Most hiring at ADECA is completed through the State Personnel Department and the state merit system. Please visit the State Personnel website for information about positions within state government as well as information about the application and hiring process.
Open unique positions outside of the state merit system will be posted here.
Office of Water Resources Division Chief
Join a mission-driven state agency at the forefront of Alabama’s future. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) leads critical programs that shape infrastructure, sustainability, and community resilience across the state. We are seeking a strategic leader to manage our Office of Water Resources- a role with direct impact on public policy, interstate relations and the lives of Alabamians.
As Division Chief, you’ll report directly to the ADECA Director and oversee ADECA’s statewide water policy, planning, and management efforts. You’ll supervise professional and technical staff, manage budgets and federal/state grants, serve as Alabama’s representative in interstate negotiations, and act as Secretary to the Alabama Water Resources Commission. This role drives sustainable, legal management of Alabama’s water resources while supporting ADECA’s broader mission.
Essential Duties:
- Manage and oversee the ADECA Office of Water Resources operations.
- Supervise technical and professional staff, including engineers and program coordinators.
- Assist with the representation of Alabama in interstate and federal-level water negotiations.
- Develop and implement statewide water policy.
- Approve division’s budget, federal grants, and contracts.
- Lead drafting of statewide Water-Use Reports and database systems.
- Serve as Secretary to the Water Resources Commission; promulgate rules and policy.
- Maintain relationships with federal, state, and local officials; provide information on water resource issues.
Minimum Qualifications:
- If an Alabama resident, current licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Alabama.
If an out of state applicant, current Professional Engineer (PE) license with the ability to obtain Alabama licensure within 6 months of hire. - Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
- Supervisory experience managing professional and technical staff.
- Demonstrated experience in program administration or intergovernmental coordination, preferably involving federal/state grant funding or regulatory compliance.
- Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships, preferably including local governments, community organizations, and multi-agency partnerships.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
- Familiarity with water resource management, riparian rights, and environmental law; ability to interpret and apply regulatory guidance in coordination with technical/legal staff.
- Strong Budgetary and financial management skills, including oversight of federal grant programs.
- Excellent leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to analyze technical data from subject-matter experts and translate findings into actionable policy decisions.
Preferred Experience:
- Progressively responsible professional experience in water resources planning/development, including 5 years of administrative experience at the state, multi-state, or federal level.
- Knowledge of federal and state water laws, FEMA processes, and federal grant administration.
- Experience in interstate negotiations and policy advocacy.
- Experience representing an agency in high-visibility settings.
- Experience managing crisis situations such as droughts or floods that require multi-agency coordination.
- Familiarity with interstate water compacts or multistate policy efforts.
- Willingness to work from Montgomery, Alabama and serve in a public-facing leadership role within a fast-paced state agency.
Work Environment:
Office-based in Montgomery, Alabama.
Benefits:
Health, dental, vision, RSA (Retirement Systems of Alabama) state pension, state-paid life insurance, paid parental leave, paid holidays, and professional development opportunities.
Salary:
Dependent on experience.
Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2026. Email your resume directly to adeca.hr@adeca.alabama.gov.
EEO Statement:
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions for exempt service positions are based on qualifications, merit, and the needs of the agency. ADECA does not discriminate in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal and state laws.
As an agency of the State of Alabama, ADECA is committed to ensuring fairness and equal opportunity in recruitment, selection, and employment practices for both classified and exempt service employees. While exempt service positions are not subject to the Alabama Merit System, ADECA upholds the principles of nondiscrimination and equity in accordance with state policy and federal civil rights laws.
Accommodation:
ADECA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and applicable state laws and makes reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require accommodations during the recruitment or selection process should contact ADECA’s Human Resources Division at 334-242-5250 or by email at adeca.hr@adeca.alabama.gov.
Planning and Economic Development Specialist IV (PED IV)
Application Deadline March 18, 2026
Salary Range: $64, 152.00-$107, 824.80 (Pay Plan)
Apply Online: Log in – SPD – State of Alabama Personnel Department
Job Information
The Planning and Economic Development Specialist IV is a permanent, full-time position used by various agencies. Positions are located in Montgomery, Alabama. This is administrative work of a professional nature involving responsibility for directing a major section of an agency, or serving as assistant director for a division.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited* four-year college or university in any major.
