Address:  Water Quality Division/Surface Water Protection Unit
1110W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $18.00 

Grade: 4

Closing Date: Open until closed

At ADEQ our mission/vision is to protect and enhance public health and the environment in Arizona. Through consistent, science-based environmental regulation; and clear, equitable engagement and communication; With integrity, respect, and the highest standards of effectiveness and efficiency; Because Arizonans treasure the unique environment of our state and its essential role in sustaining well-being and economic vitality, today and for future generations.

The Water Quality Division is looking for a motivated environmental student to join our team! This is a fantastic chance to see how a regulatory agency tackles environmental science. Our Water Quality team is key to ADEQ's goal of protecting and improving public health and the environment.

As a Water Quality Intern, you will be assisting the Surface Water Protection Section conducting research for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect human health and the environment.

This position is available for remote work based on the ADEQ Intern Guidelines 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 a Permit Quality Report for the Surface Water Protection section to assess the quality of ADEQ’s Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination   System (AZPDES) permits.
• Assists the unit by reviewing and analyzing AZPDES individual and general permits.
• Completes analysis utilizing EPA Permit Quality Review Toolkit to complete their work.
• Will review and provide a Permit Quality Review of approximately ten individual permits and two general permits.

The intern will bring the following to the internship:

• A high level of attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills to ensure all technical data is managed effectively.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, meet deadlines, and assist with multiple projects.
• Ability to review and analyze large data sets to extrapolate information.
• Knowledge with technical writing and environmental research.
• A background in environmental science, specifically with an emphasis on water quality and data analysis.
• Proficiency in computer software programs, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.

The intern will gain experience in the following from this internship:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of our state regulatory programs, specifically focusing on water quality standards and the Arizona Pollutant  Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) permitting process.
• Gain valuable experience and knowledge in data analysis and perform tasks following the US EPA guidance documents.
• Develop professional skills in meta-analysis, effective teamwork, and project management within a regulatory environment.

• Student must be enrolled as a sophomore, junior or senior in a BS/BA degree program or a Masters/PhD program with a discipline in Hydrogeology, Geology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or related environmental discipline.
• Candidate must have a GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Candidate must have the right to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship.
• Candidate must be at least 18 years old.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

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.

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.