DEPT OF WATER RESOURCES

Hybrid: remote and 1110 W. Washington St., Suite #310 - Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $50,000 - $65,000

Grade: 22

Closing Date: Open Until Filled  

This position is responsible for performing various hydrologic analyses related to developing, calibrating, and updating ADWR’s groundwater flow models. This position is a member of a team that is collectively responsible for developing regional-scale groundwater models used to make informed water management decisions.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the scientific understanding of Arizona’s aquifers by developing numerical models routinely used for meaningful policy and regulatory decisions.

A successful candidate enjoys numerical modeling and working with quantitative data and is energized by solving continually evolving, open-ended problems. Candidates with experience in numerical modeling and quantitative data analysis projects and an interest in water resources are encouraged to apply.

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

Job Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the development of conceptual groundwater budgets.
• Under general supervision, reviewing technical literature and publicly available datasets to compile pertinent hydrologic information related to but not limited to aquifer test results, overarching conceptual models, historical water use, natural and artificial recharge, etc.
• Assisting in the development and/or update of the various modules (model packages) comprising the MODFLOW groundwater flow model, including updating estimated or recorded groundwater pumping and recharge.
• Running MODFLOW models and, under general supervision, assisting in translating key model outputs such as simulated water budgets, groundwater levels, rates of groundwater discharge, etc.
• Assisting in model calibration by compiling and pre-processing calibration data, calculating and/or mapping residual error statistics, extracting and compiling inverse modeling results, and participating in team discussions related to conceptual model testing under general supervision.
• Assisting in writing technical reports and memos, preparing PowerPoint presentations, and creating maps and graphs.
  

The candidate should be a skilled problem solver with demonstrated experience in personally analyzing complex quantitative and conceptual technical problems, as well as be able to assist in problem-solving in a team environment. The position requires skills in documenting datasets, results, and analyses and presenting this information to modeling team members and other department staff.

This position requires the candidate to understand the basic principles of geology, hydraulics, mathematics, physics, ecology, and meteorology as they relate to hydrology and to be familiar with constructing and using numerical groundwater flow models. The candidate should know computer modeling techniques applied to groundwater and surface water problems. The candidate should know how to use spreadsheets and databases and be sufficiently familiar with the basics of programming to be capable of running, under general supervision, existing data-processing scripts and/or developing new ones. The candidate should know how to use a computer to retrieve, organize, and present water resource management data and research, compile, analyze, interpret, and integrate it into the department’s groundwater flow models.

Finally, this position requires the candidate to maintain effective working relationships with team members, other agency employees, and the public and effectively communicate in written and oral fashion when presenting analysis and results to modeling team members and other department staff.

The preferred candidate should have:

• Two or more years of groundwater modeling experience
• Experience running, analyzing, and/or reviewing MODFLOW models
• Experience updating MODFLOW packages
• Training in or demonstrated understanding of model calibration
• Training in or demonstrated understanding of predictive uncertainty and error propagation
• Familiarity with common MODFLOW GUI environments, such as Groundwater Vistas and/or GMS
• Familiarity with python, SQL, visual basic, and/or other programming languages
• Familiarity with GIS applications such as ArcGIS or QGIS
• Technical writing experience

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in hydrology, geology, hydrogeology, civil engineering, or environmental engineering, and two or more years of related experience, OR a Master’s degree in a related field.

Two or more years of numerical modeling, advanced data analysis, or other related experience which prepares the candidate for compiling, interpreting, and working with large-scale environmental datasets.

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
  

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 12.17%.

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.