ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 2-3 PERMIT WRITER

Arizona Department of Administration • Flagstaff, AZ

4d • $50,000 - $75,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is seeking results-oriented and driven individuals with a thirst for problem-solving to join their Surface Water Protection Section. The mission of ADEQ is to protect and enhance public health and the environment in Arizona through science-based regulation and clear, equitable engagement. This role is for an Environmental Science Specialist who will review permit applications and develop permits for the Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (AZPDES) permit program. The position involves conducting research and drafting pollutant limits to identify, abate, or eliminate sources of pollutants or hazards affecting human health and the environment. The specialist will use knowledge of various scientific disciplines to collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend actions based on permit application reviews or facility details. This position is available for full-time remote work within Arizona.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the federal Clean Water Act and Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) regulations –known as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) on a federal level.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment plant operation, mining operations, industrial operations, environmental engineering, compliance and enforcement strategies.
• Knowledge of AZ sources of pollution, best practices for preventing the release of pollutants, environmental research, investigation techniques and statistical analysis, Agency policies and processes.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to schedule, conduct and manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Strong communications skills.
• Skilled in dataset management, metric production, and secure data handling.
• Ability to understand and apply environmental rules and statues.
• Ability to follow guidance documents, standard operating procedures, and other technical instructions in performance of tasks.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports; and to summarize completed tasks and/or scientific data orally and in written communication.
• Ability to work independently and in a team based collaborative environment effectively.
• Professional in Training Certification or equivalent is required through the Institute of Professional Environmental Practice (IPEP) or an equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelors of Science Degree in an environmental/chemical, hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, biology, earth science or an equivalent science discipline.
• Level 2 (grade 21): 2-5 years environmental experience (Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years’ experience).
• Level 3 (grade 22): 5 or more years of environmental experience (Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years’ experience).

Responsibilities

• Review, evaluate, and process complex surface water protection permit applications and technical submittals for regulatory adherence.
• Perform complex environmental calculations using established methodologies and process large datasets to solve complex environmental issues.
• Serve as a technical resource to municipal facilities, regulated entities, and the public to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
• Assist in researching, drafting, and updating technical guidance documents and updating standard operating procedures.
• Manage and execute short- and long-term environmental projects under the direction of a unit lead or manager.
• Respond to customer inquiries promptly, professionally, and accurately.
• Review technical documents for adherence to Arizona surface water rules and regulations.

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