DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

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

Salary: ESS 1: $45k -$50k ESS 2: $50k - $60k ESS 3: $65k - $75k 

Grade: 20/21/22

Closing Date: Open until filled 

As an Environmental Science Specialist (ESS) in the Air Compliance Unit, you will safeguard Arizona’s environment by inspecting permitted facilities to ensure adherence to air quality laws and regulations. You may enjoy a flexible, trust-based work culture with hybrid options (up to 3 days remote per week within Arizona) while making a tangible impact on public health and environmental standards.

THIS POSITION IS IN THE FIELD 2 TO 3 DAYS EVERY WEEK AND UPTO 3 DAYS REMOTE WORK WITHIN ARIZONA THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEK.

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.

● Inspections & Fieldwork: Conduct on-site inspections, investigations, and data collection at air quality permitted facilities.
● Compliance Reporting: Analyze data, review technical documents, and write detailed inspection reports and compliance notices.
● Technical Assistance: Educate the regulated community and the public on environmental impacts and regulatory requirements.
● Independent Execution: Prioritize workload, manage assignments independently, and apply air quality statutes accurately.

KNOWLEDGE
● State and Federal environmental regulations and practices.
● State and Federal statutes and rules related to the Clean Air Act.
● Chemical composition and properties of substances.
● Chemical processes and transformations in the environment.
● Agency policies and processes.
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office and G-Suite/Workplace.

SKILLS
● Proficient problem-solving and analysis.
● Data investigation and analysis.
● Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
● Fact and information gathering.
● Effective time management.
● Consistent and prompt customer service for internal and external customers.

ABILITIES
● Analyze, interpret, and communicate air monitoring data.
● Apply LEAN concepts and continuous problem solving.
● Meet deadlines while working under pressure.
● Demonstrate initiative and effective prioritization.
● Adapt to changing assignments and meet deadlines.
● Respond to inquiries with tact, diplomacy, and timely information.
● Collaborate effectively across divisions.
● Organize, prioritize, and perform multiple daily tasks.
● Establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff and the public.
● Complete tasks accurately and work independently with minimal supervision.
● Be organized, analytical, professional, and a problem solver.
● Analyze, establish priorities, and display sound judgment.

● Bachelor’s in Environmental Science/Studies/Technology, Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, or Environmental/Chemical Engineering.
● Environmental Science Specialist 1 (G20): 0-2 years of Environmental Air Quality experience.
● Environmental Science Specialist 2 (G21): 2 or more years of Environmental Air Quality experience. Master’s degree in the related Air Environment field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in related Air Environment field may substitute for 4 years of experience.
● Environmental Science Specialist 3 (G22): 5 or more years of Environmental Air Quality experience (Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related field may substitute for four years of experience)
o ESS 3 Environmental Professional In-Training certification required through the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (https://gobgc.org/epi/) or an equivalent organization in a reciprocal jurisdiction is required.
o ESS 3 Qualified Environmental Professional through the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (https://gobgc.org/epi/) or an equivalent organization in a reciprocal jurisdiction preferred. If not available, professional certification through an accredited institution is preferred.

This position does requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, 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.