Rachel Zancanella

Rachel Zancanella

Division Engineer, State of Colorado Division of Water Resources
CO

Engineers!

Myzafere Limani
Olivia Dunleavy
Kim de Groh
Gina Adam
Leteshia Lowe
Irina Natalia Spinu
Kristy Rasbach
Kaytee Robertson
M. Deseada Gutierrez
Kelly Hon
Chris Rapposelli-Manzo
Jacqueline Apel
Environment
Close Up
  • What I Do

    Water Resources Engineer for the State of Colorado, Division of Water Resources

  • Why Engineering?

    Family Business

  • School Days

    Colorado State University, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

  • My Day At Work

    Hydraulics, Open Channel Flow, Groundwater Modeling, Statutory and Regulatory Enforcement

  • Best Part

    Solving problems!

  • Proud Moments

    Becoming the Division Engineer!

  • Challenges

    Staying competitive in the field and taking advantages of upward career potential while raising 4 young children.

  • My Family

    I am married to an Aerospace Engineer, Chris, whom I met while in engineering school.  Together we have four beautiful children, Tommy (2011), Tazlyn (2014), Zachary (2015), and Zinnia (2018).

  • Dreams and Goals

    Short term professionally, as I am new to my position, I would like to continue to improve my engineering skills and refine my knowledge base.  I work primarily on interstate compact administration and water law and there is so much to learn, it takes time to build confidence.  Long term, I hope to lead my Division well and administer the Arkansas River in Colorado.
    Personally, I would like to continue to be available for my children and to pursue hobbies.

  • Inspiration

    My father.  He is a water resources engineer also. He owns his own firm and had me working for him starting in middle school learning the business. His influence put me a head of the competition coming out of college and has helped me excel to the top of my field.

  • Want to be an Engineer?

    Start young and get some experience.  Internships are key to helping you get ahead.

  • Hobbies

    I am a pilot, craft and volunteer.

Biography
Rachel Zancanella is the Division Engineer with the Colorado Division of Water Resources Division 2 (DWR) office in Pueblo, CO. Originally from Glenwood Springs, CO she completed her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO in 2008. After graduation, she spent a couple of years in water resources consulting with URS Corporation before she began her career with DWR in 2011 as a Deputy Water Commissioner in Colorado Springs. After passing the PE, Rachel joined the Pueblo DWR office in 2014 as a Water Resources Engineer leading the Groundwater Team before becoming the Assistant Division Engineer for Litigation in 2016. In September of 2018 she started as the Lead Assistant Division Engineer for Engineering Operations and finally became the Division Engineer in December 2022.
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Volunteer Opportunities
  • I am willing to be contacted by educators for possible speaking engagements in schools or in after school programs or summer camps.
  • I am willing to serve as a sponsor or coach for an engineering club or team.
  • I am willing to serve as science fair judge or other temporary volunteer at a local school.
  • I am willing to be contacted about potential job shadowing by interested students.
  • I am willing to be interviewed by interested students via email.