DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

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

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

Grade: 21/22

Closing Date: Open until filled

We have an immediate opening for an Environmental Science Specialist to support the Air Data Management & Quality Assurance Team within ADEQ’s Air Quality Division. This role is responsible for reviewing air quality data, providing technical assistance, and ensuring compliance with state and federal air pollution laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Review environmental air quality data, including ambient air concentrations and meteorological conditions to ensure data quality and determine source identification.
• Assist in the development of standard operating procedures and quality assurance project plans.
• Provide technical assistance to instrument operators to ensure compliance with quality assurance project plans.
• Coordinate with Air Monitoring Technicians to investigate and resolve data quality or instrument performance concerns.
• Investigate environmental problem areas and respond to environmental complaints.
• Develop data assessments and reports from air quality monitoring for long-term trends and short-term studies.

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.

• Conducts data validation for air pollutant monitors within ADEQ’s Ambient Air Monitoring Networks.
• Provide a high level of support and customer service to program staff, leadership, and all other staff that require assistance.
• Maintains and updates Standard Works and SOPs to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Develop data assessments and reports for both short-term studies and long-term trend analysis.
• Provide technical guidance to instrument operators to maintain compliance with quality assurance project plans.
• Ensure adherence to state and federal air pollution laws and regulations.
• Investigate environmental problem areas.
• Recommend appropriate measures.
• Issue reports as required.

KNOWLEDGE

• Forecasting techniques.
• Planning practices and administrative structure.
• Researching and compiling information.
• State and Federal statutes, rules and regulations as they pertain to the Clean Air Act.
• Confidentiality.
• Microsoft Office and the G-Suite/Workplace.

SKILLS

• Proficient problem solving, problem analysis and resolution.
• Data investigation and analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Gathering of facts and information.
• Effective time management.
• Statistical and abstract analysis.
• Consistent and excellent Customer service with the ability to effectively interact with a wide range of internal and external customers.

ABILITIES

• Analyze, interpret and communicate air monitoring data.
• Apply LEAN concepts and engage in continuous problem solving.
• Work under pressure meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrate initiative and effective prioritization.
• Adapt to changing assignments, priorities and meet deadlines on time.
• Respond to inquiries with tact, diplomacy, and appropriate timely information.
• Collaborate as a team player across several divisions.
• Organize, prioritize and perform multiple tasks on a daily basis.
• Establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with agency staff and the public.
• Complete assigned tasks accurately and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Report work status, issues, and inquiries promptly.
• Be organized, analytical, professional, and a problem solver.
• Analyze and establish priorities; display sound judgment.

● Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science/Studies/Technology, Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, or Environmental/Chemical Engineering.
● Environmental Science Specialist 2 (G21): 2 or more years of Environmental Air experience.
● Environmental Science Specialist 3 (G22): 5 or more years of Environmental Air experience. Master’s degree in 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 - 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.
● Environmental Science Specialist 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.

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.