Arizona Senior Water Policy Advisor

Western Resource Advocates (WRA) is a non-profit conservation organization of lawyers, economists, and analysts that focuses on energy, lands, and water issues in the Interior Western United States. WRA is active in six states – Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

WRA seeks an experienced professional to lead our municipal water policy and conservation efforts in Arizona. The senior advisor will work primarily through WRA’s Smart Water Project that pursues creative and sustainable solutions for meeting growing human water demands in ways that minimize impacts to western rivers and watersheds. This position entails working closely with water utilities, state officials, partner organizations, and motivated citizens across Arizona – with initial focus in Cochise and Yavapai counties – to advocate for and assist in the implementation of progressive urban water conservation efforts. Some travel is required. Salary is competitive with regional non-profit organizations, with excellent benefits.

Required Qualifications

Master’s or professional degree in the natural sciences, environmental management, public policy, or related disciplines.

10 years professional experience in the water field, preferably related to municipal water use.

Direct experience working with, or for, Arizona water utilities and/or state agencies.

Extensive knowledge of Arizona water policy and conservation issues.

Ability to meet goals with limited supervision.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Personal commitment to improve the environment.

Key Responsibilities

Evaluate the local benefits and concerns of increasing water conservation efforts, including economic, social, and environmental aspects.

Assist communities in designing and effectively implementing water conservation measures, including conservation-oriented rate structures, rebate programs, and local ordinances.

Ensure communities’ long-term water supply planning processes adequately evaluate efficiency and alternative supply opportunities.

Participate in local and statewide meetings and stakeholder groups to influence efforts on conservation, demand projections, and other attributes of water supply planning.

Continue to build strong, working relationships with Arizona water providers.

E-mail cover letter, resume, two references, and a short writing sample (no longer than five pages) to by February 23, 2011.

Drew Beckwith| Western Resource Advocates

Water Policy Manager

2260 Baseline Road, Suite 200 | Boulder, CO 80302

direct: (720) 763-3726 | office: (303) 444-1188

email: