The Learning by Doing (LBD) Cooperative Effort represents a unique partnership program between East and West Slope stakeholders in Colorado. LBD is, in essence, a monitoring and adaptive management program with the goal of maintaining, and where possible, improving the health of Colorado River headwater streams in Grand County. As described in more detail below, LBD reflects an entirely new approach to managing water resources through innovation, collaboration and broad stakeholder involvement. The LBD Committee has an immediate need for a qualified candidate to serve as the Committee Coordinator. By providing organizational and administrative support, the Committee Coordinator will facilitate the achievement of the LBD Committee’s goals. The Committee Coordinator’s duties include, but are not limited to: working closely with Committee members; arranging meetings; taking/distributing notes; ensuring tasks are completed; assisting with public outreach efforts; updating the project web site; accounting; fund raising and other coordination duties. This is a contract position, requiring an average of approximately 15 hours per week. Regularly scheduled LBD meetings are typically held in Grand County or Denver, requiring some travel and flexibility. This contract position is being funded through a grant in the amount of $30,000 per year for a period of four (4) years. Contingent on funding, the duration of this position could be extended beyond four years. Trout Unlimited is the grantee and will manage the funds under the terms of the grant for the benefit of the LBD Committee. There is no permanent office or work space associated with this position. The compensation package does not include benefits.
Background on Learning By Doing The Upper Colorado River system and the Fraser/Williams Fork rivers provide important aquatic habitat and serve as a critical municipal, agricultural, recreational and industrial water supply for the state as a whole. A substantial percentage of the native flows of the Colorado, Fraser and Williams Fork rivers is currently diverted for Front Ranger water supply projects, and as a result, the health of the rivers has declined over the years. Two projects will divert additional native flows from these rivers across the Continental Divide to meet growing municipal needs of the Front Range: the Windy Gap Firming Project and the Moffat Collection System Project. Although these two projects triggered conflicts between West Slope and East Slope entities, years of negotiation produced the 2012 Colorado River Cooperative Agreement (CRCA), which establishes a long‐term partnership between Denver Water and the West Slope. The CRCA is a framework for numerous actions to benefit water supply, water quality, recreation, and the environment on both sides of the Continental Divide. The LBD Cooperative Effort emerged from the CRCA. The municipal sub‐district of Northern Water (Sub‐district) has a similar agreement between it and the West Slope which solidifies the Sub‐district’s commitments to benefit the aquatic ecosystem within Grand County.
The LBD Committee is composed of representatives from the following organizations: Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Denver Water, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Grand County, Colorado River Water Conservation District, Middle Park Water Conservancy District, and Trout Unlimited. Other parties participating in LBD include the Bureau of Reclamation, Forest Service, water utilities, and other interested parties. The overall success of LBD in meeting its goals will be measured by the LBD Committee through resource monitoring and reporting. Long‐term success will also be measured by the extent to which the LBD model is adopted in other places, and the extent to which it is integrated into future water leadership training.
Education & Experience Graduation from a four‐year accredited college or university, preferably with a B.A./B.S. in natural resources, hydrology, biology or related field. A keen interest in water resource management, and familiarity with non‐profit organizations and stakeholder involvement and fund raising is a plus.
Required Skills & Abilities
* Sound project management principles and practices. * Ability to communicate clearly with LBD Committee members on both technical and administrative issues. * Proven written and verbal communication. * Strong time‐management. * Ability to use independent judgment in daily responsibilities. * Work effectively under deadlines.
Applying Submit resumes and cover letters by September 23 to: Jason Marks Environmental Planner 1600 12th Avenue Denver, CO 80204 jason.marks@denverwater.org
