INTERN (Surface Water Section)

Job Summary :

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 $

Job Duties :

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 stockponds.

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

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) :

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)

Selective Preference(s) :

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

Pre-Employment Requirements :

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

Benefits :

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

Retirement :

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.