Deputy Assistant Director - Colorado River Section

Arizona Department of Water Resources; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Arizona Department of Water Resources is seeking a senior leader to manage the Colorado River Management and Hydrologic Modeling Section, serving as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex issues related to the Colorado River. You will oversee technical work, support leadership, and coordinate with internal and external partners to enhance Arizona's water reliability.

The role requires travel nationally and internationally and a minimum of two on-site days per week at the ADWR office,

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Law of the River and related water law, treaties, court decrees, rules and regulations.
• Strong understanding of Colorado River operations and water resources management principles.
• Experience in negotiations, diplomacy and stakeholder engagement.
• Comprehensive knowledge of hydrogeology, planning and water resources concepts as they apply to the Colorado River program.
• Familiarity with state and federal water resources regulations and information sources.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, management and execution of complex, sensitive projects within the Colorado River program.
• Provide authoritative responses and prepare presentations, reports and testimony for committees, boards and courts.
• Represent the Department and the State in negotiations with agencies to support Arizona's long-term needs.
• Develop constructive collaborations across the department and with external partners to advance program objectives.
• Lead an integrated policy and hydrologic modeling team, including performance management and staff development.

Skills

Management

Analysis

Communication

Leadership

Problem-solving

Technical writing

Policy management

Process improvement

Job description

Review of resumes will begin on September 7, 2026

Job Summary

This position will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Colorado River Management and Hydrologic Modeling Section and will serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex and strategic issues related to the Colorado River. The position is responsible for managing Colorado River technical work and assisting the directorate and legal divisions with management and policy efforts on the Colorado River.

The position is also responsible for maintaining stakeholder relations with local, regional, state and federal agencies and working with a broad array of internal and external partners to improve coordination and collaboration to contribute to the Department's efforts to improve the reliability of Colorado River water supplies for Arizona.

This position requires the ability to travel in state, nationally and internationally.

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.

Job Duties

Support Directorate regarding the planning, management and execution of complex, highly sensitive projects and programs including the department’s role in the Post-2026 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and associated regulatory processes; Central Arizona Project allocations; and Arizona's Colorado River management strategies. Interpret, present and explain complex, highly technical and sensitive analysis and conclusions. Provide authoritative responses to inquiries on Colorado River matters, including preparing presentations, reports, and testimony before Committees, Boards, Commissions courts, etc. May represent the Department and the State of Arizona in negotiations for complex, high-profile, and sensitive issues with state and federal agencies to better prepare for Arizona's long-term needs.

Develops constructive and effective working relationships inside and outside the Department. Support program objectives by working in a consultative and collaborative capacity within a cross-functional interdisciplinary environment inside and outside the Department.

This position is responsible for overseeing and managing an integrated policy and hydrologic modeling team of administrative and/or professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development. Responsible for ongoing program excellence, program evaluation and for meeting the Department's strategic goals and objectives.

Other duties as assigned

Knowledge of:

• The Law of the River and laws, treaties, court decrees, rules/regulations, pertaining to water apportionment, use, and allocation of Colorado River in Arizona.
• Technical aspects of Colorado River operations.
• Negotiations and diplomacy
• Comprehensive knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of water resources management, hydrogeology and planning as applicable to the Colorado River Program.
• Considerable knowledge of State, Federal rules and regulations regarding water resources management.
• Knowledge of information sources and research methods and techniques utilized in water resources management.

Skill in:

• Management and supervision
• Supervision including training professional staff regarding procedures/techniques to be used, quality of results expected and projected timelines, goals and objectives.
• Analysis
• Both written and oral communications with both individuals and groups.
• Providing leadership and mentoring others, effectively managing people and dealing with conflict
• Problem identification and analysis, in addition to problem solving techniques.
• Technical writing
• Policy management, tactics and diplomacy
• Process improvement and lean practices

Ability to:

• Manage and lead staff
• Build relationships with colleagues in the federal government, 7 Basin States, and Mexico
• Be a strong advocate for the State of AZ's position
• Conduct public presentations
• Travel in state, nationally and internationally
• Negotiate and make decisions