Local recruitment: Active Management Area Directors

Address:  Hybrid – 1110 W. Washington St. Suite #310

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $80,000-$100,000

 Grade: 27

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Recruiting for two positions

Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you are suited to the role

The AMA Directors oversee the teams responsible for the administration of established Active Management Areas (AMAs) and Irrigation Non-Expansion Areas (INAs) and for the establishment of new AMAs and INAs, including the issuance and administration of water rights; annual reporting and conservation programs; and the development, promulgation and adoption of management goals and plans.  They are also responsible for data management, data compilation, queries, analysis, GIS mapping, and reports in support of AMA processes and agency priorities, including policy analysis and development. The section provides technical support to municipal, industrial, and agricultural water users in the regulated areas and to internal and external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate shall have a high degree of managerial ability and experience in meeting strategic goals and shall possess the ability to build regional partnerships and develop consensus-based programs and strategies. Experience in policy, planning, and regulation is preferred. This position requires possession and retention of a current, valid state-issued driver’s license.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona based on the department’s business needs and a continual meeting of expected performance measures. A minimum of two days on-site at the ADWR office per week is required.

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.

AMA Directors coordinate closely to guide the collaboration and cross-training of the AMA teams to meet the section’s strategic goals and objectives.  Work with agency leadership, legal division, legislative team, and other stakeholders to achieve agency priorities.  Assist in the evaluation and development of policy recommendations and compliance actions.

Manage and develop professional staff in leadership roles within the AMA Section; ensure procedures/techniques to be used, quality of results expected and projected timelines, goals, and objectives are met; provide technical guidance and oversight; and ensure all relevant statutes, rules, policies, and procedures are followed.  Represent the Department in internal and external meetings.

Participate in complex interdepartmental projects that require multi-disciplinary expertise and drafting and reviewing written letters and written and oral reports. This includes investigating and resolving water resource management issues of a complex, sensitive, and visible nature and preparation of reports with recommendations that may impact multiple water resource management program areas.

The successful candidates will have strong managerial experience and the ability to foster an environment in which diverse professionals work collaboratively to achieve strategic goals. The preferred candidates will have data analysis skills and a background in water policy, regulation, water use data, and data analysis.

Other duties as assigned

Knowledge of:

• Supervisory, training, and management techniques
• Public policy management and practice
• Processes and procedures associated with working within a regulatory environment.
• Roles and relationships of state policy making and implementation process
• Information sources, research methods and techniques utilized in water resources management
• Quality control measures for technical reports, data management, and regulatory compliance
• Information sources and research methods and techniques utilized in water resources management

Skills in:

• Supervision, management, and mentoring of supervisors and professional level staff
• Handling administrative issues; resolving conflicts in a positive and constructive manner
• Clear, well-organized, and convincing, oral, written, and visual communication
• Applying multi-disciplinary approach to identify, analyze, and resolve complex, sensitive, visible water resources management issues
• Researching, interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating regulatory, legal, and technical documents
• Project management, effectively managing workload, deadlines, and priorities
• Researching, interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating regulatory, legal, and technical documents
• Data analysis and management, including compiling, organizing, and evaluating water resource datasets
• Interacting with members of the regulated community, requiring careful exercise of independent judgment in cases that may lead to enforcement action
• Working well within a team environment, including establishing and maintaining effective working relationships within ADWR, and with other governmental entities, and the private and public sector
• Public speaking, including publicly presenting complex materials to diverse audiences
• Problem identification and analysis and process improvement

Ability to:

• Lead and mentor professional staff, fostering accountability, collaboration, and innovation
• Develop and adapt policies, procedures, and rules to improve program implementation and address evolving water resource challenges, consistent with agency strategy
• Examine policy issues with a long-term perspective; anticipate potential threats or opportunities
• Exercise sound judgment, make well informed, timely decisions; assess impact and implications
• Prioritize and manage numerous projects simultaneously in a fast-paced regulatory environment, ensuring deadlines and program goals are met
• Problem-solve and collaborate with others to address challenges, improve workflows, and enhance program efficiency
• Develop and strengthen stakeholder relationships and represent ADWR in meetings and regulatory discussions
• Conduct effective public meetings and present information to other governmental and nongovernmental agencies
• Be open to change and new information, adapt to changing circumstances or unexpected obstacles
• Lead open exchange of ideas and foster open communication, encourage creative thinking and innovation

Experience Required:

Ten (10) years of managerial experience in a related field; OR

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field and eight (8) years of managerial experience in a related field; OR

Master’s degree or higher in a related field and six (6) years of managerial experience in a related field; OR

Doctorate in a related field and four (4) years of managerial experience in the water resources field.

Experience in policy, planning, and regulation is preferred.