DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Address:  Mission Partners Division
1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85007

Salary: $50K-$60K 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: Open until filled

At ADEQ our mission/vision is to protect and enhance public health and the environment in Arizona. Through consistent, science-based environmental regulation; and clear, equitable engagement and communication; with integrity, respect, and the highest standards of effectiveness and efficiency; because Arizonans treasure the unique environment of our state and its essential role in sustaining well-being and economic vitality, today and for future generations. We are looking for an Environmental Science Specialist - Community Liaison to help drive our agency towards accomplishing this mission/vision.

Key Responsibilities
● Bridge communication between the public and the Agency by building and nurturing relationships with local government officials, community members, and stakeholders in the Western Arizona region (Yuma, Mohave, and La Paz counties).
● Serve as a technical resource for external stakeholders, customers, and the general public.
● Act as a source of regional knowledge for ADEQ staff, as well as a technical resource for external stakeholders, customers, and the general public.
● Function as a facilitative entity, between external parties and ADEQ programs to answer questions and resolve issues.
● Resolve and respond to environmental concerns by utilizing internal ADEQ knowledge.
● Build an understanding of ADEQ divisions (air, water, or waste) to expand ADEQ’s reach and service into rural areas and underserved communities, and throughout Arizona
● Travel in order to meet the community where they are and live, to listen and learn about community issues by participating in local meetings and special events. Demonstrate excellent time and project management skills.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

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.

● Facilitate communication between the public and ADEQ.
● Actively engage with the public and ADEQ, support community engagement activities, provide information about ADEQ programs, regulations, and available assistance including grant funding opportunities and new and existing ADEQ regulatory initiatives.
● Work to address and resolve environmental concerns by leaning on internal ADEQ knowledge and experts.
● Support the reporting of environmental complaints made by the community, providing compliance assistance outside of the enforcement process, and act as a point of contact for ADEQ at regional and local meetings, events, and gatherings.
● Ensures that ADEQ programs are responsive to community needs and that the public is well-informed about environmental conditions within the community, regulations, volunteer opportunities, and resources.

● Capacity to manage, prioritize, and execute multiple concurrent projects within strict timeframes.
● Strong analytical skills with a focus on meticulous attention to detail.
● Understanding of State and Federal environmental regulation.
● Familiarity of Agency policies, processes and state/federal regulations regarding administration of Agency decisions.
● Demonstrated proficiency in delivering high-quality customer service.
● Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
● Proven ability to thrive in high-pressure, rapidly evolving professional environments.
● Skill in integrating constructive feedback to refine and improve project plans.
● Aptitude for understanding and applying environmental statutes and administrative rules.
● Capable of performing effectively both as a self-directed contributor and a collaborative team member.

● Bachelor’s degree in environmental or science related field.
● EES 2: 2 years or more of relevant experience in a similar or related capacity including community engagement, public relations.

This position 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

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.