Environmental Science Specialist

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge

• 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

Skills

• 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

Abilities

• 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 inquiries
• Demonstrate professionalism, initiative, analytical skills, and strong problem-solving abilities

Selective Preference(s):

• 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

Pre-Employment Requirements: If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

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

Benefits: Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there are:

• 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
• We promote the importance of work/life balance by offering workplace flexibility
• We offer a variety of learning and career development opportunities

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.

Retirement: Arizona State Retirement System

Contact Us: 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.