DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Address: 1110 W. Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Water Quality Division

Salary:  $16.50/hr

Grade: 04

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Surface Water Protection Unit at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is seeking an intern to join our team for Summer 2024. This internship is an exciting opportunity for a student to learn how the Surface Water Protection Unit for the Agency helps drive the ADEQ mission: protecting and enhancing human health and the environment.

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.

Intern Project/Outcome Expected from the Intern:

• The intern will assist ADEQ's project manager for the biosolids program in evaluating efficacy of program components, including Clean Water Act-required monitoring for contaminants, reporting, mapping, and inspections. Additionally, the intern will assist with analysis of water quality databases and gain understanding of how ADEQ uses that information to protect human health and the environment.

You will gain the following from this internship:

• Knowledge on how to navigate rule implementation for state agencies
• The intern will gain knowledge about the regulations and laws of the Clean Water Act and EPA and State regulations. This will provide the intern with a strong foundation in environmental regulations.
• Additionally, the intern will develop skills in data analysis and interpretation, including using mapping/GIS software and tools to analyze and present data. This will enable the intern to make data-driven decisions and recommendations for the Permits Unit.
• The intern will also gain experience in project management, including developing project plans, timelines and monitoring project progress.
• The intern will develop communication skills, including writing reports, presenting findings, and communicating with management and staff members.
• This will allow the intern to effectively communicate ideas, findings and recommendations.
• The intern will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by identifying issues, proposing solutions, and evaluating outcomes related to biosolids generation and application in Arizona.
• This will enable the intern to build skills to generally assess complex problems, formulate effective solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness.

You will bring the following to the internship:

• The intern should have a basic understanding of the Clean Water Act or be able to quickly learn.
• Furthermore, a strong foundation in environmental science, including the knowledge of the characteristics, properties, and impacts of pollutants on soil and water quality, is also important. Additionally, analytical skills are critical for gathering, interpreting, and analyzing data and information related to the biosolids program.
• The intern should also have strong oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with the Unit Manager, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Project management skills are required to prioritize tasks, work independently, and meet deadlines while assisting with various projects. Attention to detail is also essential to ensure the accuracy and completeness of data and reports.
• The intern should have the ability to work collaboratively with other interns, staff, and stakeholders in a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Computer skills are necessary to use computer software programs, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.
• Strong interpersonal skills are also necessary to interact with program managers, staff, and stakeholders effectively.

• Intern candidate must be in their Junior or Senior year of a BS/BA or working towards a Masters/PhD program.
• Selective preference will be given to students pursuing a degree in biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, or environmental policy.
• Candidate must have a GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Candidate must be at least 18 years old.

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).

Compensation is $16.50 per hour, up to 20 hours per week, with no other benefits provided.
It is up to the discretion of the respective school to provide academic credit.
The internship will begin in Summer 2024. Hours can be adjusted to accommodate class schedules.

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

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.