DEPT OF WATER RESOURCES

The mission of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) is to safeguard the health, safety, and economic welfare of the public by protecting, conserving, and enhancing Arizona's water supplies in a bold, thoughtful and innovative manner.

ADWR is seeking a Water Resources Specialist  to join the Statewide AMA Section.

Hybrid: remote and 1110 W. Washington St., Suite #310 - Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary:  $55,000 - $75,000

Grade: 23

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This position will be responsible for reviewing and processing applications for grandfathered rights in subsequent Active Management Areas (AMAs) including Willcox AMA and Ranegras Plain AMA; assisting in the development of the Management Plans and conservation requirements for subsequent Active Management Areas; and developing an accurate understanding of applicable laws, rules, statutes, policies and procedures in use by ADWR and communicating them to the regulated community and interested parties on a regular basis via written communication, phone call and meetings.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures. A minimum of two days in office is required. 

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance. 

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to: processing payments and reviewing applications in a timely and accurate manner; data entry and quality control; preparation of slides, presentations, application materials, technical memorandums, fact sheets, and reports; and participation in public meetings.

Other duties related to broader programs and processes of the ADWR AMA section, which may include assisting in the processing of annual reports, administration of conservation program requirements, and assisting right holders in initial and subsequent AMAs and INAs, may be assigned as needed.

Knowledge of:

• Groundwater Code, especially pertaining to groundwater rights and permits, and annual reporting requirements
• The mandatory conservation programs, as described in the management plans
• Environmental, social, and economic aspects of water supply and demand
• Current concepts and practices in water resource management
• Current laws and regulations regarding water supply and utilization in Arizona
• Statewide water resource management issues
• Information sources and research methods and techniques utilized in water resources management
• Best practices in document management, including retention and archiving

Skills and interest in:

• Researching, reading, analyzing and evaluating documents
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication
• Data Entry as well as quality assurance and quality control
• Preparing background information for policy development
• Using spreadsheets and databases
• Strong customer service skills

Ability to:

• Apply critical thinking and professional judgment, including respectfully challenging ideas and providing alternative perspectives in a collaborative environment.
• Use computers to retrieve, organize, and present water resource management data
• Develop knowledge of the Groundwater Code, AMA Management Plans, and Departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Researching and processing requests and inquiries to provide accurate and efficient customer service to all entities
• Apply techniques to study water resource management issues impacting the State of Arizona
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Work well in a team environment, including the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with various levels of governmental and regulated business officials, community leaders and the public.

This position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.  

Experience researching, analyzing, or developing public policy, statutes, rules, or regulatory frameworks.

Candidates should have at least seven (7) years professional experience in water management/Hydrology, or Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years professional experience in water management/Hydrology or a Master’s degree and three (3) years of professional experience.

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Sick Leave
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Deferred compensation plan
• Credit union membership
• Wellness plans
• LinkedIn Learning membership
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
  
• Flex work schedule

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement system (ASRS). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment. The current contribution rate is 12.00%

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact ADWR Human Resources Office at (602) 771-8500 for assistance. Persons with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language or an alternative format by contacting ADWR Human Resources. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

Salary : $55,000 - $75,000