WASTEWATER OPERATIONS MANAGER

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

3d • $67,567 - $87,570 • Hybrid

About The Position

This consolidated position oversees both the day-to-day water resource management and environmental utility compliance matters of the agency. The role serves as the lead hydrologist focusing on water quantity, historic water rights, and state-wide stream adjudications. Concurrently, it provides positive assurance that agency water and wastewater utilities proactively maintain regulatory compliance with all state and federal rules and regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Clean Water Act (CWA). A key part of this position would be overseeing a variety of treatment facilities for both water and wastewater systems at over 18 state parks.
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.

Requirements

• State and Federal water laws, rules, and regulations (SDWA, CWA, NPDES/AZPDES, APP).
• Hydrologic cycle, flood control, water rights administration, and ecological support systems.
• ADEQ Engineering Bulletins, water/wastewater treatment processes,(ATC/AOC) and industry standard engineering practices (AWWA, MAG, WEF).
• State and Federal court rulings impacting water resource management in Arizona.
• Operating environmental monitoring equipment, water quality sampling tools, and GPS units.
• Research methodologies, mathematics, statistics, and analysis of numerical data.
• Exceptional written/oral communication and negotiating complex regulatory agreements/settlements.
• Interpretation of land descriptions, aerial photos, topographic maps, and GIS overlays.
• Work effectively within multidiscipline units, advisory groups, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Recognize utility system noncompliance, vulnerabilities, public health threats, and mitigation actions.
• Travel statewide with overnight stays as necessary to inspect remote park treatment facilities and collection of surface water data. Dam valve functioning and annual inspections.
• work with multiple operators and park staff to maintain compliant and functional treatment plants.
• Manage all regulatory compliance from drafting ATC's/AOC's, and answering NOV's and NOC's. Creating Significant Amendment documents.
• Possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or coursework in hydrology, geology, water resources management, natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of work experience within a regulated water utility, resource management section, or a regulatory environmental agency (e.g., ADEQ, ADWR, EPA).
• Possession or preferred pursuit of ADEQ licensed Grade 3 operator certifications across water treatment, distribution, wastewater treatment, and collection disciplines. Licensed Hydrologist.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain a statewide network of environmental monitoring equipment collecting water resource data. Determine equipment placement to protect historic water rights and ensure data accuracy. Conduct compliance assurance Operations & Maintenance (O&M) inspections of each agency water and wastewater utility at least annually.
• Serve as the primary direct contact between the agency and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Track utility compliance, resolve regulatory discrepancies, and maintain the agency's official water quality compliance records. Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual for varying parks treatment facilities. Main point of contact for ADWR on wells and reporting/permits.
• Work closely with the Attorney General's Office to defend the agency’s historic water rights in the Arizona General Stream Adjudication. Attend court proceedings, investigate legal documents/expert witness reports, and prepare supporting data and exhibits. Participate directly in water rights settlement negotiations.
• Investigate water rights for targeted property acquisitions. Represent the agency in Colorado River water use contracts. Work closely and prepare reports for BOR. Advise Executive Staff and the Parks Board on climate, legislative impacts, and internal development/resource protection planning.
• Develop and deliver water quality training to operations staff. Maintain an agency-wide data inventory tracking water sources, water uses, sampling schedules, and backflow prevention.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Parental Leave - Up to 12 weeks per year pid leave for newborns or newly placed foster/adopted child.
• Eligible for Arizona State Retirement System pension. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment for newly hired State of Arizona employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager