Jeff is a hydrologist specializing in stream restoration, irrigation diversion and habitat enhancement projects with a major emphasis in water resource engineering and hydrology. As a founding member and the first executive director of the North Fork River Improvement Association, he developed a collaborative approach to stream bank stabilization and water conservation with the landowners and water users along the North Fork of the Gunnison River.

In 2000, Crane received the University of Colorado Wirth Chair award in Environmental and Community Development Policy for collaborative restoration work on the North Fork. Two years later, the United States Environmental Protection Agency presented him with an Environmental Achievement Award for outstanding leadership in building a watershed partnership.

He is a member of the Water Resources Subcommittee for Club 20, serves on the Gunnison Basin Roundtable for the Statewide Water Supply Initiative and remains active in local water issues.