Water Resources Planning Advisor

Job Description

The City of Mesa Water Resources Department is seeking a highly motivated and strategic Water Resources Planning Advisor to join our team. Apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mesaaz/jobs/5314754/water-resources-planning-advisor

At the City of Mesa Water Resources Department, we love what we do. We are passionate about protecting and planning for Mesa’s long-term water future. Mesa maintains one of the most diverse and resilient water portfolios in Arizona, utilizing Colorado River water, Salt and Verde River supplies, groundwater, reclaimed water, recharge, and regional partnerships to reliably serve one of the largest communities in the state. We are looking for an individual who is excited about solving complex water resource challenges, supporting innovative water management strategies, and helping shape the future of water sustainability in the Southwest.

The Water Resources Planning Advisor is a high-level professional position responsible for advanced water resources planning, regulatory compliance, portfolio accounting, and strategic policy development. This position works closely with executive leadership, operational staff, regional water providers, and state and federal agencies on issues related to long-term water supply planning, assured water supply compliance, Colorado River shortages, groundwater management, water efficiency optimization, demand management programs, reclaimed water planning, and regional partnership coordination.

This position plays a key role in coordinating and preparing Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) regulatory reporting and compliance submittals, including annual reporting, requirements associated with the Fifth Management Plan, groundwater accounting, recharge and recovery tracking, contractual reporting compliance, and municipal water use reporting. The position also supports development and implementation of Mesa’s long-term water resiliency initiatives and regional water resource partnerships.

The successful candidate will:

• Be an independent thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Be able to think strategically and anticipate impacts beyond immediate tasks
• Manage and coordinate complex water resources planning and regulatory projects
• Support long-term water portfolio optimization and resiliency planning
• Coordinate with agencies including ADWR, CAP, SRP, AMWUA, WIFA, and regional partners
• Speak confidently in meetings, present technical information, and represent the City in a professional manner
• Prepare, review, and manage detailed regulatory reporting and water accounting
• Analyze water supply, demand, recharge, demand management programs, and infrastructure data
• Communicate effectively with leadership, consultants, stakeholders, and the public
• Balance multiple priorities while maintaining strong organization and attention to detail
• Work collaboratively across operational, engineering, planning, and field teams

Examples of project areas may include:

• ADWR Assured Water Fifth Management Plan compliance and annual municipal reporting
• Water portfolio accounting
• Recharge and recovery planning
• Demand management initiatives and mandatory actions
• Large water user, large scale cooling facilities, and turf facilities compliance programs
• Groundwater savings credit and Ag-to-Urban program analysis
• Regional water resource coordination and strategic planning
• Federal grant project management, including coordination and reporting
• Recharge optimization and beneficial use strategies

Hours & Compensation

• Full-time (40 hr/wk, Mon–Thur)
• Competitive salary based on qualifications $100,930 – $144,242
• Outstanding benefits Employee Benefits – City of Mesa including:
• Generous allotment of paid time off and sick leave
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance, including lifetime benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System

The City of Mesa offers an exciting opportunity to work on some of Arizona’s most important and complex water resource challenges while helping shape the future sustainability and resiliency of a growing community.