DEPT OF WATER RESOURCES

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

Salary:  $50,000 - $65,000

Grade: 20 

This position is funded for a period not exceeding two years.

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This position will be responsible for assisting in the implementation of the Agricultural Conservation Program of the Active Management Areas (AMAs) Section, as described in Chapter 4 of the Management Plans. This position will assist in the review, verification, data entry, and analysis of Annual Water Withdrawal & Use Reports submitted by agricultural users who are regulated by this mandatory conservation program. 

While this position primarily supports the Agricultural Conservation Program, it will also include cross-training in the Municipal and Industrial Conservation Programs to build a comprehensive understanding of datasets, processes, and coordination across the AMA Conservation Team. 

The ideal candidate is interested in 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. This position requires significant interaction with the general public and will require excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

We recognize that each candidate brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that can contribute to our mission in different ways. Our goal is to align individual strengths with organizational needs to enhance team performance, support professional development, and ensure effective program implementation.

A hybrid work schedule (some work in the office and some work from home) is available for this position.

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:

• Assisting the Agricultural Conservation Program Lead (Program Lead) in data entry, verification, and analysis of Annual Water Withdrawal and Use Reports
• Assisting the Program Lead with the continuous review of the Agricultural Conservation Program core functions and operating procedures to identify and recommend areas of improvement
• Assisting the Program Lead with the coordination of the compilation of numeric and non-numeric data from the AMA Agricultural Conservation
• Program to fill public records requests
• Process relevant applications in a timely and accurate manner
• Supporting Agricultural Conservation Program compliance efforts
• Assist the Program Lead to complete required tasks and projects including data entry and QC, annual agricultural use compilations, data visualizations, and other program requirements.
• Communicating complex technical Agricultural Conservation Program requirements to regulated parties
• Other duties related to the AMA Conservation Team, and overall Section, may be assigned as needed

Knowledge of: 

• Groundwater Code, especially pertaining to groundwater rights and permits and annual reporting requirements
• The Agricultural Conservation Program, as described in the Chapter 4 of the Management Plans
• The occurrence, behavior, and significance of water in nature
• Environmental, social, and economic aspects of water supply and utilization
• Current concepts and practices in water resource management
• Current laws and regulations regarding water supply and utilization in Arizona
• Water supplies and their respective regulatory frameworks in Arizona, including groundwater, surface water, Colorado River water, and effluent
• Statewide water resource management issues
• Information sources and research methods and techniques utilized in water resources management
• Methods and techniques utilized in agriculture related to water use would be an asset but are not required

Skills in:

• Data Entry as well as quality assurance and quality control
• Using Excel, Access, ArcGIS Pro, PowerBI and other software to compile, organize, analyze, and interpret water resource management data
• Working well within a team environment, including establishing and maintaining effective working relationships within the
• Department, other governmental entities, private and public sectors
• Preparing background information for policy development
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication
• Strong customer service skills
• Prioritization and delegation of multiple short and long-term tasks/projects
• Performing detail-oriented tasks accurately and efficiently with minimal supervision

Ability to:

• Retrieve, organize, and present water resource management data
• Analyze a situation, identify problem area(s), propose solutions, and assist in implementation of those solutions
• Develop knowledge of the Groundwater Code, AMA Management Plans, and Departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Research and process 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
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with various levels of governmental and regulated business officials, community leaders and the public

Four (4) years of professional level water resource management experience; or Bachelor’s degree in resource management or data related field, including but not limited to environmental science, sustainability, public policy, or natural resource management.
Candidates who exceed these requirements may be considered for a Water Resources Specialist 2 position.

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

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

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
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Deferred compensation plan
• Credit union membership
• Wellness plans
• LinkedIn Learning membership
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
  

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 12.27%.

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. The Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.