Water Resources Specialist 3 (AAWS)

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

1d•$55,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Water Resources is hiring a Water Resources Specialist 3 for its Water Planning Division, Assured and Adequate Water Supply Section. The position primarily analyzes and processes Designations of Assured Water Supply (DAWS) and related applications, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The specialist evaluates hydrologic studies, demand analyses, contracts, and legal documentation against technical criteria and program policies, and prepares clear, defensible determinations. The role also supports review of program-related annual reports and other application types, including transportation applications, certificates, modifications, and assignments. It involves coordinating with hydrology and legal staff, applicants, consultants, and water providers; maintaining application records and tracking progress; and contributing to improvements in workflow efficiency and consistency. A working knowledge of departmental policies, the Arizona Administrative Code, and Arizona Revised Statutes governing Arizona water supplies is required. The position is hybrid, with a minimum of two days per week at the ADWR office in Phoenix. Remote work may be available within Arizona based on business needs and continued performance. The position is open until filled.

Requirements

At least seven years of professional-level water resource management experience; or a bachelor’s degree and five years of related experience; or a master’s degree and three years of experience; or a Ph.D. and one year of experience.
Knowledge of the Groundwater Code, Assured and Adequate Water Supply Program rules, Active Management Area Management Plans and reporting requirements, and relevant Arizona Administrative Code and Arizona Revised Statutes.
Knowledge of historical government involvement in water supply, water usage, and water resources management; current Arizona water resource laws and regulations, including water rights administration; and water resource management program and policy development principles, including basic hydrology, water budgets, and water-use trends and practices.
Knowledge of information sources, research methods, and techniques used in water resources management.
Skill in analyzing and interpreting water-use and water-supply data.
Skill in inputting and retrieving files and records from archives and databases.
Effective written and oral communication skills, including technical report writing and explaining technical information to customers.
Skill using spreadsheets, shared documents, and other organizational tools to compile and analyze data.
Skill in water-resource research and analysis methods, including statistical analysis and literature review.
Ability to manage workload, deadlines, and priorities effectively.
Ability to publicly present complex materials to diverse audiences.
Ability to identify problems, analyze them, and improve processes.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make timely, well-informed decisions considering potential impacts.
Ability to identify and implement solutions that improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Ability to balance, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks.
Ability to build and maintain working relationships with agency staff, government officials, customers, and the public.
Ability to apply research techniques to water resource management issues affecting Arizona.
Ability to prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with diverse audiences.
Ability to interpret legal documents, rules, and statutes.
Successful completion of E-Verify requirements for newly hired State employees.
Driver’s license requirements apply if driving or vehicle use is an essential job function.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary analyst for Designations of Assured Water Supply (DAWS) and related applications.
Review hydrologic studies, demand analyses, contracts, and legal documentation for compliance with Arizona Revised Statutes, Arizona Administrative Code, and ADWR policies.
Interpret and apply statutory and regulatory requirements to assigned applications, ensuring accurate and consistent determinations within licensing timeframes.
Draft deficiency letters, technical memoranda, and final determinations that document the basis for ADWR decisions.
Coordinate with hydrology and legal staff on technical and regulatory issues.
Communicate with applicants, consultants, and water providers to resolve questions and clarify requirements.
Contribute to review of program-related annual reports and support other application types as needed, including certificates, modifications, and assignments.
Maintain accurate application files, track progress in internal systems, and provide input on workflow efficiency and consistency.
Perform additional tasks and activities as assigned.

Benefits

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
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), with enrollment eligibility effective after 27 weeks of employment