Remote Court Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The mission of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) is to protect, conserve, and enhance Arizona's water supplies by confronting water management challenges in a bold, thoughtful, and innovative manner. ADWR is seeking a talented, motivated Hydrogeologist 2 to join the Adjudications team!

This position works closely with other adjudications staff and agency personnel in other sections as necessary to complete work directed by the Division's Assistant Director. This position will provide support to the Arizona General Stream Adjudication Courts and Master(s) as described in the Arizona Revised Statutes 45-256(A).  This includes assisting with field data collection, analyzing water resource information and imagery, map production, performing historic water rights and landownership research, summarizing water resource related information in reports and other documents, and assisting with customer service requests, file management and administration support as 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. 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. 

The person in this position will be responsible for providing technical support associated with the Adjudications Division, including:

• Field data collection, analyzing water resource information and imagery, map production, performing water rights and landownership research, and summarizing water resource related information in technical reports and other documents.
• Responsible for compiling, analyzing, and interpreting water resource data from a variety of sources including databases, published reports, web searches, calculation, and observation and evaluation of historical records, maps, aerial imagery, and remotely sensed data output.
• Responsible for participating in complex and/or field investigative projects that require multi-disciplinary expertise.  This includes researching and planning water resources data collection of a complex, sensitive, and visible nature.
• Responsible for providing accurate and efficient customer service to all entities, both public and private sector.
• Serves as expert witness for specific contested cases within the adjudications.  Prepares for legal depositions and trial testimony.
• Other duties as assigned related to the position.

• The complex and technical aspects of the Adjudication program.
• Departmental policies and procedures as well as the statutes and rules governing Arizona's General Stream Adjudications.
• Legal process to determine water rights. 
• Concepts, principles, and practices of water resources management, the nature and occurrence of surface water and groundwater, specifically as it relates to Adjudications.
• Information sources and research methods and techniques utilized in water resources management. 
• Principles of physical geography, hydrology and/or hydrogeology.  
• Mapping software including ESRI ArcGIS/Arcview/Arcmap mapping tools, cartographic principles, geographic projections, data sources and formats, information analysis, relational databases and geo-databases.  
• Analyzing cultural water demands including agricultural, municipal and inflow models.

Skills in:

• Written and oral communications with both individuals and groups.  
• Problem solving identification and analysis, in addition to problem solving techniques. 
• Analyzing and interpreting water resource management data and aerial imagery.  
• Conveying technical subjects to a non-technical audience and presenting a concept in a concise and organized fashion.  
• Technical writing and editing of complex reports. Analyzing and interpreting water resource management data including imagery.  
• Preparing maps and drawings based on field data, aerial photography analysis, land surveys, etc. 
• Conducting field investigations, working outdoors and collecting a variety of water related data using GPS systems and other equipment such as flow meters, water level recorders, etc. 
• Process improvement and lean practices.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively and present technical data to a variety of audiences. 
• Work well under pressure. 
• Produce detailed technical reports involving complex subject matter within Court directed time frames.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, governmental officials, the regulated community and the public.
• Present technical data to a variety of audiences.
• Testify and represent the agency.
• Collaborate with other sections and Legal Division staff.
• Organize, prioritize and manage diverse technical projects.

This position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment

This position requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in geology, hydrology, or a related field and two (2) years of hydrologic or a related experience; or a Master's degree in one of the above fields. This position requires fieldwork.
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). 

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
  

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.

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. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.