Water Programs and Acquisitions Manager

Central Arizona Project

$168K — $185K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in resource planning or management.
  • Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
  • Proven ability to implement performance plans.
  • Good writing skills, able to communicate clearly and effectively.
  • Proficiency in professional office software, especially MS Office.
  • 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team in acquiring water resources.
  • Develop strategies to fulfill water supply obligations.
  • Perform technical and financial analyses for the program.
  • Negotiate water supply agreements and leases.
  • Represent CAWCD in securing regulatory approvals.
  • Manage capital spending budget for water acquisition programs.
  • Oversee external consultants for technical support.

Benefits

  • Pension plan and 401(k).
  • Health insurance with $0 employee premium for individual.
  • Dental and vision coverage.
  • Generous paid time off including holidays and parental leave.
  • Flexible 4-10 work schedule with Fridays off.
  • Paid training and tuition reimbursement.
  • Wellness programs and more.
Full Job Description
Salary: $168,188.80 - $185,016.00 Annually
Location : Headquarters - Phoenix 85024, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 1360
Department: Management Council
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
Closing Date: 6/1/2026 11:59 PM Arizona

Overview & Purpose

About the Responsibilities

The Water Programs and Acquisition Manager will lead a team of water acquisition professionals and external consultants to administer programs, develop projects, and acquire water resources that will develop resiliency for Central Arizona Project water supplies consistent with the strategic objectives for the CAWCD Board. The Manager will also work in close collaboration with the Manager of the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD) and CAP leadership to develop programs, projects and acquisitions to fulfill the replenishment obligations of the CAGRD.

The Manager will review, coordinate and oversee the work of consultants providing support to the purposes of the division. The Manager will also establish strategic partnerships with outside entities and. Represent CAP and CAGRD before local, state, interstate and federal agencies, water providers, stakeholders and the public.

Some of the duties include:
1. Develop and implement an appropriate strategy(s) and program(s) to acquire water supplies and develop infrastructure to fulfill CAP and CAGRD legal and contractual obligations.

2. Manage and perform technical, financial, regulatory and legislative research and analysis in support of the Water Supply Acquisition Program.

3. Negotiate water supply purchases, leases, exchanges, and transportation agreements in support of the Water Supply Acquisition Program.

4. Represent CAWCD before local, state and federal agencies to secure all permits and other regulatory approvals required to complete water supply acquisitions.

5. Develop multi-year capital spending budget for the Water Supply Acquisition Program and manage the program within that budget. Coordinate with CAP Finance Department for long-range financial forecasting and rate-setting to develop sufficient revenues to support the program.

6. Select, retain and manage outside professional consultants to provide hydrologic, geologic, environmental, economic, engineering and other technical support to the Water Supply Acquisition Program.

About the Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in related field.
  • Seven (7) years of progressive experience in resource planning, resource management, and/or policymaking.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal, negotiation, conflict resolution and customer service skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement performance plans and measures.
  • Strong written communication skills including demonstrating the ability to write with influence, purpose, clarity, and accuracy.

  • Strong working knowledge of and high proficiency with using professional office computer software and systems including MS Office Suite, and more.


  • Must have good communication and interpersonal skills with strong leadership and team building skills.


  • Three (3) years of supervisory or leadership experience.
Required Certifications or Licenses:

  • Must have a valid Arizona driver's license and maintain a good driving record. If candidate is hired from outside of Arizona, they will be required to obtain an Arizona driver's license.


Preferences:
  • Master's degree or additional experience.
  • Experience in water resource management, water resource development, knowledge of State of Arizona laws relating to water or related government agency or public utility is preferred.

To see the full position description, click HERE
If you're a strategic leader in water resource management who values collaboration and public service, we invite you to apply today - help shape Arizona's water future.
Click for details regarding CAP's benefits.
01

I have reviewed the target hiring range for this position. I understand that this target range does not reflect the full employee pay range for this job. I understand that in addition to pay, CAP provides employees with a generous benefits package including pension, 401(k), excellent health insurance with $0 employee-only premium, dental, vision, life, disability, 4-10 work schedule with Fridays off, paid training, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, paid holidays, paid time off, wellness programs, and more.
  • Yes

02

Which best describes your highest level of education?
  • Less than High School Diploma or Less than a GED
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Associate's degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • PhD or JD

03

How many years of progressive experience in resource planning, resource management, and/or policymaking?
  • Less than 1
  • 1 - 3
  • 4 - 6
  • 7 - 9
  • 10+

04

How many years of supervisory or leadership experience do you have?
  • Less than 1
  • 1 - 2
  • 3 - 4
  • 5+

05

Please list your areas of experience below.
  • water resource management
  • water resource development
  • knowledge of State of Arizona laws relating to water
  • related government agency
  • public utility

06

Do you have demonstrated ability to develop and implement performance plans and measures?
  • Yes
  • No

07

Please select the option that best describes your experience using professional office software and systems (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite):
  • No experience
  • Basic (data entry, simple documents/spreadsheets)
  • Intermediate (formatting, formulas, reporting, presentations)
  • Advanced (complex spreadsheets, data analysis, automation, dashboards)

08

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?
  • Yes
  • No

09

Do you have a valid driver's license and a good driving record?
  • Yes
  • No

10

Please describe your experience in water supply development within Arizona.
11

Please describe the role and function of the CAGRD.
Required Question

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