DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Address: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary:  

ESS 2 $50K-$60K

ESS3 $65-$75K

Grade: 21, 22

Closing Date: Open Until Closed

We have an immediate opening for an Environmental Science Specialist in our Surface Water Protection Unit, Water Quality Division. As an Environmental Science Specialist, we will rely on you to review permit applications and develop permits for the Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (AZPDES) permit program. As a permit writer, you will conduct research and draft pollutant limits for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect human health and the environment. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, you may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on the reviews of permit applications or facility details.

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.

• Review, evaluate, and process complex surface water protection permit applications and technical submittals for regulatory adherence.
• Perform complex environmental calculations using established methodologies and process large datasets to solve complex environmental issues.
• Serve as a technical resource to municipal facilities, regulated entities, and the public to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
• Assist in researching, drafting, and updating technical guidance documents and updating standard operating procedures.
• Manage and execute short- and long-term environmental projects under the direction of a unit lead or manager.
• Respond to customer inquiries promptly, professionally, and accurately.
• Review technical documents for adherence to Arizona surface water rules and regulations.
  

 Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the federal Clean Water Act and Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) regulations –known as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) on a federal level.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment plant operation, mining operations, industrial operations, environmental engineering, compliance and enforcement strategies.
• Knowledge of AZ sources of pollution, best practices for preventing the release of pollutants, environmental research, investigation techniques and statistical analysis, Agency policies and processes.

Skills:

• Strong organizational skills and ability to schedule, conduct and manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Strong communications skills.
• Skilled in dataset management, metric production, and secure data handling.

Abilities:

• Ability to understand and apply environmental rules and statues.
• Ability to follow guidance documents, standard operating procedures, and other technical instructions in performance of tasks.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports; and to summarize completed tasks and/or scientific data orally and in written communication.
• Ability to work independently and in a team based collaborative environment effectively.
  

• Bachelors of Science Degree in an environmental/chemical, hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, biology, earth science or an equivalent science discipline.
• Level 2 (grade 21): 2-5 years environmental experience (Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years’ experience).
• Level 3 (grade 22): 5 or more years of environmental experience (Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years’ experience).
• Professional in Training Certification or equivalent is required through the Institute of Professional Environmental Practice (IPEP) or an equivalent.
  

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

ASRS 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.