The Council is a government entity established in 1965 by western governors to provide policy and program advice on matters related to the conservation, protection and development of water resources. The Council’s mission is to accomplish effective cooperation among western states in matters relating to the planning, conservation, development, management, and protection of their water resources, in order to ensure that the West has an adequate, sustainable supply of water of suitable quality to meet its diverse economic and environmental needs now and in the future. Eighteen states participate and members are appointed by their respective governors. The Council offices are in Murray, Utah in the center of the Salt Lake Valley. See www.westernstateswater.org
| TITLE: POLICY ANALYST |
| CLOSING DATE: June 30, 2023 [or Until Filled] |
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EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/08/2023 |
| SAFETY SENSITIVE: [None] |
| SUPERVISORY LEVEL: [None] |
| PAY RANGE: $20.00 – $33.50/hour [Depending on Qualifications – $42k-$70k] |
| EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: This position is eligible for a full benefits package including medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, a retirement plan, plus paid leave to include annual, sick, and holiday pay. |
| OFFICE SIZE: 1-10 Employees |
| FLSA EXEMPT: Yes |
| EEO DESIGNATION: Professional |
| CAREER SERVICE PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 12 months |
| WORKING CONDITIONS: Everyday Office Risks
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Sedentary, but with some lifting required. |
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PURPOSE AND DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Under general supervision of the Executive Director, and in collaboration with other staff, perform professional level work in water-related areas such as research and analysis, reviewing and tracking state and federal legislation, rules, regulations, policies and directives, provide staff support to the Council, its members, committees and subcommittees, and assist with preparation and review of external Council positions.
EXAMPLES OF TASKS
Tasks typically associated with the job. This list is not all-inclusive and may vary, as directed.
- Prepare articles for the weekly newsletter on various state, federal, legal, and scientific developments and other current issues impacting state water agencies and western water laws and policies.
- Remain current on executive, legislative and judicial branch developments and trends, both nationally and regionally, and assesses potential impacts on western water policy.
- Research and provide detailed analyses of complex and critical water-related issues impacting the western states.
- Evaluate the impact of specific rules, policies, directives and programs.
- Present results of research, analyses, and evaluations, and make recommendations to the Executive Director, the Council, state agency managers, and policymakers.
- Assist in commenting on various federal administration proposed rules and regulations and preparing testimony on federal legislation based on Council-approved policies.
- Assist in the implementation of the Council’s mission, and carrying out its workplan.
- Assist in developing or updating Council policy positions.
- Provide staff support to the Council’s members, committees, subcommittees and other task forces and work groups as assigned.
- Serve as a representative of the Council on task forces and at stakeholder meetings, and as a liaison with various related organizations as assigned.
- Assist in planning, organizing, and carrying out various virtual and in-person meetings by preparing agendas, inviting speakers and facilitating state-state and state-federal conversations through regular Council meetings, workshops, conferences, and webinars.
- Assist with preparing briefing materials and making oral presentations on various subjects at Council meetings, conferences and workshops, as well as representing the Council at meetings of governmental agencies and non-governmental organization.
- Draft and edit minutes, summaries, memoranda, and technical reports regarding information presented at meetings, during conference calls, and other Council events or water-related meetings of states, tribes, and federal agencies.
- Assist in maintaining the Council’s website with current information.
- Respond to inquiries from the public.
- Other tasks as assigned.
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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
This list contains KSAs that are typically associated with the job, and are not all-inclusive.
- Strong research and analytical skills and an ability to understand complex western water and federal policy issues; to identify underlying principles, patterns, facts, and data; and to synthesize relevant information clearly and concisely within short time constraints.
- Excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate (oral and written) professionally and succinctly.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to proactively manage multiple projects with varying deadlines, to think strategically and establish priorities.
- Strong people skills and a willingness to connect and build relationships with politically diverse partners while advocating on behalf of western states.
- Knowledge of administrative and legislative terminology, processes, and procedures.
- Familiarity with state and federal water-related issues, laws, rules, programs, and policies, including, e.g., western prior appropriations water laws, principles of cooperative federalism, water quality-quantity issues, the water-energy nexus, Indian reserved water rights, the Clean Water Act, the Reclamation Act and other federal statutes, water infrastructure funding and financing programs, and water management data programs – as well as similar topics.
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EDUCATION
- A BA/BS in a related field (e.g., agricultural, physical or environmental science; political science or public administration; natural resources policy; etc.).
- An advanced degree in a related field is desirable
- Two or more years of broad-based relevant experience is preferred and may be considered in lieu of educational qualifications.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking, standing; bending; carrying light items, etc.
- Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
- Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g. safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
- Some overnight out-of-state travel is required at times, as assigned, generally no more than 4-5 trips per year of 2-3 nights each.
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