Arizona is facing some of the most significant water challenges in its history. The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) is seeking a highly skilled and mission-driven Supervisor to lead the team responsible for establishing regulatory, planning, and policy structures for newly regulated groundwater management areas.
This position is one of the most critical supervisory roles within the Planning and Permitting Division. Working closely with division leadership, the Supervisor will guide development of regulatory frameworks, management plans, groundwater rights structures, and conservation requirements that directly shape the future of communities across the state.
The Supervisor will work as part of the AMA Section leadership team, alongside two Directors and two other Supervisors, within ADWR’s Planning and Permitting Division. Success in this role requires both collaboration and initiative, as the work directly correlates with conservation requirements, annual reporting, and other key elements of groundwater regulation.
The ideal candidate will be a flexible and adaptable leader who can pivot communication style to effectively engage with executive leadership, stakeholders, and staff at all levels. They bring strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to guide and develop a multidisciplinary team of policy experts, data analysts, GIS personnel, application specialists, and outreach staff. This individual has a solid understanding of Arizona water policy and regulation, can manage complex and often sensitive discussions, and thrives in a high-profile role that requires collaboration, strategy, and decisiveness. They will be skilled at balancing technical and policy considerations, while fostering a team culture that is innovative, accountable, and mission-driven.
We are looking for a leader who can:
- Oversee a multidisciplinary team of policy experts, GIS and data analysts, application specialists, and outreach staff.
- Travel across Arizona (including overnight trips) to facilitate public meetings, often in contentious or sensitive settings.
- Manage hybrid public engagement, coordinating technology and logistics while presenting complex regulatory information clearly and effectively.
- Work closely with ADWR executive leadership, legal counsel, and legislative affairs to advance policy solutions.
- Cultivate and manage strong working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
A hybrid work schedule is available, with the expectation that the Supervisor will be in the office at least three days per week. Up to two days per week may be worked remotely. All work, including remote work, must be performed within Arizona unless an exception is authorized in advance.
This role demands vision, leadership, and knowledge of both Arizona water law and stakeholder engagement. If you thrive at the intersection of policy, data, and public service—and want to make a direct impact on Arizona’s water future—we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
● Lead establishment of regulatory frameworks and management plans for newly regulated groundwater areas.
● Supervise, coach, and develop a professional team across policy, technical, and outreach disciplines.
● Direct the processing and development of groundwater rights, including Grandfathered Rights and Authorities.
● Oversee facilitation of hybrid public meetings, including technology setup and live management of in-person and virtual components.
● Represent ADWR in public forums, hearings, and stakeholder sessions.
● Collaborate with ADWR leadership on policy development, legal and legislative matters, and program integration.
● Ensure data-driven decision making by supporting expertise in groundwater modeling, GIS, and regulatory databases.
● Strengthen communication and transparency through reporting, documentation, and stakeholder outreach.
Experience required:
Eight (8) years of professional level water resource management experience; OR
Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field and six (6) years of professional level water resources management experience; OR
Master’s degree or higher in a related field and four (4) years of professional level water resources management experience; OR
Doctorate in a related field and two (2) years of professional level water resource management experience.
Preference for water resources experience
Experience in a related field may be considered in lieu of specific water resource management experience.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: 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 Arizona 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
- Flexible 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.