DEPT OF WATER RESOURCES

1110 W. Washington St., Suite #310

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary:  $75,000 - $95,000

Grade: 27

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you are suited to the role

The Statewide Planning Section Manager leads the Department’s Statewide Programs and Supply and Demand Assessments, overseeing a team that includes three water resources supervisors, a hydrogeologist, and thirteen water resources specialists.

This role involves guiding the Community Water Systems, Conservation, Drought, and Rural Programs, which provide technical support, resources, outreach, and assistance to stakeholders across Arizona, particularly in rural areas. The Manager also oversees the Supply and Demand Assessment team responsible for evaluating water supply and demand across Arizona’s groundwater basins on a five-year cycle.

As a key leader within the Planning and Permitting Division, the Manager will coordinate with the Deputy Assistant Director and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to advance program objectives and support the agency’s mission. Additionally, this role involves representing the agency at public meetings, hearings, and board settings, requiring high levels of discretion, judgment, and public engagement.
The candidate should have strong managerial experience and the ability to foster an environment in which diverse professionals work collaboratively to achieve strategic goals. The candidate must demonstrate careful judgment and tact and communicate and effectively engage with representatives from government, staff of all levels, and the community. Effective project management and organizational skills are important.

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.

This position encompasses a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Leading statewide water resources planning activities, including planning model development and water use data analysis
• Supervising and developing team talent, including mentorship and training initiatives
• Developing, organizing, and disseminating policies, procedures, and training materials
• Coordinating policy development and recommendations with Director-level staff
• Advocating for and enforcing Arizona’s water resource laws, rules, and policies
• Representing ADWR in public meetings, conferences, and cross-agency projects
• Overseeing the Community Water System Program’s annual water use reporting and quality control processes
• Overseeing the Drought Program, including monthly drought report reviews and the completion of the Drought Preparedness Annual Report
• Overseeing conservation outreach, education, and technical assistance initiatives
• Contracting and collaborating with the USGS for streamgage field verification and funding
• Conducting outreach to the regulated community to maintain compliance and foster collaboration
• Performing additional duties as assigned

Knowledge of:

• The occurrence and management of surface and groundwater in Arizona, including hydrology, engineering, and socio-economic aspects of water usage
• Arizona’s water resource policies, including statewide water conservation, water rights, and sector-specific water use regulations
• Current practices in water resources management, planning, and conservation efforts, with a focus on data-driven policy development
• Public policy management and strategic planning within regulatory and governmental frameworks
• Effective management and supervision principles to lead a diverse and analytical team

Skills in:

• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships across public, private, and governmental entities to foster collaboration
• Public speaking and representing the agency with authority at hearings, conferences, and public meetings
• Analyzing and interpreting complex water resource data, using software such as Excel and Access for data management
• Preparing accurate reports and policy recommendations on high-impact and high-visibility water resource management issues
• Applying multidisciplinary approaches to resolve complex and sensitive water resource issues
• Demonstrating diplomacy and tact while interacting with government representatives and the public

Ability to:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a professional team to drive strategic goals and support agency objectives
• Coordinate and prioritize numerous complex projects, adapting as necessary to achieve results
• Communicate technical and regulatory information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences
• Review and interpret legal, regulatory, and technical documents relevant to Arizona water resources
• Use independent judgment to analyze issues, develop solutions, and implement decisions effectively
• Cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and the regulated public
• Conduct and facilitate productive public meetings and present technical information to diverse audiences

The ideal candidate should have ability and experience in managing professional staff and meeting strategic goals and possess the ability to develop consensus-based programs and strategies.

Experience in Arizona water policy, planning, and regulation.

This position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issue driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any driver training (See Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12).

Candidate should have: at least 10 years of professional level water resource management experience, or Bachelor’s degree and eight years professional experience in water resource management, or a Master’s degree and six years professional experience in water resource management or PhD and four year 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 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 12.27%.

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