ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 2-3

This position conducts inspections of regulated activities that may release pollution into Arizona’s protected surface waters. Inspectors determine compliance with issued permits, respond to spills or releases, investigate complaints, and draft comprehensive reports.

Field work is expected two to three days per week and involves driving statewide. Beyond field duties, you will promote compliance by issuing notices of violation and tracking compliance activities in multiple electronic media. The successful candidate is motivated to conduct field work in a supportive team environment to meet agency goals established to protect the designated uses of washes, streams, and lakes.

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (3 days per week in the office/hoteling).

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.

• Conduct routine facility inspections at construction sites, industrial facilities, and wastewater treatment plants to assess compliance with Clean Water Act permits, and State and Federal regulations.
• Respond to environmental complaints regarding surface water regulation violations.
• Write detailed inspection reports and site evaluations that provide a legally defensible description of site conditions.
• Manage low level compliance enforcement actions for facilities that are found in violation of regulatory requirements.
• Conduct various levels of public outreach to the permitted community and to inquiring stakeholders.
• Conduct research or perform investigations for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population.
• Gather, analyze, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, soil, water, and other sources.
• Other duties are assigned as related to the position.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Federal, State, and County surface water regulations including the Clean Water Act and Arizona Administrative Code.
• Environmental inspections, environmental sciences and research.
• Wastewater system operations, wastewater and stormwater best practices.
• Wet-weather pollution management.
• Lean improvement methodologies.

SKILLS:

• Gathering and organizing facts, information, data, and maintaining files and records.
• Developing standardized documentation.
• Use of common computer software such as G-Suite/Workplace and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Communicating effectively in verbal and written form.
• Utilizing standard work to efficiently complete a process.
• Interpreting and applying environmental regulations.
• Preparing clear, concise, accurate technical reports.
• Attention to detail, work accuracy, and time management.
• Performing mathematical calculations.
• Providing prompt customer service.

ABILITIES:

• Think critically and analyze situations.
• Solve complex problems.
• Communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, technical experts, and diverse audiences.
• Develop standard work to effectively complete a process.
• Manage tasks with an appropriate level of urgency.

• Bachelor’s degree in hydrology, geology, environmental management/science or sustainability.
• Level 2: Requires 2 years’ experience
• Level 3: 5 years of experience (Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related field may substitute for four years of experience)
o Environmental Professional in Training or equivalent credited certification required for Level 3, or the ability to obtain within a year of hire.

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

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.