- Three (3) years of supervisory or program manager experience involving state or federal programs administered at the local, state, or federal level, including two (2) years of administrative experience.
- For the promotional register, current, permanent status as a Planning and Economic Development Specialist III (21233) in addition to the qualifications listed above.
Notes
- Experience in planning and/or monitoring the administration of state or federal programs at the local, state, or federal level may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
- Applicants must provide detailed information about their work experience on their application. Applications must contain enough detailed information to satisfy the above minimum requirements. Applications without this information will not be accepted.
Examination
- Open-Competitive to all applicants and Promotional to current state employees in the job classification listed above.
- An Assessment Center may be required. The scoring mechanism will comprise 95% of the applicant’s final score for the promotional register, with the remaining 5% being based on the average of the applicant’s service ratings for the last three years. The scoring mechanism will comprise 100% of the final score for the open-competitive register.
- A Candidate Information Guide will be mailed to qualified candidates at a later date.
How to Apply
- Complete an Application for Examination Form available at personnel.alabama.gov, the above address, or any Alabama Career Center Office.
- Apply on-line, by mail, or by fax. Application must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the application deadline date shown above. The State Personnel Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to mail service or faxing malfunctions.
Planning and Economic Development Specialist III (PEDS III)
Application Period: Open Continuously
Salary Range: $55,375.20 – $93,096.00 (Pay Plan)
Apply Online: Log in – SPD – State of Alabama Personnel Department
Job Information
The Planning and Economic Development Specialist III is a permanent, full-time position used by various agencies. Positions are located in Montgomery and Mobile. This is advanced professional, administrative, and supervisory work in planning, coordinating, implementing, evaluating, and reviewing state and federal planning and development programs and projects.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited* four-year college or university in any major.
- Two (2) years of experience in planning and/or monitoring the administration of state or federal programs at the local, state, or federal level, including one (1) year of supervisory or program manager experience.
- For the promotional register, current permanent status as a Planning and Economic Development Specialist II in addition to the qualifications listed above.
Notes
- Experience in planning and/or monitoring the administration of state or federal programs at the local, state, or federal level may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
- Applicants must provide detailed information about their work experience on their application. Applications must contain enough detailed information to satisfy the above minimum requirements. Applications without this information will not be accepted.
Examination
- Open-Competitive to all applicants and Promotional to current state employees in the job classification listed above.
- An evaluation of Training and Experience as shown on the application will comprise 100% of the final grade for the open competitive register. The evaluation of Training and Experience will comprise 95% of the applicant’s final score for the promotional register, with the remaining 5% being based on the average of the applicant’s service ratings for the last three years.
How to Apply
- Complete an Application for Examination Form available at www.personnel.alabama.gov, the above address, or any Alabama Career Center Office.
- Apply on-line, by mail, or by fax. Application must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the application deadline date shown above. The State Personnel Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to mail service or faxing malfunctions.
If you have questions regarding the announcement or application process, please contact ADECA Human Resources.
Other Positions at ADECA:
Planning and Economic Development Specialist I (21231)
Application Period: Open Continuously
Salary Range: $36,508.80-$61,063.20
Apply Online: Log in – SPD – State of Alabama Personnel Department
Planning and Economic Development Specialist II (21232)
Application Period: Open Continuously
Salary Range: $45,556.80-$76,166.40
Apply Online: Log in – SPD – State of Alabama Personnel Department
Administrative Support Assistant II (10197)
Application Period: Open Continuously
Salary Range: $30,688.80-$50,253.60
Apply Online: Log in – SPD – State of Alabama Personnel Department
Administrative Support Assistant III (10198)
Application Period: Open Continuously
Salary Range: $34,730.40-$58,111.20
Apply Online: Log in – SPD – State of Alabama Personnel Department
(Coming Soon) – Personnel Assistant III (10832)
Application Period: Open Continuously
Salary Range: $38,364.00 – $64,152.00
Apply Online: Log in – SPD – State of Alabama Personnel Department
