Water Resources Specialist 3 (AAWS) - Phoenix Arizona

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

Salary: $55,000 - $75,000

Grade: 23

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This position is a key component of the Assured and Adequate Water Supply Section, with a primary focus on Designations of Assured Water Supply (DAWS) and related applications. Working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, this position is responsible for processing, analyzing, and documenting applications to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The role evaluates hydrologic studies, demand analyses, and legal documentation for consistency with technical criteria and program policies and prepares clear and defensible determinations. Additional duties include reviewing program-related annual reports, supporting related application types such as Transportation Applications, and contributing to projects that require coordination across multiple program areas. The position requires strong skills in analysis of quantitative data and narrative information, entry and review of complex data, and a working knowledge of departmental policies, the Arizona Administrative Code, and Arizona Revised Statutes governing water supplies in Arizona. 

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.

• Application Review and Analysis: Serve as a primary analyst for Designations of Assured Water Supply (DAWS) and related applications. Review hydrologic studies, demand analyses, contracts, and legal documentation to ensure compliance with Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS), Arizona Administrative Code (AAC), and ADWR policies 
• Regulatory Compliance: Interpret and apply statutory and regulatory requirements to assigned applications. Ensure determinations are accurate, consistent, and completed within licensing timeframes 
• Technical Documentation: Draft deficiency letters, technical memoranda, and final determinations that clearly document the basis for ADWR’s decisions 
• Coordination: Work closely with hydrology and legal staff on technical and regulatory issues. Communicate with applicants, consultants, and water providers to resolve questions and clarify requirements 
• Program Support: Contribute to the review of program-related annual reports and support other application types, such as Certificates, Modifications, and Assignments, as needed 
• Process and Data Support: Maintain accurate application files, track progress in internal systems, and provide input on improving workflow efficiency and consistency 
• Additional tasks and activities will be assigned as needed 

Knowledge of:

• The Groundwater Code, Assured and Adequate Water Supply Program rules, Active Management Area (AMA) Management Plans and reporting requirements, and the Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) and Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) governing water resource management.
• Historical government involvement with water supply, water usage, and water resources management.
• Current Arizona water resource management laws and regulations, including water rights administration.
• Principles and methods used in developing water resource management programs and policies, including basic hydrology, water budgets, and water use trends and practices.
• Information sources, research methods, and techniques used in water resources management.

Skills in:

• Analyzing and interpreting water use and water supply data.
• Input and retrieval of files and records from archives and databases.
• Effective written and oral communication, including writing technical reports and conveying technical information to customers.
• Using spreadsheets, shared documents, and other organizational tools to compile and analyze data.
• Research and analysis methods for water resources, including statistical analysis and literature review.
• Effectively managing workload, deadlines, and priorities
• Public speaking, including publicly presenting complex materials to diverse audiences
• Problem identification and analysis and process improvement

Ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment and make well-informed, timely decisions considering potential impacts and implications.
• Identify and implement solutions to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Balance, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks effectively.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders including agency staff, government officials, customers, and the public.
• Apply research techniques to study water resource management issues impacting the State of Arizona.
• Prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence.
• Communicate effectively in both written and oral form to diverse audiences.
• Interpret legal documents, rules, and statutes.

Candidates should have at least Seven (7) years of professional level water resource management experience, OR a Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of related experience, OR a Master’s degree and three (3) years of experience, OR a Ph.D and one (1) year of 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.

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.