AMA Establishment Supervisor
Arizona is facing some of the most significant water challenges in its history. The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) is seeking a highly skilled and mission-driven Supervisor to lead the team responsible for establishing regulatory, planning, and policy structures for newly regulated groundwater management areas.
This position is one of the most critical supervisory roles within the Planning and Permitting Division. Working closely with division leadership, the Supervisor will guide development of regulatory frameworks, management plans, groundwater rights structures, and conservation requirements that directly shape the future of communities across the state.
The Supervisor will work as part of the AMA Section leadership team, alongside two Directors and two other Supervisors, within ADWR’s Planning and Permitting Division. Success in this role requires both collaboration and initiative, as the work directly correlates with conservation requirements, annual reporting, and other key elements of groundwater regulation.
The ideal candidate will be a flexible and adaptable leader who can pivot communication style to effectively engage with executive leadership, stakeholders, and staff at all levels. They bring strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to guide and develop a multidisciplinary team of policy experts, data analysts, GIS personnel, application specialists, and outreach staff. This individual has a solid understanding of Arizona water policy and regulation, can manage complex and often sensitive discussions, and thrives in a high-profile role that requires collaboration, strategy, and decisiveness. They will be skilled at balancing technical and policy considerations, while fostering a team culture that is innovative, accountable, and mission-driven.
Job Duties:
This role demands vision, leadership, and knowledge of both Arizona water law and stakeholder engagement. If you thrive at the intersection of policy, data, and public service—and want to make a direct impact on Arizona’s water future—we encourage you to apply.
- Lead establishment of regulatory frameworks and management plans for newly regulated groundwater areas.
- Supervise, coach, and develop a professional team across policy, technical, and outreach disciplines.
- Direct the processing and development of groundwater rights, including Grandfathered Rights and Authorities.
- Oversee facilitation of hybrid public meetings, including technology setup and live management of in-person and virtual components.
- Represent ADWR in public forums, hearings, and stakeholder sessions.
- Collaborate with ADWR leadership on policy development, legal and legislative matters, and program integration.
- Ensure data-driven decision making by supporting expertise in groundwater modeling, GIS, and regulatory databases.
- Strengthen communication and transparency through reporting, documentation, and stakeholder outreach.
Knowledge, Ability and Skills:
Knowledge of:
- Arizona water supplies and regulatory frameworks (groundwater, surface water, Colorado River, effluent).
- The Groundwater Management Act and statutory requirements governing AMAs, management plans, and groundwater rights.
- Conservation requirements, annual reporting processes, and groundwater regulation.
- Government policy development and regulatory implementation processes.
- Data and records management, including GIS and spatial data systems.
Skills in:
- Supervising and mentoring staff across technical, policy, and outreach disciplines.
- Facilitating hybrid meetings and managing logistics/technology.
- Clear, professional communication—written, verbal, and in public speaking.
- Policy analysis, technical writing, and stakeholder engagement.
- Organizing and managing multiple overlapping projects, with an understanding of project management software.
Ability to:
- Travel regularly (including overnight) to support public engagement.
- Build a collaborative, accountable, and innovative team culture.
- Balance technical analysis with policy and regulatory decision-making.
- Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Translate complex information into accessible language for stakeholders.
- Represent ADWR with integrity, professionalism, and authority.
Experience required:
Eight (8) years of professional level water resource management experience; OR
Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field and six (6) years of professional level water resources management experience; OR
Master’s degree or higher in a related field and four (4) years of professional level water resources management experience; OR
Doctorate in a related field and two (2) years of professional level water resource management experience.
