Hybrid: remote and 1110 W. Washington St., Suite #310 - Phoenix, AZ 85007  

Salary:  $16.50 hourly

Grade: 04

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) is seeking a paid intern to assist with the management of electronic and physical files that are critical to Surface Water permitting and water rights, review abstracts, conduct research, and assist with any other Surface Water related tasks and responsibilities, including data entry and quality control, customer service, etc. Potentially assist with field investigations.

Must be able to work on site in the ADWR office due to the physical files that we manage. On site work also enables the successful candidate to more regularly interact with and learn from staff.

Schedule: Hours may vary from 20 hours per week up to 40 hours per week.

Candidates for this internship position must be enrolled in school and pursuing a degree in law or a related field.

This internship is a part-time position at an hourly rate of $16.50

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist in the organization, imaging, and management of Surface Water applications and files.

• Review abstracts, file, and report information relevant to the Surface Water Program.

• Update surface water information in ADWR databases; search databases and files for information and provide reports.

• Conduct research.

• Analyze aerial imagery and topographic maps to identify various types of water use claims; create maps of water uses using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Scan and georeference aerial imagery.

• Assist with the field inspections and surveys of stock ponds.

• No experience working with water rights is required; training will be provided.

• Strong commitment to collaboration, teamwork, and field safety.

• Some overnight travel may be required during weekdays. Field work may be in remote locations.

• Other duties as assigned

The ideal candidate should have:

Ability to: 

• Perform field work, operate field tablets, and assist with collecting global positioning system (GPS) coordinates using real-time kinematic (RTK) equipment and handheld GPS devices

• Analyze and interpret aerial imagery and topographic maps

• Think broadly and ask questions about data, facts, and other information

• Rapidly advance knowledge and skill as necessary to accomplish internship goals

• Research water resources information from historic documents, photographs, maps, etc., and to record that information into databases, spreadsheets, or written reports

• Be self-motivated

• Meet deadlines

• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and written format.

Skills in: 

• File/records maintenance, including computerized database information input/retrieval

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relations with department personnel, regulated entities, governmental officials, community leaders and the public

• Customer service

• Building interpersonal relationships that are also necessary to interact with program managers, staff, and stakeholders effectively

• Analyzing, conceptualizing, communicating, and organizing, as well as careful attention to detail

• Problem-solving

• Written communication

Knowledge of: 

• Public Land Survey System (PLSS)

• Basic understanding of the Groundwater Management Code

• Information sources, research methods, and techniques utilized in water resource management

• The behavior and occurrence of water in nature.

• The historical governmental involvement with water supply, water usage, and water resource management

•  Google Drive, Adobe, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Basic knowledge of GIS (ArcGIS preferred)

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

Candidates must be enrolled in school and pursuing a degree in Hydrology, Water Resource Management, Geology, Geography, Environmental Studies, or related field.

Work with a creative, collaborative team of people who enjoy sharing their knowledge and experience.

Gain valuable experience working in a state agency and organizational knowledge through daily business interactions and job assignments. Acquire familiarity with surface water permitting and water rights and the interface with Adjudications. Learn how to evaluate historic documents and aerial imagery for various water uses, participate in field work, use GIS for real world problem solving.

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification may 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.