Deputy Assistant Director, Surface Water

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality ADEQ; Phoenix (AZ); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work within Arizona

Job summary

ADEQ in Phoenix seeks a Deputy Assistant Director to drive operational excellence in the Surface Water division, shaping budgets, processes, and strategic direction.

You will mentor managers, lead Lean and CPI initiatives, and represent the agency at hearings and stakeholder meetings while advancing environmental quality and public health in Arizona.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Geology, Science, Engineering, or Law (Master’s may substitute for 2 years experience).
• 5 years of program management or strategic management experience preferred.
• Experience applying Lean concepts and CPI in government programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee division operations including budget, personnel, and program direction.
• Lead strategic budgeting, forecasting, and cost-control across the division.
• Coach managers in leadership, team building and Lean principles.
• Represent the agency at public events, hearings, and meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

Communication

Lean principles

Mentoring/Coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Geology, Science, Engineering, or Law

Tools

Adobe

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY We are looking for results-oriented, driven individuals with a thirst for problem solving. At Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) our mission is to protect and enhance public health and the environment in Arizona. Through consistent, science-based environmental regulation; and clear, equitable engagement and communication; with integrity, respect and the highest standards of effectiveness and efficiency. Because Arizonans treasure the unique environment of our state and its essential role in sustaining well-being and economic vitality, today and for future generations.

We are currently looking for employees who are committed to our Agency, passionate to excel in their career and engaged in our mission. Only this caliber of employee will be successful in driving our Agency towards accomplishing our mission.

About the Role

Deputy Assistant Director, Surface Water

Job Location: Water Quality Division 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Job Summary: At ADEQ our mission/vision is to protect and enhance public health and the environment in Arizona. Through consistent, science-based environmental regulation; and clear, equitable engagement and communication; with integrity, respect, and the highest standards of effectiveness and efficiency; because Arizonans treasure the unique environment of our state and its essential role in sustaining well-being and economic vitality, today and for future generations. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is seeking a Deputy Assistant Director to drive operational excellence, champion continuous improvement, and co‑lead our Surface Water Quality Division.

Reporting directly to the Division Director, you will wield significant strategic influence—managing complex budgets, mentoring program managers, and engineering data‑driven systems to protect Arizona’s unique natural resources for generations to come.

This position is available for remote work on a full‑time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).

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.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operational Management

• Oversee division operations including budget, personnel, staff development, systems, processes, and program direction in alignment with Lean continuous improvement.

Senior Advisory & Support

• Serve as a senior leader supporting the Director through long‑range strategic planning, high‑level program management, and sound decision‑making.

Performance & Culture Driving

• Drive employee performance, increase productivity and motivation, and foster an engaged workforce dedicated to the agency’s mission.

Job Duties

Systems and Process Management

• Lead the advancement and enhancement of systems and processes, prioritizing efficiency, cost control, and quality excellence.
• Build and sustain a Lean and Continuous Improvement culture.
• Teach, coach, and champion Lean principles for managers, ensuring daily application.

Strategic Budgeting

• Assist the Director with strategic budget management across revenues, expenditures, and hiring.
• Reduce division expenditures without compromising operational performance.
• Perform long‑range forecasting for ongoing operational needs, such as fee adjustments and revenue drops.

Performance Management and Visual Management

• Promote effective visual management tool usage and conduct frequent Gemba walks.
• Ensure managers evaluate performance using lead and interim lag measures linked to agency goals.

Manager and Staff Development

• Mentor and coach managers in leadership, team building, and Lean principles.
• Ensure staff development through training to boost productivity, quality, and technical expertise while lowering costs.

Relationship Management

• Address legislative hearings, constituent concerns, and issues for elected officials.
• Maintain ADEQ's trusting relationships with stakeholders, the regulated community, and the public.
• Align external stakeholders and customers around shared goals and mission objectives.

Strategic Program Planning

• Assist the Director in establishing program priorities, regulatory strategies, and structure.
• Provide high‑level technical and regulatory expertise to staff, supervisors, stakeholders, and the public.
• Represent the agency at public events, hearings, and meetings to promote strategic objectives.

Personnel

• Partner with managers on recruitment, hiring, retention, and disciplinary actions to build an engaged workforce.
• Document performance via appraisals and establish formal career progression plans for staff and leadership.

Knowledge

• Senior management principles, coordinating resources and people through results‑driven leadership.
• Senior business management, capital budgets, delegation, employee motivation, problem‑solving (5 Why/Lean/CPI), and visual management.
• Relevant federal and state laws, public record regulations, and confidentiality strategies.
• Strategic program planning and conflict resolution techniques.
• State and Department structure, Arizona Management System, and Lean methods.
• Adobe, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace software applications.

Skills

• Leadership in people, diverse environmental workforce, and division operations management.
• Strong interpersonal, external relationship, and conflict resolution capabilities.
• Data‑driven decision‑making, fact‑gathering, and logical analysis for administrative duties.
• Effective written/verbal communication, mentoring, coaching, and training.
• Workload capacity planning, allocation, and time management.
• Customer service and stakeholder interaction across diverse audiences.
• Independent judgment with incomplete information and core metric establishment.

Abilities

• Lead division operations and align program, budget, and workforce planning with agency goals.
• Apply leadership, analysis, and water quality regulations to recommend timely solutions and ensure compliance.
• Manage program managers to ensure consistent, reliable, and timely outcomes.
• Apply Lean concepts and continuous improvement tools to maximize efficiency and customer value.
• Execute detailed tasks accurately, handle changing priorities, and work independently under tight deadlines.
• Communicate tactfully, collaborate across divisions, and build positive stakeholder relationships.
• Oversee complex regulatory activities, demonstrate sound judgment, and contribute to executive leadership.

Selective Preference

• Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Geology, Science, Engineering, or Law. Master’s may substitute for 2 years of experience.
• 5 years of program management or strategic management experience.