Assistant Attorney General – Water Resources / Water Conservation
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 legal representative and serves as legal counsel to all state executive and judicial agencies, departments, boards, and commissions. 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. Learn more about the Colorado Attorney General’s Office here.
Responsibilities
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.
Qualifications
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
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities
- Ability to work effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders
- Ability to manage a significant caseload and work effectively in a fast-paced litigation environment
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of legal team
- Desire and ability to be responsive and timely in all communications to clients and colleagues
- Confidence to work with sophisticated clients, including engineers, hydrologists, and policy professionals
- Eagerness to learn complex subject matter and develop expertise in water law
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and integrity
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting a culture of integrity and accountability within the office
- Sound judgment when working with high-level stakeholders, including knowing when to consult teammates and supervisors
- A demonstrated commitment to public service, ethics and professional responsibility
While not required, the following experience are considered preferred qualifications:
- Experience with water court practice and negotiation of complex water court decrees in Water Division 1, including drafting pleadings, motions, or proposed decrees
- Experience drafting or contributing to dispositive or complex motions, such as Rule 56 motions in Colorado water court proceedings
- Experience advising clients on issues related to water management, accounting, and planning for raw water resources
- Experience supporting rulemaking processes or administrative proceedings
- Interest in or experience with mentoring others or successfully leading teams in a legal setting
- 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.
This recruitment may be used to fill more than one Assistant Attorney General positions within the Water Conservation / Water Resources Units at the Department of Law.
Application Process
Salary: $88,197.00 – $136,558.00 Annually
Deadline: 3/25/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Link to full job posting and to formally apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/5260076/assistant-attorney-general-water-resources-water-conservation
