Environmental Science Specialist 2

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is seeking results-oriented, driven individuals with a thirst for problem-solving to join their mission of protecting and enhancing public health and the environment in Arizona. This specific role, the Environmental Science Specialist 2 Border Environmental Specialist, is part of the Border Programs Unit and requires fluency in both English and Spanish. The position provides technical and operational support for binational environmental initiatives across the Arizona-Sonora border. Key responsibilities include maintaining air quality monitoring stations, conducting environmental research, performing technical analyses in air, water, and waste management, and supporting stakeholder communications and regulatory reporting. The role involves frequent travel across the U.S.-Mexico border and may offer remote work flexibility within Arizona.

Requirements

• Fluency in both English and Spanish is required.
• Federal, state, and environmental regulations, policies, and quality assurance principles applicable to air quality, water quality, and waste management.
• Operational mechanics, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and data collection protocols for ambient air quality monitoring equipment.
• Professional English and Spanish language conventions pertinent to technical, interagency, and cross-border environmental communications.
• Executing environmental research, data analysis, and technical report writing.
• Performing field inspections, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and documentation associated with air quality monitoring equipment.
• Bilingual communication (written and verbal in English and Spanish) with government representatives, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders.
• Apply environmental science principles and regulatory frameworks to analyze environmental data and resolve complex technical issues.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary, binational teams and build professional relationships across diverse agency stakeholders.
• Manage multiple project priorities independently, adapt to field and office work environments.
• Ability to conduct official state business travel across the U.S.–Mexico border.
• Arizona driver's license.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish required, sufficient to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in professional, technical, and operational settings.
• Must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental planning, natural resources, chemistry, biology, or another closely related field.
• Two years of experience in environmental science, environmental regulations, environmental policy, environmental monitoring, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot air quality monitoring stations in Nogales and San Luis Río Colorado, in Mexico.
• Conduct environmental research and perform technical analyses across air quality, water quality, and waste management domains.
• Support U.S. and Mexico stakeholder communications, data collection, and regulatory reporting.
• Provide technical and administrative support to Border Programs staff collaborating with U.S. and Mexican government partners.
• Assist with gathering environmental information, preparing meeting materials, documenting action items, and maintaining information to support binational environmental commitments and program activities.
• Compile, evaluate, and summarize environmental data, technical reports, and regulatory information to support program recommendations and decision-making.
• Perform operation and maintenance (O&M) for ADEQ air quality monitoring stations in Nogales and San Luis Río Colorado, in Mexico.
• Conduct station inspections, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs in coordination with Mexican technical staff and contractors.
• Assist Border Programs staff in executing department, binational, and federally funded environmental projects.
• Track schedules, deliverables, and records, while gathering information to identify and resolve routine project issues.
• Draft and compile sections of technical reports, project plans, presentations, fact sheets, and public communications.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and proper record-keeping for reporting requirements and stakeholder communications.
• Provide technical and logistical support during engagements with government agencies, contractors, community representatives, and the public, in the U.S. and Mexico.
• Prepare informational materials and route complex policy inquiries to appropriate subject matter experts.
• Organize and maintain program records, operational procedures, and technical reference materials.
• Improve accessibility and preserve institutional knowledge regarding air monitoring operations and unit activities.

Benefits

• 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
• Workplace flexibility
• A variety of learning and career development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level