DEPT OF WATER RESOURCES

Address:  1110 W. Washington St., Suite #310 - Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary:  $115,000 Min, $150,000 Max

Grade: E3

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Chief Hydrologist is a member of ADWR’s executive leadership team and leads the Hydrology Division. The Chief Hydrologist directs the activities of professional hydrogeologists, hydrologists and water resource specialists in their functions of hydrologic data collection, groundwater model development and use, hydrologic and hydrogeologic report preparation and information dissemination. The Chief Hydrologist provides and oversees general hydrogeologic support to various ADWR programs that perform work related to recharge facilities, Active Management Areas, statewide water planning, water rights administration, water supply for real estate subdivisions (Assured Water Supply and Adequate Water Supply), and general stream adjudication support.

The Chief Hydrologist serves as the subject matter expert and provides guidance in the planning and review of unusual and/or difficult hydrogeologic evaluations including groundwater models. The Chief Hydrologist is responsible for preparing and briefing the Director and Deputy Director on hydrologic and hydrogeologic aspects of important problems/programs. As the designated member from the lead state agency, the Chief Hydrologist represents the Department and/or the State of Arizona in executive conferences, planning sessions, technical work groups, and meetings of various intergovernmental committees.

The responsibilities of the Chief Hydrologist include long-range planning, and developing or revising rules, regulations, policies and procedures that impact complex water resource management programs across the Department and State. The Chief Hydrologist will oversee a staff of over 25 field and office personnel, and provide technical guidance, peer review, and mentoring for junior staff and managers.

For consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume.

Knowledge, including:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the concepts, principles and practices of water resource management, hydrogeology, hydrology, planning and program development.
• A basic understanding of how to create a groundwater model and a good understanding of how to interpret a model’s results.
• Knowledge of the principles, concepts and practices of personnel and program management.
• Knowledge and understanding of environmental, social and economic aspects and applications of water supply and utilization.
• Basic understanding of the process of state government, including legislative and executive process and the guiding principles underlying them.

Skills in:

• Understanding and resolving complex and difficult hydrogeology and groundwater problems encountered by industry, government officials.
• Organizing and supervising professional and supervisory staff.
• Inter-personal relations and negotiations as applied to contacts with officials and representatives of government, industry and other entities.
• Public speaking with audiences of diverse technical skills and abilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to convey complex technical issues to a non-technical audience.
• Providing technical oversight for development of conceptual groundwater models, analytical and numerical groundwater models, hydrogeologic investigations, and graphical presentation of results.
• Analysis and evaluation of groundwater resources and modeling projects.

Ability to:

• Lead, supervise and conduct scientific hydrological and hydrogeological studies.
• Provide technical advice in relation to hydrological data collection and management.
• Testify as an expert witness on hydrology, hydrogeology, and/or groundwater modeling in administrative hearings and court proceedings.
• Prepare and guide other Hydrology Division staff who may testify in administrative hearings and court proceedings.
• Lead development of continuous improvement processes.
• Work effectively with individuals and groups, both internally and externally.
  

Strong understanding and knowledge of issues related to groundwater resources in Arizona, technical writing skills and management experience are preferred. Experience with groundwater modeling packages including MODFLOW and PEST is preferred.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in geology, hydrogeology, engineering, or a related field and 15 years of closely related experience. Advanced degree preferred.

This position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)

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
• Sick Leave
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Deferred compensation plan
• Credit union membership
• Wellness plans
• LinkedIn Learning membership
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
  

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 12.41%.

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.