In 1996, as the assistant manager, Catlin started his career at the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association (UVWUA). In 2002, the same year as the
2002 North American drought, Catlin accepted the position of manager of UVWUA. He won the
Colorado Division of Water Resources - Division 4 "Water Manager of the year" for his actions during the drought season. Catlin served as President for the Four States Irrigation Council for three consecutive terms: 2001, 2002, and 2003. In September 26, 2009, Catlin oversaw "The Century of Water Celebration," the one hundred year celebration of the
Gunnison Tunnel opening. On January 5, 2015, Catlin was appointed to represent
Montrose County, Colorado on the
Colorado River Water Conservation District Board of Directors, more commonly known as the Colorado River District. On January 11, 2023, the Colorado River District Board of Directors elected Catlin to serve as the Board's Vice-President. In July 2013, Catlin started a talk-radio program named Diversions Radio, hosted on
KUBC 580 AM. Diversions discussed issues regarding agriculture, business, policy, and events happening around the state. The program ran through 2019. Catlin was elected by the member of the Gunnison Basin Roundtable to serve on the InterBasin Compact Committee (IBCC). In 2005, the Interbasin Compact Committee was formed in same legislation that created the nine permanent basin roundtables, the Colorado Water for the 21st Century Act. Catlin remained on the IBCC for 7 years. Catlin served as President in 2006 for the Colorado Water Congress. ==Political career ==