Address:  1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007
Air Quality Division

Salary: $100k-$105k 

Grade: 26

Closing Date: OPEN until filled

The AQIP Section consists of two specialized units that support SIP process through emissions inventory analysis, pollution control strategy evaluation, emissions modeling, rule development, and the compilation and submission of SIPs to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The AQIP Section Manager is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for these two units, ensuring the timely and accurate completion of SIPs and other key air quality initiatives. This role requires a proactive and collaborative approach, working closely with the unit managers to oversee project process, maintain compliance with regulatory deadlines, and drive continuous improvement. The AQIP Section Manager serves as a key liaison between stakeholders, including local governments, industry representatives, community groups, and regulatory agencies, fostering strong partnerships throughout the SIP development process to ensure transparency and inclusivity. This position plays a vital role in supporting senior leadership through process improvements, policy recommendations, special initiatives, and other assignments as required.

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.

• Personnel Management: Leads and oversees the Section, composed of two specialized units that support the SIP process through emissions inventory analysis, pollution control strategy evaluation, emissions modeling, rule development, and the compilation and submission of SIPs to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ensures that Section employees produce consistent, high-quality work products in compliance with applicable requirements, goals, and within timeframes.
• Arizona Management System and Continuous Improvement: Provides leadership in implementation of the Arizona Management System and continuous improvement through coaching, facilitation, and investigation of Section standard work and practices.
• Budget and Grants: Directs and develops the Section’s annual program budget, which includes multiple funding sources (e.g. state funds, federal funds, and grants) in alignment with the agency’s strategic plan and applicable grant work plans. Oversees the management of budgets, contracts, grants, and work plans to ensure efficient resource allocation and compliance with funding requirements.

• Extensive Knowledge of the air quality science or engineering principles, air quality modeling, pollution control strategies or devices, and industrial processes; functional knowledge of toxicology, meteorology, general and organic chemistry, and advanced mathematics.
• Extensive Knowledge of state and federal regulations, the causes, control and mitigation of environmental pollution, enforcement procedures and legal protocols.
• Extensive knowledge of Federal and State air pollution control regulations regarding the development of SIPs and all required components of the plan (e.g. emission inventory, control strategies, modeling, rule development, etc.).
• Knowledge of management techniques, particularly the coordination of people and resources through result-driven leadership. Including task delegation, performance management, and development of strategic and operational plans.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn and apply LEAN concepts, and engaging people in continuous improvement.
• Skilled leader of a diverse environmental workforce (technical and legal), including experienced managers who oversee project managers to ensure deliverables are consistent, reliable, accurate, and timely.
• Skilled at planning, organizing and managing the Section's operation.
• Skilled in strategic planning and managing successful completion of program goals.
• Skilled in budget management including cost estimation, time scheduling methodologies, and contract management.
• Skilled and effective communicator, both verbal and written, to both internal and external customers, including writing technical reports, giving presentations, and facilitation of meetings.
• Ability to assess program needs, set strategic priorities, and effectively implement operating policies and procedures.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, standards, policies, and procedures to analytical work, ensuring well-supported and sound conclusions.
• Ability to effectively coordinate multiple ongoing projects and priorities, manage multiple sources of funding, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Ability to coach staff in identifying process inefficiencies and implementing effective solutions using Lean Management and Continuous Process Improvement tools.

• Bachelor of Science in an environmental field.
• 6-10 years of environmental experience in a regulatory agency, consulting firm, or private industry.
• 3 years of leadership experience (managerial or supervisory) in an environmental, regulatory, or industrial setting.

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.