CHIEF ENGINEER/DIRECTOR
WATER RESOURCES DIVISION
8256B1
Pay Grade: 38
DEFINITION OF WORK
Summary
This is highly responsible administrative and professional engineering
work in the planning, directing and evaluating of major state wide engineering
programs and activities for the Water Resources Division of the Kansas Department
of Agriculture.
Work involves directing the operations of the Division of Water
Resources in the regulation of water usage. Work involves the interpretation of laws, and
the formulation, adoption and implementation of rules, regulations, policies, and programs
concerning water resources. Responsibilities include directing operations charged with the
inspection of dams, levees, and channels, to insure compliance with laws and rules and
regulations of the State. Responsibilities include appearing before public groups and
representing the state on various committees and river compacts.
Standard Classification Factors
Supervision Received - LEVEL F: "Under executive
direction…" Employees at this level exercise the greatest independence of
judgment in developing policies and programs.
Difficulty - LEVEL D: Unusual… The type of position which
requires the exercise of unusual managerial, administrative, or scientific skill often
involving several unrelated activities, frequent decisions, meeting of deadlines,
negotiations with other high level functionaries, and planning, organizing, developing and
coordinating large scale work projects requiring an unusual amount of concentration and
analytic ability or unusually difficult engineering or scientific research or development
or both.
Complexity - LEVEL F: Work is of an extremely diverse and/or
highly complex nature characterized by undefined activities and constantly
changing conditions, situations and problems. Workers at this level must
analyze abstract and complicated situations. Workers may be required to
formulate theories, concepts and policies or to plan short and long-range
objectives or programs and to resolve the problems that result.
Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL E: Consequences of
actions or decisions at this level are highly significant. Work is rarely if ever
reviewed. Errors may result in serious disruption in the operation of a major agency.
Contacts - LEVEL D: The purpose of the contact is to justify,
defend, negotiate, persuade or interrogate to settle matters, maintain good will, gain
cooperation or reach compromises when the information is controversial or the individuals
or groups have strong differences of opinions or diverse viewpoints. Extensive use of
communication techniques and well developed communication skills are required for dealing
with others.
Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical
exertion.
Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves
moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant
environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible.
Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL F: Involves scheduling, supervising
and evaluating work as a supervisor to managers of first line supervisors. May administer
major departmental or multi-functional programs through subordinate manager.
Distinguishing Features
This is a one position classification unique to the Kansas Department of
Agriculture. Incumbent exercises individually assigned statutory jurisdiction
to fulfill legislative mandates regarding administration and enforcement
of Kansas Water Laws.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Plans, organizes and directs the evaluation of engineering
projects regarding the construction of flood control works, zoning of floodplains by
cities; the construction, repair and maintenance of levies; the construction of dams,
placing of obstructions in streams; and the changing of course, current, or cross section
of streams; establishing of bank lines as boundaries within which counties may clean and
maintain stream channels; and bank stabilization and soil erosion control along streams
for compliance with state laws, rules, and regulations.
Establishes rules and regulations based on interpretation of state
laws regarding use of water in Kansas.
Establishes water rights and regulates the appropriation of water
for beneficial use.
Evaluates/approves petitions and applications and issues permits
pertaining to drainage districts, dam construction, watershed districts, irrigation
districts, and groundwater management districts.
Participates with other agencies in the preparation of a general,
comprehensive state plan of water resources development.
Plans, develops, and implements long term water resource
management strategies.
Holds hearings, attends conferences, serves on various committees,
testifies before the legislature, speaks to civic groups, farm organizations, conservation
groups, state and interstate organizations about conservation, control, and use of water
in Kansas.
Represents the agency and the State of Kansas on the
Kansas-Nebraska-Colorado Republican River Compact, the Kansas-Colorado Arkansas River
Compact, the Kansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River Compact and the Kansas-Nebraska Big Blue River
Compact.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS
Knowledge
*Knowledge of the engineering principles and practices applied in
civil engineering and hydrology.
*Knowledge of the principles and practices of water conservation
and usage.
*Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to
water usage.
Knowledge of the principles of effective management and
administration.
Abilities
Ability to plan the work of professional and
administrative personnel.
Ability to speak effectively to groups.
*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
with public and private officials, consultants, and the public.
*Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
*Ability to effectively supervise.
*Necessary at Entry
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Licensed
as a professional engineer by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions. Seven
years of experience in water resources engineering or management, hydrology, and
water law administration, including three years of supervisory experience.
NC: 06/93
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05
|