DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

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

Salary:

Level 1 $60K-$65K

Level 2 $65K-$70K

Grade: 21, 22 

Closing Date: Open until filled 

The Watershed Improvement Unit in the Water Quality Division is looking for a Hydrogeologist to remediate abandoned hardrock mines that are polluting rivers and streams. The Hydrogeologist will be responsible for reviewing and evaluating remedial designs, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and providing technical expertise to address the environmental and public health risks associated with abandoned hardrock mines. The Hydrogeologist will work with a multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, and execute remediation projects. This role plays a key part in protecting and enhancing Arizona’s waterbodies for the enjoyment of people and wildlife.

This position offers telework options, but fieldwork is required (expect 70% office, 30% field) Fieldwork can include: hiking to remote locations, carrying equipment, being exposed to the elements, and occasional overnight travel. All fieldwork is conducted in pairs or groups

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.

• Develop and execute soil and stream sampling plans to quantify the extent of contamination
• Deploy and use technology to collect data, such as weirs, flow gauges, multiparameter probes, Arduino sensors, handheld XRF analyzers, game cameras, and data loggers
• Oversee and manage external consultants to deliver projects on time, within scope, and on or under budget
• Build and monitor accurate project schedules; track costs throughout the project’s lifecycle
• Foster relationships with private landowners and federal and state agencies to gain access to abandoned mines; negotiate access agreements
• Write and issue scopes of work; review project proposals; make procurement decisions
• Collaborate with external consultants to create remediation plans, evaluate project risks and propose mitigation measures
• Assist the design and review of remediation systems, including water treatment, soil stabilization measures, stormwater controls, and physical safety solutions
• Guide external consultants in preparing and submitting permit applications for remediation projects to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations
• Quantify the impacts of completed projects on stream quality, including chemistry and biological indicators
• Build and improve upon processes and workflows utilizing Lean methodology
  

• Comfortable working in the outdoors in remote field settings
• Knowledge of environmental laws, such as the Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and Endangered Species Act
• Knowledge of or familiarity with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)
• Strong interpersonal skills with relationship-building experience
• Familiarity with watershed science and best management practices
• Proficiency in conducting technical evaluations
• Experience using GIS tools such as ArcGIS, Field Maps, and Survey123
• Ability to clearly communicate technical subject matter
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple long-term projects and to coordinate and prioritize tasks with competing deadlines
• Experience in using virtual collaboration and visual management tools such as Trello and G Suite
  

• Hydrogeologist 1 Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field and 2-4 years of experience. 
• Hydrogeologist 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field and 2-4 years of experience. Master’s or Doctorate degree may substitute for 2 years of experience.
• Geologist-In-Training certification is not required but may be preferred.
  

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.