Remote Research Operations Director Jobs in Arizona

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 professional level staff in procedures and techniques to be used, the quality and timeliness of work expected, licensing and timeframe requirements, setting goals and objectives, and prioritizing multiple simultaneous projects.  Guides staff recruitment, selection, appraisal, recognition, and corrective action.  Assesses staffing needs and organization based on statutory requirements, strategic objectives, and budget realities.  The incumbent will immediately be responsible for these and other administrative responsibilities and will be supported in assuming the technical, regulatory, and policy aspects of the role.

Knowledge of:

• Hydrologic, engineering, socio-economic, and ecological aspects of water supply and utilization.
• Current concepts, methods, and practices in water resources planning and management.
• State and/or federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to water resources and its management.
• State and/or federal court rulings impacting water resources allocation and management.
• Processes and procedures associated with working within a regulatory environment.
• Roles and relationships of state policy making and implementation process.
• ADWR's mission, programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures regarding management of water resources.
• Hiring and management practices.

Skills in:

• Supervision and management of managers and professional level staff
• Clear, well-organized, and convincing oral, written, and visual communication
• Presenting complex material publicly to diverse audiences 
• Problem identification and analysis
• Applying analytical and research methods and techniques
• Applying multi-disciplinary approach to resolve complex, sensitive, visible water resources management issues; analyzing and problem solving
• Researching, interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating regulatory, legal, and technical documents
• Handling administrative issues; resolving conflicts in a positive and constructive manner
• Process improvement

Ability to:

• Exercise leadership and effectively supervise and support multiple sections
• Determine objectives and set priorities; formulate effective strategies consistent with agency strategy
• Analyze a situation, identify the problem area(s), propose, and implement solutions
• Examine policy issues with a long-term perspective; anticipate potential threats or opportunities
• Exercise sound judgment, make well informed, timely decisions; perceive impact and implications
• Manage and prioritize numerous projects simultaneously
• Deal effectively with pressure, maintain focus, and remain persistent
• Interpret and develop rules, policies, laws, and statutes
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, including agency staff, government officials, leaders in the regulated community, and the public
• Be open to change and new information; adapt to changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; adjust to new circumstances requiring attention and resolution
• Facilitate open exchange of ideas and foster open communication; encourage creative thinking and innovation
• Take initiative and be self-motivated, curious, proactive, and achievement oriented

Experience required (experience in a related field may be considered in lieu of specific water resource management experience):

• Ten (10) years of professional-level water resource management experience; OR
• Bachelor's degree in a related field and eight (8) years of professional-level water resources management experience; OR
• Master's degree in a related field and six (6) years of professional-level water resources management experience; OR
• Doctorate in a related field and four (4) years of professional level water resource management experience. 
• Supervisory/management experience .

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

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).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• 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
• Flexible work schedule

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.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. 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.

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.