DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

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

Salary:  

Level 3: $80k- $90k
Level 4: $90k- $99,854

Grade: 26, 28

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Environmental Engineer Specialist is responsible for performing and reviewing advanced air dispersion modeling and emission calculations to support air quality permitting and compliance functions. This role collaborates across departmental teams to establish model-driven permit conditions, maintain Arizona air quality modeling guidelines, and process meteorological databases. Additionally, the specialist conducts complex dispersion modeling for state general permit programs, community health assessments, and regional monitoring initiatives, while serving as a technical advisor to staff, regulated entities, and the public.

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.

• Review advanced air quality modeling for Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), Title V, and minor source permits
• Review advanced emission calculations for permit modeling
• Collaborate with permit writers to develop model-driven permitting conditions
• Develop and update air quality modeling guidelines for Arizona air quality permits
• Develop and update pre-processed meteorological databases for Arizona air quality permits
• Perform advanced air dispersion modeling supporting Arizona General Permit Program
• Perform complex air dispersion modeling supporting community-based air quality monitoring and health assessments
• Provide technical assistance to the regulated community, staff, and the public pertaining to permit modeling
• Review complex federal agencies' modeling guidelines
  

KNOWLEDGE

• Atmospheric science, meteorological theory, and air pollution reduction techniques
• State and Federal environmental rules, statutes, and regulations pertaining to air quality
• Department and state government organizational structures, statutes, and confidentiality standards
• Microsoft Office, G-Suite/Workplace applications, and scientific computer programming languages (FORTRAN, Python, R)

SKILLS

• Advanced mathematical modeling, quantitative analysis, and statistical evaluation
• Verbal and written communication, including technical report writing and documentation
• Effective time management, research, and fact-gathering capabilities
• Customer service and effective interaction with internal and external stakeholders

ABILITIES

• Balance, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks to consistently meet deadlines under pressure
• Interpret environmental regulations to assess compliance of permit applications, plans, and reports
• Work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment and initiative
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships and collaborate effectively within division teams
• Summarize findings and present technical recommendations to senior staff clearly and concisely

• Bachelor's in an engineering discipline.
• Level 3: Bachelor's in engineering discipline. 5 years' experience, including 2 years' experience running air dispersion models (Master's degree can substitute for 2 years of experience, Doctorate can substitute for 4 years of experience). Engineer in training certification required through the Arizona Board of Technical Registration or equivalent organization in reciprocal jurisdiction.
• Level 4: Bachelor's in engineering discipline. 8 years' experience, including 5 years' experience running air dispersion models (Master's degree can substitute for 2 years of experience, Doctorate can substitute for 4 years of experience). Professional Engineering certification through the Arizona Board of Technical Registration 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 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.