Deputy Assistant Director - Water Planning & Permitting Division

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

Do you want to join our team? ADWR is seeking a Deputy Assistant Director for the Water Planning and Permitting Division.
Deputy Assistant Director
Water Planning and Permitting Divisionwww.azwater.gov

Job Location:

Hybrid: remote and 1110 W. Washington St., Suite #310

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Posting Details:

Salary:$135,000 - $155,000

Grade 29

Closing Date:
Open Until Filled This position has been rescoped. Any interested candidates who previously applied for this role should resubmit application materials.

Review of resumes will begin on September 7, 2026

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for the management and oversight of regulatory, permitting, and planning sections within the Department’s Planning and Permitting Division.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in water policy, planning, regulation, history, and politics, with government experience at the local, state, and/or federal level, as well as managerial experience. They will be skilled in meeting strategic goals and will possess the ability to build regional partnerships and develop consensus-based programs and strategies.

The successful candidate will have the ability to build effective working relationships with leadership and staff throughout the agency. They will demonstrate careful judgment and tact, communicate, and effectively engage with representatives from government, staff of all levels, senior representatives from industry, and the broader community. They should have experience working collaboratively on boards, committees, and in stakeholder groups—including leadership roles—to develop consensus-based solutions to challenges.

They will be skilled in problem identification and analysis; applying analytical and research methods and techniques; and researching, interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating regulatory, legal, and technical documents.

A minimum of two days on-site at the ADWR office per week is presently required.

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.

Serves as a member of the agency’s senior leadership team. Under the direction of the Director, represents, defends, and protects the interest of the State of Arizona and its citizens on matters related to the agency’s programs. This includes coordinating with state and federal agencies, municipal corporations, authorities, other political subdivisions, private entities, tribes, and other states in matters related to the Department’s programs.

Responsible for keeping the agency’s executive-level staff and directorate informed of issues and potential problems and opportunities and recommending action to be taken, as well as facilitating, evaluating, planning, and recommending policy and positions and integrating those with the goals and policies of the programs overseen.

Represents the division in projects that require multi-disciplinary expertise, including investigating and resolving potentially sensitive and highly visible water resource management issues.

Reviews and provides guidance on a variety of documents, including technical reports and regulatory documents. Reviews and approves permits and certificates. Participates in development of the agency’s annual strategic plan and ensures metrics and section management reports are submitted. Monitors contracts and approves payment of invoices.

Supervises, manages, and coaches managers and…