ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

4d • $60,000 - $76,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office Environmental Protection Unit is seeking an Environmental Specialist to assist with civil investigations relating to environmental issues across Arizona. The employee will support attorneys by investigating environmental complaints, conducting interviews with interested parties, and reviewing technical documents. This role requires an objective, analytical investigator who can balance technical rules with public communication and litigation workflows. The ideal candidate has experience in environmental science and possesses an understanding of environmental policy, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a commitment to ecological stewardship.

Requirements

• A general understanding of Arizona statutory authority and strategies and techniques for conducting investigations.
• Knowledge of Arizona and federal environmental laws, environmental regulation, and environmental science.
• Knowledge of administrative and civil litigation.
• Knowledge of techniques for conducting interviews and preparing reports.
• Knowledge of asset tracing techniques.
• Knowledge of computer programs, terminology and programming related to environmental enforcement actions.
• Knowledge of federal policies like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, and NEPA.
• Knowledge of agency policies and procedures.
• Skills in communicating effectively with people of various backgrounds.
• Basic interview skills.
• Skills working with other team members including attorneys, environmental scientists, experts, and administrative staff.
• Skills interpreting and applying complex state and federal laws in environmental cases; analyzing and accurately interpreting large amounts of information; using a computer and software to prepare reports and perform complex data analysis; and using investigative resources to discover information.
• Skills in investigating, reading, understanding, and interpreting financial information and data.
• Ability to coordinate activities with other government agencies.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to examine and evaluate evidence and data in the investigation of environmental violations.
• Ability to accurately assemble and organize documents for large complex cases.
• Ability to maintain chain-of-custody and evidence control procedures.
• Ability to conduct interviews.
• Ability to effectively communicate results of investigations both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively manage a challenging workload by applying sound organizational and time management principles.
• Travel is required for this position.
• A valid Arizona Driver’s License is required, along with consent to have your driving record run periodically.
• All applicants under serious consideration for hire with the Attorney General's Office are required to be fingerprinted by the Office and complete a criminal background check through State and Federal agencies.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Biology, or a related natural science field is preferred.
• The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2–4 years of professional experience in an environmental compliance or protection capacity.

Responsibilities

• Use investigative tools to aid attorneys with civil environmental investigations.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local environmental laws to ongoing business operations.
• Conduct interviews of witnesses in civil environmental investigations.
• Evaluate engineering plans, technical designs, and applications for state-issued environmental permits.
• Investigate public reports of water contamination, air pollution, and other potential environmental hazards.
• Prepare clear, concise, grammatically correct and detailed written reports to document aspects of the investigation.
• Compile and analyze evidence from witnesses, corporations, and municipalities in preparation for an administrative hearing or civil lawsuit.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with attorneys and provide testimony as needed in administrative and civil court hearings.
• Provide support to other AGO employees and perform administrative tasks related to investigations.
• Be safety conscious and use proper work methods by following standard agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
• Use investigative tools to collect information about potential polluters and other entities engaged in conduct of potential harm to the environment.
• Obtain and analyze information from witnesses/citizens, corporations, and other government agencies in preparation for administrative hearings and civil lawsuits.
• Confer with supervisor, assistant attorneys general, and other AG staff to discuss findings and recommendations.
• Attend meetings with case attorneys to plan case strategy.
• Assist in the development of court filings and related documents.
• Testify in court, administrative hearings, and depositions.
• Perform administrative tasks such as attend staff meetings; complete timecards and status reports; scan and copy documents; and assist with training.

Benefits

• Student Loan Assistance
• Sick leave
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree