AMA Establishment Supervisor

Job no: 536211
Position type: Full-time
Location: PHOENIX
Division/Equivalent: STATE OF AZ
School/Unit: DEPT OF WATER RESOURCES
Department/Office: WC-6700-ACTIVE MANAGEMENT AREAS
Categories: Environment/Air/Water/Waste, Research, Management/Supervisor

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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 talented, committed water resource professionals to join the Statewide  AMA  Section.

AMA Establishment Supervisor

(Water Resources Supervisor)

Statewide AMA Section

WWW.AZWATER.GOV

 

Job Location:

Address:  Hybrid - 1110 W. Washington St. Suite #310

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $65,000 - $85,000

Grade: 25

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Job Summary:
 
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.

Job Duties:
 
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.
 
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

  • Arizona water supplies and regulatory frameworks (groundwater, surface water, Colorado River, effluent).
  • The Groundwater Management Act and statutory requirements governing AMAs, management plans, and groundwater rights.
  • Conservation requirements, annual reporting processes, and groundwater regulation.
  • Government policy development and regulatory implementation processes.
  • Data and records management, including GIS and spatial data systems.

Skills in:

  • Supervising and mentoring staff across technical, policy, and outreach disciplines.
  • Facilitating hybrid meetings and managing logistics/technology.
  • Clear, professional communication—written, verbal, and in public speaking.
  • Policy analysis, technical writing, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Organizing and managing multiple overlapping projects, with an understanding of project management software.

Ability to:

  • Travel regularly (including overnight) to support public engagement.
  • Build a collaborative, accountable, and innovative team culture.
  • Balance technical analysis with policy and regulatory decision-making.
  • Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Translate complex information into accessible language for stakeholders.
  • Represent ADWR with integrity, professionalism, and authority. 
Selective Preference(s):

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.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

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).

Benefits:

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

Retirement:

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%.

Contact Us:

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.

Advertised: US Mountain Standard Time
Application close:

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