Hydrogeologist Associate; Surface Water

Hydrogeologist Associate (Surface Water)

Apply for the Hydrogeologist Associate (Surface Water) position with the State of Arizona. We are seeking an experienced Hydrogeologist Associate to join the Surface Water team.

$70,000.00/yr - $90,000.00/yr

The mission of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) is to safeguard the public's health, safety, and economic welfare by protecting, conserving, and enhancing Arizona's water supplies in a bold, thoughtful, and innovative manner.

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

This position is responsible for providing technical support for the processing, expediting, and approving or rejecting surface water right applications and claims, with an emphasis on instream flow and sever and transfer applications. The role ensures adherence to surface water Department policies, rules, procedures, and State and Federal statutes. It may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona based on business needs, with a minimum of two days on‑site at the ADWR office per week.

Research, compile, analyze, interpret, and integrate water resource management data from multiple sources. Lead field inspections and investigations of water resource rights/claims, ensuring correct procedures are followed and project goals are met. Serve as a project leader and liaison for resolving complex water resource management issues and preparing reports with recommendations. Provide technical support related to groundwater/surface water interactions and produce hydrologic reports used in surface water applications.

Act as a technical witness in hearings when required and assist in developing and maintaining Department databases and records.

• Knowledge of:
  • Current concepts and practices used in water resource planning and management
  • Department policies and procedures and State surface water statutes, rules, and direction regarding managing Arizona's water resources
  • Information sources, research methods, and techniques for water resource management
  • Agricultural practices as they relate to livestock and irrigation and the methods used to quantify water needs for different uses
  • Streamflow measurement techniques and the statistical analysis of stream flow data
  • Geomorphology relating to stream flow, floodplains, erosion, and sediment transport
  • Design of dams, ditches, pipelines, canal irrigation systems, and reservoirs
• Skills in:
  • Preparing written and oral reports and recommendations for impacting multiple water resource management programs
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public, state, and federal agencies
  • Coordinating multi‑disciplinary projects
  • Evaluating the design, integrity, and effectiveness of water diversion and storage structures
  • Gathering field data using surveying techniques, GPS technology, and related software
  • Researching maps, reports, and documents to evaluate and process applications and produce reports
  • Leading and supervising lower‑level professional staff
• Ability to:
  • Interpret and ensure compliance with State and Federal surface water statutes, rules, and Department policies
  • Compile, analyze, and interpret water resource management data from diverse sources and databases
  • Identify water sources, flow paths, and groundwater‑surface water interactions
  • Conduct independent fieldwork statewide, often in remote areas
  • Design or modify field data collection and measurement techniques as required
  • Use surveying instruments, including tape measures, compasses, and surveyor wheels
  • Determine volumes of tanks, reservoirs, stream discharge, depth of water, and ground surface elevations
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste
  • Balance, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks
  • Build strong internal and external relationships
  • Apply research methods to study water resource management issues impacting Arizona

Experience required:

• Ten (10) years of professional‑level water resource management experience, or

• Bachelor’s degree or higher with eight (8) years of experience, or

• Master’s degree or higher with six (6) years of…