WASTE PROGRAMS DIVISION 1100 W. Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85007

Salary: $45K - $50K 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: Open until filled

As an entry level Environmental Science Specialist, you will conduct research and perform inspections in the Hazardous 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. In order to conduct inspections for this position, applicant is required to travel to the ADEQ Phoenix location on a frequent basis. THIS IS A PHOENIX BASED POSITION.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Maricopa County, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures. This position is 50% field and 50% remote. 

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 and evaluate moderately complex environmental permit applications, reports, facility designs, and data.
• Participate on site visits, data collection, inspections, and investigations regarding environmental topics.
• Provide 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 hazardous waste (RCRA), environmental sciences and research.
• Knowledge of AZ sources of pollution and best practices for preventing the release of pollutants.
• Knowledge of Agency policies and processes.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with hazardous 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, law or sustainability discipline.
• HAZMAT/HAZWOPER Certification desired.
• Level 1 (grade 20): 0- 2-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

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.