WATER RESOURCES SPECIALIST 2-3 (Conveyances)

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

1d•$50,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Water Resources is seeking a Water Resources Specialist 2 or 3 for the Water Planning Division’s Statewide AMA Section, Conveyances Team. The position serves as a Conveyances Specialist responsible for processing complex groundwater rights applications, with an immediate emphasis on water exchange applications, as well as conveyances of Irrigation Grandfathered Rights (IGFRs), relinquishments, and extinguishments. The specialist independently reviews and processes applications, coordinates legal, program, technical, and reporting requirements across Department programs, ensures timely and accurate correspondence, and supports process improvements and workload management within the Conveyances Team. The position is hybrid, with remote work and an office at 1110 W. Washington St., Suite 310, Phoenix, Arizona. The role requires a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Candidates for the Specialist 2 level need four years of professional-level water resource management experience, or a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience, or a related master’s degree. Candidates for the Specialist 3 level need seven years of professional-level 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.

Requirements

Possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.
For WRS 2: At least four years of professional-level water resource management experience, or a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience, or a master’s degree in a related field.
For WRS 3: 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 Arizona statutes, rules, and policies governing groundwater rights, water exchanges, relinquishments, extinguishments, conveyances, permits, and annual water-use reporting.
Knowledge of administrative and regulatory application-review processes, including completeness review, public notice, statutory and licensing timeframes, decision documents, and records management.
Knowledge of water resource management concepts and practices; environmental, social, and economic aspects of water supply and utilization; and relevant research sources and methods.
Knowledge of GIS and ArcMap and the use of county assessor and plat maps, recorded documents, deeds, legal descriptions, aerial imagery, and cadastral locations.
Knowledge of database structure, data quality standards, and records retention requirements.
Skill in applying a multidisciplinary approach to complex, sensitive, and visible water resource management issues.
Skill in using software applications, databases, and statistical systems to organize, analyze, and interpret water resource management data.
Skill in researching maps, reports, records, and documents and gathering information to evaluate and process applications and generate reports.
Skill in maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders, including agency staff, government officials, the regulated community, and the public.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to analyze situations, identify problem areas, and propose and assist in implementing solutions.
Ability to identify issues requiring additional technical, legal, or policy review and coordinate with subject-matter experts.
Ability to coordinate projects and programs with internal staff, other government agencies, and the regulated public.
Ability to independently manage complex, multistep application processes while meeting statutory, programmatic, and administrative requirements.
Ability to develop knowledge of the Groundwater Code, AMA Management Plans, and Department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to present technical information and program processes to varied audiences in writing and verbally.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team, maintain a customer-service focus, and handle State funds properly.

Responsibilities

Review, process, and verify groundwater right conveyance and water exchange applications.
Research, compile, analyze, interpret, and integrate water resource management data.
Provide technical assistance and resources to internal and external customers by phone, email, and in-person and online meetings.
Update, analyze, and use GIS databases, maps, and tracking related to conveyances of groundwater rights and water exchanges.
Assist with annual water withdrawal and use report processes.
Establish and document consistent, up-to-date processes and internal procedures for staff.
Draft clear correspondence and guidance for external parties about complex application requirements; draft and revise internal documents reflecting section requirements and procedures.
Assist with section compliance processes, including tracking incoming applications and certificates and meeting Licensing Timeframe Reports requirements.
Assist with the development and maintenance of Department databases and the development, maintenance, updating, imaging, and preservation of Department files and records.
Process financial deposits and receipts, and track time for billing purposes.
Coordinate legal, program, technical, and reporting requirements across Department programs.
Support process improvements and workload management within the Conveyances Team.

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.
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS); enrollment eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of employment.