WATER RESOURCES SPECIALIST 2-3 (Municipal Program Lead)

Hybrid: remote and 1110 W. Washington St., Suite #310 - Phoenix, AZ 8500

WRS 2: $50,000 - $65,000

WRS 3: $55,000 - $75,000

Grade: 22/23

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This position will be responsible for leading the implementation of the Municipal Conservation Program of the Active Management Areas (AMAs) Section, as described in Chapter 5 of the Management Plans. This position will coordinate the review, verification, data entry, and analysis of Annual Water Withdrawal & Use Reports submitted by municipal users who are regulated by this mandatory conservation program.

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.

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 on-site at the ADWR office per week 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:

• Coordinating the data entry, verification, and analysis of Annual Water Withdrawal and Use Reports
• Coordinating the continuous review of the Municipal Conservation Program core functions and operating procedures to identify and recommend areas of improvement
• Coordinating the compilation of numeric and non-numeric data from the AMA Municipal Conservation program to fill public records requests
• Processing relevant applications in a timely and accurate manner
• Supporting Municipal Conservation Program compliance efforts
• Collaborate with Municipal Data Specialist to complete required tasks and projects including data entry and QC, annual municipal use compilations, and other program requirements.
• Communicating complex technical Municipal Conservation Program requirements to regulated parties
• Other duties related to the AMA programs and processes may be assigned as needed

Knowledge of:

• Groundwater Code, especially pertaining to groundwater rights and permits and annual reporting requirements
• The Municipal Conservation Program, as described in the Chapter 5 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 and conservation
• 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 municipal sector related to water use would be an asset but is not required

Skills and interest 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
  

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

WRS 2: Four (4) years of professional level water resource management experience; OR bachelor’s degree and two (2) years professional experience in water resource management; OR a master’s degree in water resource management or a related field.

WRS 3: Seven (7) years of professional level water resource management experience; OR bachelor’s degree and five (5) years professional experience in water resource management; OR a master’s degree and three (3) years professional experience in water resource management.

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
• 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.

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.