(DENVER) - The Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today the job opening for the Director of the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR), a position that also functions as the State Engineer. After twenty-five years of distinguished State service, including six years in this role, Kevin Rein retired in December 2023. DNR Executive Director Dan Gibbs named Tracy Kosloff the interim DWR Director and Acting State Engineer through the duration of the search.
“Colorado encompasses the headwaters for eighteen other states and the country of Mexico,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “Our State Engineer, a position appointed by the Governor, is charged with the difficult task of shepherding that water to users within the State of Colorado and according to our numerous interstate compacts, agreements, and decrees. The position holds great responsibility to the administration, a responsibility to downstream states, and to the water users that are looking to the State Engineer and his or her team to administer water rights fairly and according to Colorado laws.
The DWR Director also holds the no less important responsibility of supporting the dedicated DWR team of employees who carry out the DWR mission. Kevin has carried this responsibility for over six years with unrivaled dedication and the utmost integrity. The Department of Natural Resources celebrates his many years of public service in water administration and we wish Kevin all the best as he transitions to his next adventure.”
Tracy Kosloff is well positioned to lead DWR in the interim. She has been in DWR leadership roles for six years, and has been at DWR in various capacities for a total of thirteen years. As the Deputy Director, Tracy ensures compliance with the state’s numerous interstate compacts, manages special projects such as rulemaking, advises on water administration issues, and generally oversees the personnel and fiscal operations.
DWR administers water rights, issues water well permits, represents Colorado in interstate water compact proceedings, monitors streamflow and water use, approves construction and repair of dams and performs dam safety inspections, issues licenses for well drillers and assures the safe and proper construction of water wells, and maintains numerous databases of Colorado water information. More about the mission can be found on this DWR - Who We Are video.
Applications for the position of DWR Director are being accepted online through Colorado's online jobs portal, and the application window closes on January 22, 2024. Applications will be considered from both residents of Colorado and non-residents. The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to apply.
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