DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Address:  1110 W Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: 

Level 1: $43K - $48K

Level 2: $50K - $55K 

Grade: 20/21

Closing Date: Open until filled 

This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangement).

We have an immediate opening for an Environmental Scientist Specialist (Air Quality Meteorologist) in our Air Quality Division. In this role, you will be responsible for air quality forecasting and delivery; timely screening/analysis/demonstration of Exceptional Events; communication support with media requests; prescribed burn approval and wildfire forecast support; providing general weather and air quality data analysis and support across the Agency.

Major Responsibilities:
● 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, as well a smoke forecasting as it relates to rules governing the Smoke Management Program
● 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/implement new ideas and metrics that help support the mission and impact goals
● Provide meteorological support and problem solving skills across Units, Value Streams, and Divisions

● Prefer statistical analyses and coding skills using one or more of the following: VBA, Python, Java, R, HTML, PHP and/or GIS
● Prefer Knowledge of agency policies and processes including County, State and/or Federal air quality regulations; Arizona’s sources of air pollution, techniques and practices for preventing and remediating the release of air pollutants; and environmental enforcement processes

● Bachelor’s degree in meteorology, atmospheric science/chemistry, climatology, geographical science, environmental science or statistics.
● Level 1: 0-2 years of experience
● Level 2: 2 years of experience
● Strong customer service skills; ability to understand and interpret air quality rules, statutes and permits; ability to prepare clear, concise and accurate reports and compliance documentation; de-escalation and negotiation skills in the context of environmental enforcement; and excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
● Driver’s license – Possession of and the ability to retain a current valid state-issued driver’s license is required

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
· 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

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

ASRS Lifetime Pension Benefit

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. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.