WASTE PROGRAMS DIVISION
1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
At ADEQ our vision is to be the number one state in the nation in balanced, leading-edge environmental protection; through technical and operational excellence; and radical simplicity for customers and staff. We are currently looking for employees who are committed to our Agency, passionate to excel in their career and engaged in our mission. Only this caliber of employee will be successful in driving our Agency towards accomplishing our vision.
As an entry level Environmental Science Specialist, you will conduct research and perform inspections in the Solid Waste Unit for the purpose of ensuring compliance with appropriate rules and regulations; you will be identifying, abating or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, you will collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend actions based on data derived from field observations, inspections of facilities, file reviews, or measurement/observations of air, soil or water and other sources.
Approximately virtual 30% and field 70%.
This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.
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 various sites, industrial facilities, and landfills to assess compliance with State and Federal regulations.
• Write detailed inspection reports and site evaluations that thoroughly describe site conditions to a legally defensible degree.
• Manage low level compliance enforcement actions for facilities that are found in violation of regulatory requirements.
• Respond to environmental complaints regarding violations of solid waste regulations.
• Participate on site visits, data collection, inspections, and investigations regarding environmental topics.
• Perform complex environmental calculations based on provided methodologies. Provide rigorous technical guidance to industrial and municipal facilities, responsible parties and individuals to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Perform inspections under direction of a unit lead or manager.
• Reviews technical documents for adherence to polices and regulations.
• Respond to customer inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Knowledge of State and Federal environmental regulations pertaining to solid waste, environmental sciences and research.
• Knowledge of AZ sources of pollution and best practices for preventing the release of pollutants.
• Knowledge of investigation techniques and statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of Agency policies and processes.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with Solid waste generators, property owners, concerned citizens, governmental agencies and the public
• Ability to understand and apply environmental rules and statutes; to follow guidance documents, standard operating procedures, and other technical instructions in performance of tasks; to prepare clear, concise and accurate reports; excellent verbal and written communication
• Enthusiasm for identifying, analyzing, and solving problems and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to balance, prioritize and organize multiple tasks and complete assignments by applicable deadlines.
• Bachelors of Science Degree in an environmental management/science/studies, geology, earth sciences, or sustainability discipline.
• HAZMAT/HAZWOPER Certification desired.
• Level 1 (grade 20): 0- 2-years environmental experience.
• Level 2 (grade 21): 2 – 4 years environmental experience.
This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, 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
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.