ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 2-4

Arizona Department of Administration • Flagstaff, AZ

2d • $50,000 - $85,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is seeking results-oriented and driven individuals with a passion for problem-solving to join their mission of protecting and enhancing public health and the environment in Arizona. ADEQ values consistent, science-based environmental regulation, clear and equitable engagement, and communication with integrity, respect, and high standards of effectiveness and efficiency. They are looking for employees committed to the agency, passionate about excelling in their careers, and engaged in the mission. This specific role is for an Environmental Science Specialist (ESS, Air Quality Meteorologist) in the Air Quality Division, available for full-time remote work within Arizona.

Requirements

• Standard skills in meteorology
• Fire or smoke management
• Forecasting techniques
• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Arizona’s sources of air pollution and pollutants of concern
• Techniques and practices for preventing and remediating the release of air pollutants; and environmental enforcement processes
• Researching and compiling information
• Coding and statistical analysis related to meteorological or air quality data using programs/languages like VBA, Python, Java, R, GIS, etc.
• State and Federal statutes, rules and regulations as they pertain to the Clean Air Act
• Agency policies and processes including County, State and/or Federal air quality regulations
• Microsoft Office and the G-Suite/Workplace
• Proficient in problem-solving, analysis, and resolution
• Technical writing
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Commitment to consistent, high-quality customer service
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate air quality rules, statutes and permits, and technical information
• Apply LEAN concepts, analytical thinking, sound judgement, and continuous problem-solving techniques
• Work effectively under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines through effective organization and prioritization
• Ability to gather and analyze facts and information
• Respond to inquiries with tact, diplomacy, professionalism, and timely information
• Collaborate effectively as a team player across agency and with external stakeholders
• Assist ADEQ communications staff with written, verbal, and on-camera media requests
• Organize, prioritize and complete multiple assignments accurately and efficiently
• Establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with agency staff and the public
• Ability to de-escalate conflicts and apply negotiation skills in the context of environmental enforcement complaint response
• Work independently with minimal supervision while promptly communicating work status, issues, and inquires
• Demonstrate professionalism, initiative, analytical skills, and strong problem-solving abilities

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in meteorology, atmospheric science/chemistry, climatology, geographical science, environmental science or statistics
• Environmental Science Specialist 2 (G21): 2 or more years of forecasting experience and a basic understanding of Air Quality
• Environmental Science Specialist 3 (G22): 5 or more years of forecasting experience and an advanced understanding of Air Quality. Master’s degree in a related meteorological or environmental field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related meteorological or environmental field may substitute for 4 years of experience
• Environmental Science Specialist 4 (Associate, G24) – 8 or more years of forecasting experience and a comprehensive knowledge of Air Quality. Master’s degree in a related meteorological or environmental field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related meteorological or environmental field may substitute for 4 years of experience

Responsibilities

• Forecasting and delivering air quality reports
• Conducting timely screening, analysis, and demonstration of Exceptional Events
• Supporting communication for media requests
• Reviewing and processing prescribed burn requests for approval and providing wildfire forecast support
• Providing general weather and air quality data analysis and support throughout the Agency
• Analyze previous day’s weather and air quality data for use in developing daily air quality forecasts
• Provide support within a team environment to ensure all forecasts are posted on time
• Maintain situational awareness of weather and air quality across Arizona and the southwest, and be prepared to respond to questions from internal and external customers as required
• Perform analyses of existing data to better understand the variables that contribute to local pollution
• Collect, analyze, and compile weather and air quality data to support documentation and/or demonstration of Exceptional Events
• Assist Federal, State, and Local land managers in the preparation of Prescribed Burn Plans, Daily Prescribed Burn Requests, and Burn Accomplishments, and conducting smoke forecasting in accordance with the Smoke Management Program rules
• Create smoke forecasts for prescribed and wildfire to aid in public and regulatory decision making
• Initiate and/or participate in problem solving as it relates to existing products, services, or processes
• Develop and/or implement new ideas and metrics that help support the mission and impact goals
• Provide meteorological support and problem-solving skills across all levels of the agency

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