DEPT OF WATER RESOURCES

Address: Hybrid - 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 processing complex applications for relinquishing Irrigation Grandfathered Rights and determining the quantity of Groundwater Savings Credits in accordance with statutory and programmatic requirements. The position also serves as the primary contact for coordinating Groundwater Users Advisory Council (GUAC) meetings, including scheduling, logistics, and materials preparation. The role provides technical guidance within these program areas and supports related water resources management activities as assigned.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

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.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Process Relinquishment and Groundwater Savings Credit Applications – Reviews, evaluates, and processes complex applications for relinquishing Irrigation Grandfathered Rights (IGFR) in compliance with statutory requirements. Determines the quantity of Groundwater Savings Credits by applying established formulas, analyzing supporting documentation, conducting GIS analysis, and ensuring accurate calculations. Communicates with applicants to clarify requirements, request additional information, and resolve discrepancies.

Coordinate Groundwater Users Advisory Council (GUAC) Meetings – Serves as the primary contact for GUAC meeting coordination, including scheduling, agenda development, and preparation of meeting materials. Arranges meeting logistics such as location setup, virtual meeting access, and public notifications, ensuring compliance with Arizona public meeting requirements. Maintains records of meeting minutes, attendance, and follow-up actions. Time spent on GUAC activities is minimal outside of the spring and fall meeting periods.

Provide Technical Guidance and Customer Service – Responds to inquiries from the public, regulated entities, and internal staff regarding relinquishments, Groundwater Savings Credits, and related processes. Interprets applicable laws, rules, and policies to explain program requirements.

Support Program and Departmental Projects – Assists with data analysis, reporting, and program tracking related to groundwater rights and credits. Participates in cross-program initiatives and contributes to process improvement efforts. While the primary responsibility is processing relinquishments, this role is also cross-trained in IGFR processes such as conveyances, extinguishments, and exchanges to provide broader program support.

Knowledge of:

• Arizona groundwater statutes, rules, and policies, particularly those governing Irrigation Grandfathered Rights relinquishment, Groundwater Savings Credits, groundwater rights, permits, and annual water use reporting requirements. 
• Water supplies and their respective regulatory frameworks in Arizona, including groundwater, surface water, Colorado River water, and effluent.
• Current concepts and practices in water resources management, conservation, and planning, with familiarity in the Groundwater Management Code, Active Management Area (AMA) Management Plans, and applicable Departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Information sources, research methods, and techniques used in water resources management, including understanding of environmental, social, and economic aspects of water supply and utilization.
• GIS and ArcGIS, including accessing online county assessor maps, plat maps, and recorded documents, and interpreting deeds, legal descriptions, aerial imagery, and cadastral locations.
• Arizona public meeting requirements and procedures, including preparing, posting notices, and documenting meetings.
• Database organization, preservation, records retention requirements, and use of data management systems.
• Professional and public meeting platforms including Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, WebEx, and Zoom.
• Audio/visual equipment components and basic troubleshooting methods. Tools for data visualization and reporting, including Power BI.
• Principles of effective communication and relationship management with applicants, stakeholders, and the public.

Skills in:

• Applying program knowledge and established procedures to accurately process complex applications for relinquishing Irrigation Grandfathered Rights and determining Groundwater Savings Credits.
• Analyzing and interpreting water resource management data, including GIS imagery, maps, and supporting documentation.
• Preparing clear, accurate, and well-organized application determinations, meeting materials, and other program-related correspondence.
• Communicating effectively in oral and written form, with the ability to explain processes, requirements, and determinations to diverse audiences, including applicants and stakeholders impacted by new legislation.
• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with internal staff, applicants, stakeholders, and partner agencies
• Researching, reviewing, and evaluating documents for accuracy and compliance with applicable statutes, rules, and policies.

• Using spreadsheets, databases, and technical software including Excel, ArcGIS, and Power BI for data entry, tracking, analysis, and reporting.
• Organizing and prioritizing workload to meet deadlines and support program needs.

• Hosting and facilitating virtual, hybrid, and in-person meetings, including the use of webinar features such as screen sharing, breakout rooms, chat moderation, and recording.
• Assisting in the Department’s modernization of online tools, such as Salesforce, and supporting process improvements.
• Identifying process issues and suggesting improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Abilities

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy within program processes.
• Balance, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
• Understand and accurately apply statutes, Department rules, policies, and procedures relevant to assigned work.
• Use analytical methods to review and evaluate water use, supply data, and application materials.
• Organize and maintain water resources management data for tracking, reporting, and public records purposes.
• Collaborate effectively with internal staff, applicants, stakeholders, governmental officials, regulated entities, and the public to complete program tasks and meet requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships, fostering trust and cooperation in high-stakes or complex interactions.
• Communicate clearly in both oral and written form, including explaining program requirements and determinations to varied audiences.
• Work accurately and maintain attention to detail under deadlines or during high-volume periods.
• Apply research methods and techniques to gather and verify information used in water resources management.

Knowledge of the  Arizona groundwater statutes, rules, and policies.

4 years professional experience in data management or records retention, or Bachelor’s degree and 2 years professional experience in data management or records retention, or a Master’s degree.

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

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.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. 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 12.00%.

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.