DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

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

Salary: $44k-$65k 

Grade: 17, 19, 20

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’re looking for a motivated Environmental Technician (Levels 1–3) to join our dynamic Water Quality team. This is a unique opportunity to play a vital role in protecting Arizona’s environment. You’ll support the delivery of essential regulatory services—such as Subdivision Health Certificates and Pesticide Renewal licenses—while helping us maintain seamless application intake and compliance. If you’re passionate about accuracy and want to make a real impact on our community's health, we’d love to have you on board.

The key responsibilities for the Environmental Technician position include:

Data Entry and Application Review
• Conduct application intake for multiple types of permits. Lead the processing of Notices of Intent (NOIs) via online database systems, ensuring all submittals meet regulatory standards.
• Perform complex analysis of environmental data to verify compliance and identify and recommend process improvements to streamline permitting workflows.

Customer Assistance
• Serve as a subject matter expert for Type 4 general permits, responding to complex inquiries. Coordinate and lead technical training sessions for external customers and stakeholders.

Compliance Tracking
• Proactively manage permit renewals, fee schedules, and annual reporting requirements. Coordinate monitoring activities with external groups, evaluate complex compliance challenges, and implement effective solutions to ensure adherence to agency requirements.

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.

Manage the Application Lifecycle
● Compile, review, and submit highly technical documents (blueprints, calculations, environmental reports) to local, state, and federal agencies.
● Inputs data into a state database software system; meets deadlines and performs multiple tasks efficiently while under pressure.

Monitor Compliance
● Track permit expiration dates and ensure active sites follow approved plans.
Act as Regulatory Liaison
● Serve as the primary point of contact for developers and engineering firms. Negotiate solutions for rejected plans and submit necessary revisions to keep projects on track.

Manage Budgets & Fees
● Calculate, process, and track all permit fees, surety bonds, and accounts.
Problem Solving & Improvement
● Providing innovative solutions to recurring compliance and permitting issues.

Knowledge
● Technical Systems: Databases entry and processing in complex systems managed by the Agency
● Regulations and Policies: Agency policies and processes; interpretation of State and Federal environmental regulations.
● Scientific Principles: Environmental sciences, environmental research, investigation techniques, and statistical analysis.
● Pollution Prevention: Arizona-specific sources of groundwater pollution and best practices for preventing the release of groundwater pollutants.

Skills
● Permit Coordination: Ability to schedule, conduct, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
● Technical Proficiencies: Experience using Google Office, Excel, databases internal to the state of Arizona.
● Professional Engagement: Customer service and outreach and deescalation techniques.
● Cognitive Skills: Problem-solving, Math, Analytical
● Interpersonal: Strong communication skills (written and oral) and the ability to work effectively in a team-based, collaborative environment.

Abilities
● Regulatory Application: Understanding and applying environmental rules and statutes.
● Procedural Adherence: Following guidance documents, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and other technical instructions.
● Reporting and Documentation: Preparing clear, entering concise, and accurate data.
● Synthesis: Summarizing completed tasks and monitoring data for both oral and written communication.

● Associate’s degree.
● Tech 1: 0-3 years’ environmental experience overseeing environmental regulations/policies or a Bachelor’s degree or higher in hydrology, geology, environmental sciences/management or chemistry or related environmental field with no prior experience.
● Tech 2: Requires 4 - 7 years’ environmental experience overseeing environmental regulations/policies or a Bachelor’s degree or higher in hydrology, geology, environmental sciences/management or chemistry or related environmental field with 1 - 5 years of experience.
● Tech 3: Requires 7-10 years’ environmental experience overseeing environmental regulations/policies or a Bachelor’s degree or higher in hydrology, geology, environmental sciences/management or chemistry or related environmental field with 6 - 8 yrs experience (Master’s degree may substitute for 2 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 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.