DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Address:  AIR QUALITY DIVISION - 1110 W. WASHINGTON STREET, PHOENIX, AZ 85007

Salary: Environmental Science Specialist 2 (G21): $50k-$60k

Environmental Science Specialist 3 (G22): $65k-$70k

Environmental Science Specialist 4 (Associate) (G24): $80k-$85k 

Closing Date: OPEN until filled

We have an immediate opening for an Environmental Science Specialist (ESS, Air Quality Meteorologist) in our Air Quality Division.

Key Responsibilities include:
● Forecasting and delivering air quality reports
● Conducting timely screening, analysis, and demonstration of Exceptional Events
● Supporting communication for media requests
● Reviewing and processing prescribed burn requests for approval and providing wildfire forecast support
● Providing general weather and air quality data analysis and support throughout the Agency

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.

● Analyze previous day’s weather and air quality data for use in developing daily air quality forecasts
● Provide support within a team environment to ensure all forecasts are posted on time
● Maintain situational awareness of weather and air quality across Arizona and the southwest, and be prepared to respond to questions from internal and external customers as required
● Perform analyses of existing data to better understand the variables that contribute to local pollution
● Collect, analyze, and compile weather and air quality data to support documentation and/or demonstration of Exceptional Events
● Assist Federal, State, and Local land managers in the preparation of Prescribed Burn Plans, Daily Prescribed Burn Requests, and Burn Accomplishments, and conducting smoke forecasting in accordance with the Smoke Management Program rules
● Create smoke forecasts for prescribed and wildfire to aid in public and regulatory decision making
● Initiate and/or participate in problem solving as it relates to existing products, services, or processes
● Develop and/or implement new ideas and metrics that help support the mission and impact goals
● Provide meteorological support and problem-solving skills across all levels of the agency

KNOWLEDGE

● Standard skills in meteorology
● Fire or smoke management
● Forecasting techniques
● Atmospheric Chemistry
● Arizona’s sources of air pollution and pollutants of concern
● Techniques and practices for preventing and remediating the release of air pollutants; and environmental enforcement processes
● Researching and compiling information
● Coding and statistical analysis related to meteorological or air quality data using programs/languages like VBA, Python, Java, R, GIS, etc.
● State and Federal statutes, rules and regulations as they pertain to the Clean Air Act
● Agency policies and processes including County, State and/or Federal air quality regulations
● Microsoft Office and the G-Suite/Workplace

SKILLS

● Proficient in problem-solving, analysis, and resolution
● Technical writing
● Excellent verbal and written communication
● Effective time management and organizational skills
● Commitment to consistent, high-quality customer service

ABILITIES

● Analyze, interpret, and communicate air quality rules, statutes and permits, and technical information
● Apply LEAN concepts, analytical thinking, sound judgement, and continuous problem-solving techniques
● Work effectively under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines through effective organization and prioritization
● Ability to gather and analyze facts and information
● Respond to inquiries with tact, diplomacy, professionalism, and timely information
● Collaborate effectively as a team player across agency and with external stakeholders
● Assist ADEQ communications staff with written, verbal, and on-camera media requests
● Organize, prioritize and complete multiple assignments accurately and efficiently
● Establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with agency staff and the public
● Ability to de-escalate conflicts and apply negotiation skills in the context of environmental enforcement complaint response
● Work independently with minimal supervision while promptly communicating work status, issues, and inquires
● Demonstrate professionalism, initiative, analytical skills, and strong problem-solving abilities

● Bachelor’s degree in meteorology, atmospheric science/chemistry, climatology, geographical science, environmental science or statistics
● Environmental Science Specialist 2 (G21): 2 or more years of forecasting experience and a basic understanding of Air Quality
● Environmental Science Specialist 3 (G22): 5 or more years of forecasting experience and an advanced understanding of Air Quality. Master’s degree in a related meteorological or environmental field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related meteorological or environmental field may substitute for 4 years of experience
● Environmental Science Specialist 4 (Associate, G24) – 8 or more years of forecasting experience and a comprehensive knowledge of Air Quality. Master’s degree in a related meteorological or environmental field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related meteorological or environmental field may substitute for 4 years of 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

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.