Employment Opportunity

Job Opening: Groundwater Monitoring & Field Operations Lead

Rio Grande Water Conservation District
Location: Alamosa, CO

 

The Rio Grande Water Conservation District (RGWCD) is seeking a motivated and technically skilled candidate for the position of Groundwater Monitoring & Field Operations Lead. This position is responsible for overseeing the District’s groundwater monitoring program and supporting field operations and projects throughout the San Luis Valley.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring accurate groundwater data collection, maintaining monitoring infrastructure, coordinating field operations, and supporting the District’s efforts to sustainably manage water resources in the Rio Grande Basin.

Position Details

Position Title: Groundwater Monitoring & Field Operations Lead
Location: 8805 Independence Way, Alamosa, CO 81101
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (40 hours per week)
Supervisor: General Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)
Compensation: Starting at $28.85 per hour, with higher pay considered based on qualifications and experience. The District offers a competitive benefits package including retirement, health insurance, and paid leave.
Start Date: Negotiable

Key Responsibilities

Groundwater Monitoring Program

  • Lead the District’s groundwater monitoring program and coordinate monthly groundwater level measurements.
  • Verify, analyze, and report groundwater data in coordination with agencies such as the USGS and Colorado Division of Water Resources.
  • Review monitoring results for accuracy and investigate irregular readings.
  • Provide recommendations to improve monitoring efficiency and data quality.

Field Operations & Project Coordination

  • Plan and coordinate field operations for District projects.
  • Maintain detailed logs of field activities, maintenance work, and monitoring data.
  • Provide on-site direction during field activities when needed.
  • Communicate field plans and schedules with staff, contractors, and landowners.

Monitoring Wells & Equipment

  • Coordinate installation, repair, and maintenance of groundwater monitoring wells.
  • Calibrate and troubleshoot monitoring equipment and field instruments.
  • Maintain inventory of field equipment and supplies.

Property, Vehicles & Infrastructure

  • Assist with maintenance of District properties and infrastructure.
  • Coordinate maintenance of District vehicles and field equipment.
  • Conduct seasonal inspections and maintenance activities as needed.

Required Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Skills and Experience

  • Experience conducting environmental, hydrologic, or natural resource fieldwork.
  • Ability to collect and document field data accurately using established protocols.
  • Proficiency with GPS units, mobile data collection tools, or GIS software.
  • Ability to read maps, legal descriptions, and spatial data.
  • Experience operating field vehicles, ATVs, trailers, or small equipment.
  • Ability to work independently in remote environments and varying weather conditions.
  • Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with groundwater monitoring techniques.
  • Two or more years of hydrologic or environmental fieldwork experience.
  • Experience installing or maintaining groundwater monitoring wells.
  • Experience coordinating field crews or field operations.
  • Familiarity with Colorado water resources, groundwater management, or water measurement systems.

Work Environment

This position involves significant outdoor fieldwork throughout the San Luis Valley, including:

  • Walking long distances across uneven terrain
  • Working in extreme weather conditions
  • Traveling to remote monitoring sites
  • Lifting and carrying field equipment up to 50 pounds

Office tasks may include data entry, mapping, reporting, and equipment logging.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following to Amber Pacheco, Acting General Manager, no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 20, 2026:

  1. Cover Letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience.
  2. Resume outlining education, employment history, and relevant skills.
  3. Professional References (at least three).

Submit applications to:
Amber Pacheco
Rio Grande Water Conservation District
8805 Independence Way
Alamosa, CO 81101

Phone: (719) 589-6301
Email: amber@RGWCD.org

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Rio Grande Water Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under applicable law.

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