A demonstrated commitment to public service, ethics and professional responsibility
- A minimum of 10 years as a subject matter expertise in water law
- At least five years of experience in water court litigation practice in Colorado Water Courts as lead counsel
- Significant experience with water court practice and negotiation of complex water court decrees in Water Division 1
- Experience drafting substantive Rule 56 motions in Colorado water court proceedings
- Trial or hearing experience as lead counsel
- Experience providing counsel to a client related to the management, accounting, and planning for raw water resources
- Experience mentoring others or successfully leading teams in a legal setting
- In-depth knowledge of legal ethics rules, regulations, and best practices
The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Conditions of Employment:- Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
- This position offers flexible work arrangements.
- Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel website.
This position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights.- Supplemental Information
WHY WORK FOR US
In addition to the comprehensive State of Colorado benefits package including competitive medical and dental health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans with Colorado PERA, and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:
We Embrace Flexibility
We aim to produce outstanding work product for our clients, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members – which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible.
We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At the DOL, our commitment to DEI is thriving. We know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide a safe environment where individuals feel valued and respected for who they are; demonstrate a behavior and mindset where differences are welcomed, and individuals are treated equally and empowered to do their best work; and promote growth and innovation through a diverse workforce. We empower an active Diversity Equity & Inclusion Impact Team that creates approaches to ensure safe spaces and a culture supportive of people being their authentic selves, hosts events and programs on DEI areas important to our employees, enables development and sustainability of resource groups that give a voice to historically marginalized populations, focuses on retaining our incredible talent, and more! If your professional goals include promoting growth and innovation with colleagues who recognize that we are better together when our differences are valued and respected, then DOL is your place to be!
We Have Strong Core Values
Our core values drive our actions. At the Department of Law, we are: 1) principled, maintaining the highest ethical standards, rigorous legal analysis, and careful evaluation of facts; 2) public servants, who are always ensuring our work is not about us, but instead is about the people of Colorado; 3) innovative, by seeking to identify the best approach, make deliberate decisions, and look to improve; and 4) "better together," by working to support each other and collaborate.
We are Committed to Developing our Attorneys
We are deeply invested in our talent and regularly provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and coaching. Further, our professional development and performance goal setting process is collaborative and ongoing, and aimed at helping our attorneys grow and succeed.
We Offer Excellent Benefits- Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a state government employee, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. A borrower may qualify for forgiveness by making 120 on-time payments while employed full-time in public service, if they have certain kinds of federal loans in a qualifying repayment plan
- Free access to a recently renovated on-site fitness center
- Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program
- Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
- Employer-paid annual attorney registration dues
- Employer-provided access to professional development training and CLE through PLI, Department of Law University and other entities.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must establish an account with governmentjobs.com and complete the on-line applications including the Contact Information section. Applicants are not required to complete the Work Experience, Education, or Additional Information sections of the on-line application.
Applicants must provide 1) a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and their relevant experience; 2) a resume; 3) a writing sample, and 4) three professional references. Use the "Attachments" feature of the online application to add documents.
ADAAA Requests
The Department of Law is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Julie Christopher at hr@coag.gov.
- $88,197 - $150,556/year
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