Planning Analyst II

Central Arizona Project•Headquarters - Phoenix 85024, AZ

About The Position

The Planning Analyst II researches, analyzes, and develops water-resources data for Central Arizona Project (CAP) strategic planning and resource policies. The role implements CAP policies and strategies, provides data acquisition and analysis support to other departments and management, and represents CAP before agencies, water providers, and other parties as required. It conducts modeling and analysis to identify risks and vulnerabilities to CAP’s Colorado River supply, and develops and implements programs and policies to address them. The position also provides long-term planning, policy analysis, and program implementation within CAP’s three-county service area. Work may involve significant travel and coordination with intrastate, interstate, and international organizations and stakeholders, including negotiations and technical recommendations to leadership and the Board of Directors. The role determines information needs; researches, acquires, maintains, and manages data from multiple sources; and translates data into useful analytical formats. It analyzes data, water-use patterns, contracts, regulations, and statutes, using existing or newly developed models and methodologies. It evaluates resource scenarios, develops alternatives, and recommends strategies, policies, and programs. It also supports staff and management on a range of water-resource issues, prepares reports and studies, develops GIS maps, and contributes current information, maps, data, and studies for public-facing website content.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in economics, physical sciences, natural resources, engineering, business, public policy, law, urban planning, geography, computer systems, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Five years of recent experience performing functions related to the essential duties, or three years of related experience with an advanced degree.
Strong analytical and oral and written communication skills.
Proficiency using spreadsheets and databases.
Demonstrated excellent analytical ability applying specialized and conceptual knowledge in the areas of responsibility.
Solid working knowledge of the MS Office Suite.
Experience reading, extrapolating, and understanding GIS data.
Ability to analyze resource issues and present findings and recommendations logically and understandably.
Ability to develop policy statements and supporting justification.
Demonstrated goal-setting and conflict-resolution skills.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Nice To Haves

Background in Arizona water-resources management and knowledge of water users.

Responsibilities

Determine information needs and conduct research to acquire data from multiple sources.
Coordinate, acquire, and maintain data in data-management systems, oversee system maintenance, and prepare data for analysis and staff use.
Analyze and interpret data, contracts, regulations, and statutes to address CAP water-resource problems involving multiple disciplines.
Analyze water-use patterns and develop profiles; use existing models or devise new models and methodologies.
Prepare and present oral and written reports on issues of immediate or special concern.
Evaluate CAP resource scenarios, develop alternatives, and recommend strategies, policies, and programs to meet CAP strategic goals.
Implement CAP policies and programs in coordination with CAP departments and outside organizations.
Provide analytical support on water-resource issues, including supply and demand, delivery, recharge, recovery, water-resource and infrastructure development, reuse, groundwater availability and costs, augmentation, population projections, demographic and economic statistics, regulatory compliance, and modeling.
Support the creation of public website information by adding current information, revised maps and data, and major studies.
Prepare GIS maps and reports or studies for internal planning staff, senior management, and other audiences.
Coordinate and collaborate with stakeholders and represent CAP in discussions and negotiations with intrastate, interstate, and international parties as required.
Provide technical analysis and recommendations to CAWCD leadership and the CAWCD Board of Directors.