DEPT OF WATER RESOURCES

Hybrid: 1110 W. Washington St., Suite #310

Phoenix, AZ 85007 

Salary:  $55,000 - $75,000

Grade: 23

Closing Date: Open until Filled

Recruiting for three (3) positions

ADWR serves as the technical advisor to the Arizona General Stream Adjudication Courts and Special Master as described in the Arizona Revised Statutes § 45-256(A). This position will be part of the team that analyzes surface water claims and completes technical reports related to the Gila and Little Colorado River Adjudications and Indian water settlements and water rights claims. This position works closely with other adjudications staff and agency personnel in other sections as necessary to complete work directed by the Division’s Deputy Director.

Responsibilities include GIS data collection, analyzing water-resource information and imagery and drafting of reports. This position requires an understanding of hydrological principles, the ability to accurately process complex data, and a knowledge of GIS mapping procedures.
This position may serve as an expert witness for contested cases or other reports in front of the Adjudication Court.

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.

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 include:

• Providing technical support associated with the Adjudications Division, including GPS field data collection, analyzing water resource information and imagery, map production, performing water rights and landownership research, and summarizing water resource related information in technical reports and other documents.
• Participation in complex investigatory projects that require multi-disciplinary expertise. This includes researching and planning water resources data collection of a complex, sensitive, and visible nature. Field work to gather data and confirm conclusions will be required.
• Understanding complex hydrological principles and applying them to practical situations.
• Serving as an expert witness for contested cases or other reports in front of the Adjudication Court.
• Interacting with the public, other governmental entities, and other ADWR employees in a professional and efficient manner; providing accurate and efficient customer service to internal and external customers and partners.
• Problem solving and the ability to manage complex information.

Knowledge of:

• Hydrological principles, particularly those related to surface water.
• The ADWR’s policies and procedures, the statutes and rules governing Arizona's General Stream Adjudications, and the legal process to determine water rights.
• The concepts, principles, information sources and research methods and techniques utilized in water resources management and the nature and occurrence of surface water and groundwater.
• The principles of physical geography, hydrology and/or hydrogeology and the ability to analyze cultural water demands including agricultural, municipal and industrial uses.
• Mapping software including ESRI ArcGIS/Arcview/Arcmap mapping tools, cartographic principles, geographic projections, data sources and formats, information analysis, relational databases and geo-databases.
• Experience conducting field investigations, working outdoors and collecting a variety of water related data using GPS systems and other equipment such as flow meters, water level recorders, drones, etc.

Skills in:

• Analyzing and interpreting water resource management data including imagery and preparing maps and drawings based on field data, aerial photography analysis, land surveys, and other information sources.
• Process improvement and problem solving identification and analysis, utilizing Lean principles.
• Skills in conveying technical subjects to a non-technical audience and presenting a concept in a concise and organized fashion in both written and oral formats.
• Communicate effectively and present technical data to a variety of audiences.
• Work well under pressure.

Ability to:

• Understand and effectively interpret and communicate complex statutes and Department rules, policies, and procedures.
• Produce detailed reports involving complex subject matter within court directed time frames.
• Testify and represent the agency, collaborate with other sections and the Legal Division staff.
• Organize, prioritize and manage diverse technical projects.

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

Candidate 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.

Candidates who do not meet the WRS 3 requirements may be considered for a Water Resources Specialist 2 position. 

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 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

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.