DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Address:  AIR QUALITY DIVISION ~ 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $80K-$85K 

Grade: 24

Closing Date: OPEN until filled

We have an immediate opening for an Environmental Program Manager 2 (EPM2) for our Evaluation Unit in our Air Quality Division. Under general supervision of the Section Manager, this position is responsible for managing the operating functions of the Evaluation Unit.

Key Responsibilities:

● Supervises staff by assigning work, setting priorities, monitoring and evaluating performance, and providing training.
● Ensures unit work products are technically sound, accurate, and compliant with program goals, professional ethics, and State and Federal regulations.
● Reviews and evaluates technical reports containing complex meteorological and air quality data.
● Assists in developing goals, strategies, and policies related to smoke management, air quality forecasting, exceptional events demonstrations, and prescribed burn compliance.
● Oversees scientific studies and ensures unit operations meet established timelines and objectives.
● Provides guidance and interpretation of federal and state laws regarding air quality forecasting, smoke management, exceptional events, and other air quality related topics.
● Manages complex or high-profile projects and assignments.
● Oversees and advises on legal documents, such as access agreements.
● Participates in meetings with supervisory and managerial staff for information sharing, problem resolution, and decision-making.
● Champions continuous improvement projects and recommends operational enhancements.
● Assists with community relations and outputs.

This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

● Supervises staff and oversees unit operations by providing training, coaching, and managing disciplinary actions as necessary
● Performs advanced scientific work requiring a sophisticated understanding of meteorology and air quality principles
● Directs or prepares technical reports, exceptional events, comprehensive data summaries, and air quality forecasts
● Assists in the development of technical reports, budget projections, and expenditure tracking
● Acts as a primary decision-maker for unit-level operations and priorities as appropriate
● Manages the unit budget to optimize financial resources for strategic hiring, staff development, travel, and essential equipment or software procurement
● Ensures unit compliance with established program goals, grant requirements, and all applicable State and Federal regulations
● Serves as a technical and regulatory lead for staff, stakeholders, customers, and the general public
● Champions continuous improvement projects to enhance section efficiency, work quality, and overall output
● Oversees the use of performance and flow boards, tracking and reporting key agency performance measures to senior leadership
● Facilitates inter-agency and external communication through active participation in staff meetings, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach
● Addresses internal and external inquiries concerning air quality forecasting, smoke management, and general meteorological concerns

KNOWLEDGE
● Management techniques and results-driven leadership, focusing on personnel coordination, resource allocation, delegation, performance specifications, and team-based problem solving utilizing visual management principles
● Advanced analytical data collection, statistical procedures, testing methods, and technical data interpretation
● Contract and grants administration, alongside procurement procedures
● Principles of project management and community involvement
● Data management techniques designed to ensure data integrity.Public relations and meeting facilitation protocols
● Departmental policies, state and federal environmental compliance, enforcement protocols, and the development of State Implementation Plans (SIPs)
● Public record laws and confidentiality strategies for sensitive documentation
● State government and Agency organizational structures
● Arizona Management System (AMS) and LEAN methodologies
● Proficiency in Adobe, Microsoft Office, and G-Suite/Google Workspace software

SKILLS
● Leadership and supervisory expertise, including staff development and people management
● Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders and official
● Exceptional written and verbal communication, including public speaking and technical report writing
● Analyzing and interpreting complex, highly technical environmental data
● Advanced research, reading comprehension, and critical thinking capabilities
● Complex problem resolution, negotiation, and strategic decision-making
● Organization, planning, and time management focused on unit operations
● Team building, mentoring, and effective customer service for internal and external partners
● Establishing meaningful performance metrics and working independently with minimal supervision
● Exercising sound judgment based on available evidence

ABILITIES
● Analyze program needs, establish priorities, and implement unit-level operating policies
● Apply statutes and regulations to complex scientific analysis related to State Implementation Plans
● Communicate clearly to resolve problems and maintain professional relationships with diverse groups
● Effectively direct technical experts to achieve Agency performance measures
● Utilize LEAN concepts to deliver value and engage in continuous problem solving
● Handle detailed assignments accurately, respond to inquiries with diplomacy, and meet deadlines
● Work effectively as a team player across multiple divisions to accomplish the Agency's mission
● Travel as required for departmental needs

● Bachelor of Science degree in the field of environmental science, environmental management, environmental or chemical engineering, biology, hydrology, or other environmental discipline
● 3 - 5 or more years of environmental experience in a regulatory agency, consulting, or private industry
● 2 years of supervisory/leadership experience

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there are:
· 10 paid holidays per year
· Accrual of sick and annual leave beginning at 12 and 13 days per year respectively for full-time employees
· Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
· A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
· A robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability
· An incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program
· We promote the importance of work/life balance by offering workplace flexibility
· We offer a variety of learning and career development opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Arizona State Retirement System Lifetime Benefits

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting HPO@azdeq.gov.
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.