Water Rights Attorney Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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Arizona State Parks and Trails protect and preserves more than 30 state parks and natural areas. The agency also includes the statewide trails program, outdoor-related grants program, the State Historic Preservation Office, as well as the Off-Highway Vehicle Program, and more. With parks located across the state, the agency strives to make outdoor recreation accessible and available to everyone.
WASTEWATER OPERATIONS MANAGER
CENTRAL OFFICE
Job Location:
Address: 1110 WEST WASHINGTON ST, SUITE 100, PHOENIX, AZ 85007
Posting Details:
Salary Range: $67,567.00 - $87,570.00 / per year Grade: 22 Closing Date: open until filled
Job Summary:
This consolidated position oversees both the day-to-day water resource management and environmental utility compliance matters of the agency. The role serves as the lead hydrologist focusing on water quantity, historic water rights, and state-wide stream adjudications. Concurrently, it provides positive assurance that agency water and wastewater utilities proactively maintain regulatory compliance with all state and federal rules and regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Clean Water Act (CWA). A key part of this position would be overseeing a variety of treatment facilities for both water and wastewater systems at over 18 state parks.
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.
Job Duties:
- Environmental Monitoring & Field Inspections:
Operate and maintain a statewide network of environmental monitoring equipment collecting water resource data. Determine equipment placement to protect historic water rights and ensure data accuracy. Conduct compliance assurance Operations & Maintenance (O&M) inspections of each agency water and wastewater utility at least annually.
- Regulatory Compliance & Liaison Oversight:
Serve as the primary direct contact between the agency and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Track utility compliance, resolve regulatory discrepancies, and maintain the agency's official water quality compliance records. Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual for varying parks treatment facilities.
Main point of contact for ADWR on wells and reporting/permits.
- Legal & Water Rights Adjudication:
Work closely with the Attorney General's Office to defend the agency's historic water rights in the Arizona General Stream Adjudication. Attend court proceedings, investigate legal documents/expert witness reports, and prepare supporting data and exhibits. Participate directly in water rights settlement negotiations.
- Strategic Planning & Interdepartmental Advising:
Investigate water rights for targeted property acquisitions. Represent the agency in Colorado River water use contracts. Work closely and prepare reports for BOR. Advise Executive Staff and the Parks Board on climate, legislative impacts, and internal development/resource protection planning.
- Training, Certification & Database Administration:
Develop and deliver water quality training to operations staff. Maintain an agency-wide data inventory tracking water sources, water uses, sampling schedules, and backflow prevention.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of :
• State and Federal water laws, rules, and regulations (SDWA, CWA, NPDES/AZPDES, APP).
• Hydrologic cycle, flood control, water rights administration, and ecological support systems.
• ADEQ Engineering Bulletins, water/wastewater treatment processes,(ATC/AOC) and industry standard engineering practices (AWWA, MAG, WEF).
• State and Federal court rulings impacting water resource management in Arizona.
Skill in:
• Operating environmental monitoring equipment, water quality sampling tools, and GPS units.
• Research methodologies, mathematics, statistics, and analysis of numerical data.
• Exceptional written/oral communication and negotiating complex regulatory agreements/settlements.
• Interpretation of land descriptions, aerial photos, topographic maps, and GIS overlays.
Ability to:
• Work effectively within multidiscipline units, advisory groups, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Recognize utility system noncompliance, vulnerabilities, public health threats, and mitigation actions.
• Travel statewide with overnight stays as necessary to inspect remote park treatment facilities and collection of surface water data. Dam valve functioning and annual inspections.
• work with multiple operators and park staff to maintain compliant and functional treatment plants.
• Manage all regulatory compliance from drafting ATC's/AOC's, and answering NOV's and NOC's. Creating Significant Amendment documents.
Selective Preference(s):
• Bachelor's degree or major coursework in hydrology, geology, water resources management, natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of work experience within a regulated water utility, resource management section, or a regulatory environmental agency (e.g., ADEQ, ADWR, EPA).
• Possession or preferred pursuit of ADEQ licensed Grade 3 operator certifications across water treatment, distribution, wastewater treatment, and collection disciplines. Licensed Hydrologist.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
Possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment.
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).
Benefits:
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
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Parental Leave - Up to 12 weeks per year pid leave for newborns or newly placed foster/adopted child.
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
Retirement:
Eligible for Arizona State Retirement System pension. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment for newly hired State of Arizona employees.
Contact Us:
Recruitmenthr@azstateparks.gov
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (480) 604 -7331. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
Having trouble applying for this position?
Email HRIShelpdesk@azdoa.gov or call (602) 542-4700 for assistance.