Hydro Supervisor - Ralston Reservoir

Working for Denver Water offers a rewarding and comprehensive employment experience marked by exceptional benefits and a strong organizational culture. Employees enjoy a robust 401(k) plan with employer contributions, a secure pension fund to support long-term financial well-being, and high-quality benefits that include a generous PTO package as well as medical, dental, and vision coverage.


At the heart of Denver Water's workplace are its core values: vision, integrity, passion, excellence, and respect. These principles guide every aspect of the organization, fostering a collaborative and purpose-driven environment where employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the community and the future of water sustainability.


Position Summary

Hydro Supervisor is responsible for the operation and maintenance of raw water storage facilities, hydroelectric power plants, and associated properties. Position is responsible for providing direction, leadership and coaching to staff who operate and maintain assigned facilities. Ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of raw water.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has formal supervisory responsibilities over other employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Take and record a variety of information including reservoir elevations, stream flow readings, and weather data.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate daily work and projects. Provide detailed instruction and training in job duties and requirements including the use of various tools and equipment, SOPs, computers and software applications.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures, emergency operations manuals, and facility inspection programs.
• Maintain patrol of departmental property to prevent vandalism and trespassing and fires. Cooperate with various local public and private agencies.
• Maintain liaison with visitors to department facilities. Work with local agencies concerning recreational opportunities at these facilities.
• Ability to utilize on the job technology including mobile computers and/or tablets, electronic timekeeping systems, computerized maintenance management systems, associated mobile applications, RDA, or other provided devices.
• Maintain and repair dams, canals, ditches, roads, and other structures.
• Operate valves to regulate flows, check emergency valves, and maintain all outlet piping, valves, and valve chambers.
• Supervise the operation and maintenance of hydropower facilities, dams, canals, ditches, conduits, flumes and facilities related to property management, road maintenance, vegetation management, and right of ways.
• Train and ensure assigned staff are compliant with appropriate safety issues including, but not limited to, confined space entry procedures, hot work permits, lead paint, asbestos regulations, and excavation trenching & shoring.
• Supervise the operation and maintenance of trucks, pumps, generators, and assigned power equipment.
• Ensure safe working conditions and practices through inspection.
• Must be able to perform safety sensitive functions.
• Perform related work as required.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum 6 years of related work experience.
• Any equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities for the position.

Licenses, Registration, and Certifications

• Complete Hydro Electric Power Plant Operator training within 12 months of hire.
• Complete Aquatic Nuisance Species training within 12 months of hire.
• Colorado Water Distribution Class 1 Certificate required within 12 months of appointment.
• FEMA ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800 within 18 months of hire.
• Must be able to possess and maintain a valid Class 'R' Colorado driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record at time of hire.
• Must possess a valid Class 'B' Colorado Commercial Driver's license within 12 months of appointment.
• May be required to possess a valid Class 'A' Colorado Commercials Driver's License within 12 months of appointment.

Safety Sensitive Requirements

• This is a safety sensitive job where an employee's direct action/inaction may lead to immediate harm to self, team, or the public and/or will have significant risk to the mission of Denver Water. To promote the safety, employees in this job must possess English proficiency adequate to effectively communicate with customers and coworkers, including proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Respiratory Protection Testing

• This position is subject to respiratory protection testing as directed per Denver Water Physician.

Skills/Competencies

• The use of power and hand tools, operation of heavy equipment, pumps, generators, recording devices, hoisting equipment and snow blowers.
• Computer and applicable software skills.
• Public speaking.
• Organization and time management skills.
• Decision making and judgement.
• Interpersonal relations.
• Technical credibility.
• Leadership skills.
• Delegation
• Flexibility

An offer of employment may be contingent upon satisfactory results of a post-offer drug test and alcohol. Denver Water tests for the following: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). A strength test may also be conducted due to the physical requirements of the position. This strength test may include lifting, pushing, and pulling various amounts of weight as well as crouching, squatting, and lifting one's own body weight from various positions. If the position is deemed safety-sensitive or requires a CDL, you will be placed on the random drug and alcohol testing list, which means you may be tested if your name is selected while employed at Denver Water.


Applicants for employment at Denver Water must be authorized to work in the U.S. Denver Water will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.