DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Address: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Water Quality Division

Salary:

ESS 2: $50K-$60K
ESS 3: $65K-$70K

Grade: 21, 22

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Surface Water Protection Permit Writer is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and issuing permits related to the Clean Water Act. This role requires a thorough understanding of environmental regulations and the ability to communicate complex legal and technical information effectively. The Permit Writer will collaborate with internal teams, including compliance and inspections staff, to ensure that permits align with regulatory requirements and promote environmental protection. Additionally, the position involves engaging with stakeholders and the public to address inquiries and provide guidance on permitting processes.

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.

• The Permit Writer will develop and draft Clean Water Act permits, ensuring they comply with federal and state regulations.
• Conduct thorough reviews of permit applications, evaluating technical reports, and ensuring that all necessary documentation is complete and accurate.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and compliance staff to assess potential environmental impacts and establish appropriate permit conditions.
• Provide technical guidance to applicants and stakeholders throughout the permitting process.
• Respond to inquiries related to permit requirements, engage in public outreach, and participate in public meetings as needed.
• Monitor compliance with permit conditions and assisting in the evaluation of compliance reports.
• Other duties may include preparing reports for management, participating in inter-agency coordination, and staying current on changes to environmental regulations and best practices.

• Knowledge of:
  
  Federal and state environmental regulations, particularly the Clean Water Act and associated permitting processes; principles of environmental science and engineering; best practices for water quality management; and public engagement strategies related to environmental permitting.
• Skill in:
  
  Technical writing and documentation, including the ability to draft clear and comprehensive permit applications; analytical skills for evaluating technical data and reports; effective communication, both written and verbal, for engaging with diverse stakeholders; and project management skills to oversee the permit writing process from initiation to issuance.
• Ability to:
  
  Analyze complex regulatory requirements and apply them effectively to permit writing; collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and compliance staff, to develop sound permit conditions; think critically and solve problems related to environmental impacts and compliance; manage multiple permit applications simultaneously while meeting deadlines; and maintain positive relationships with applicants, stakeholders, and the public.

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental or Chemical Engineering, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Geology, Biology, Earth Science or Law.

Level 2:

• Minimum 2 years of experience

Level 3:

• Minimum 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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 pilot 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.