DEPT OF WATER RESOURCES

Hybrid: remote and 1110 W. Washington St., Suite #310

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $70,000-$90,000

Grade: 25

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

ADWR is seeking a Hydrogeologist Associate to join the Supply and Demand Team within the Statewide Planning Section.

Under the overall supervision of the Statewide Planning Supervisor, the Hydrologist Associate serves as a team lead for developing supply assessments for each of the 51 groundwater basins in the state. This position will act as a go-to resource for others on the Supply and Demand team seeking hydrology expertise. Whether leading a team or working independently, the Hydrologist Associate is a technical expert responsible for developing new approaches to analyze complex hydrologic conditions across Arizona. This position will be a subject expert matter and is expected to represent the agency at internal and public-facing meetings. Writing technical reports and policy documents based on the findings of the Supply and Demand team, which are suitable for publication and presentation to the scientific community, is also a portion of this position.

This position will also participate in complex, interdisciplinary projects that require deep collaboration, a willingness to learn and challenge assumptions, and an awareness of the sensitive nature of water issues.

A successful candidate is experienced in groundwater flow modeling, has an understanding of Arizona’s water resources, and is looking for an opportunity to play an active role in applying and developing mechanisms for quantifying available groundwater supplies in Arizona’s groundwater basins, and communicating these uncertainties to decision-makers and stakeholders.

A hybrid work schedule (some work in the office and some work from home) is available for this position.

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.

Job Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Participate in complex, interdisciplinary projects that require deep collaboration, a willingness to learn and challenge assumptions, and an awareness of the sensitive nature of water issues
• Develop new approaches to analyzing complex hydrologic conditions and unique groundwater situations in Arizona’s groundwater basins
• Generating project reports and presentations communicating model results to technical and non-technical audiences
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting geologic and hydrological data
• Critically reviewing modeling reports and hydrological studies

Knowledge of:

• Possesses expert knowledge in specialized fields such as groundwater modeling, geophysics, geochemistry, and GIS
• The nature and occurrence of water supplies and their respective regulatory frameworks in Arizona, including groundwater, surface water, Colorado River water, and effluent
• State of Arizona water resource statutes, rules, policies, procedures, and programs, including the Groundwater Management Act, Active Management Areas, Community Water Systems, the State’s Drought and Conservation Program, and rural partnership groups across the state
• Processes and procedures associated with working within a regulatory environment
• ADWR policies/direction regarding managing the state's water resources, including current and proposed management plans
• State and Federal court rulings impacting water resources management in Arizona and the legal, institutional, and physical aspects of water supply and utilization
• Geodatabases, Geographic Information Analysis, and geoprocessing techniques and projections

Skill in:

• Analyzing and evaluating detailed hydrologic data and reports, including water level elevation maps, well logs, groundwater flow models, geologic interpretations, and water budgeting
• Analyzing and presenting statistical data in written technical reports
• Using computers/computer models to compile, analyze, and interpret water resource management data, including database development and GIS applications
• Coordinating multi-disciplinary projects impacting water resource management program areas.
• Performing calculations related to water use, surface water flow conditions, etc.
• Research, writing technical reports, including briefs documenting assumptions, methods, and background information
• Oral, written, and visual communication, efficient communication of data analyses, estimation and projection methods, assumptions, and complex policies to stakeholders
• Using technical software including Excel, PowerBi, skills in programs similar to Access (SQL), R, GoldSim, Mathematica, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, and familiar with ArcMap and/or ArcPro software

Ability to:

• Analyze and troubleshoot challenging groundwater problems with standard and innovative techniques
• Train and mentor junior technical staff as applicable
• Collaborate closely with department and external staff with backgrounds in diverse disciplines to develop water supply and demand estimates, scenarios, and projections
• Effectively communicate highly technical information, both verbally and in writing, to a wide variety of audiences
• Use analytical methods to organize and analyze water use and supply data
• Produce detailed technical reports involving complex subject matter within Department time frames
• Interpret existing water rules, policies, laws, and statutes and how they may differ in the future
• Think creatively about current and potential sources of supply for agricultural/industrial/municipal demand and impact resulting from external factors, including changes to policy, statute, and/or climatic, geologic, and socioeconomic conditions
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, including agency staff, government officials, leaders in the regulated community, and the public.

• Proficiency with common MODFLOW GUI environments, such as Groundwater Vistas or GMS.
• Proficiency with Python, SQL, Visual Basic, and/or other programming languages.
• Proficiency with GIS applications such as ArcGIS or QGIS.
• This position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid, state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. 
• Preferred Professional registration through the Arizona Board of Technical Registration or an equivalent.

An advanced degree from an accredited college or university in hydrology, geology, hydrogeology, civil engineering, environmental engineering, or related field is preferred. Candidates with B.S./B.S.E. degrees with exceptional experience and skills may also be considered.

Bachelor’s degree and eight (8) years of related experience, or Master’s degree and six (6) years of related experience, or  PhD and four (4) years of related 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
• Accrued vacation days and sick days
• 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 12.29%.

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.