ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 2 - COMMUNITY LIAISON

The State of Arizona is seeking an Environmental Science Specialist 2 - Community Liaison to enhance communication between the public and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. This role involves building relationships with local officials and stakeholders, addressing community environmental concerns, and requires knowledge of environmental regulations. The position allows for partial remote work within Arizona, with a significant amount of fieldwork in Northern Arizona.
DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

We are looking for results-oriented, driven individuals with a thirst for problem solving.

At Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) our mission is to protect and enhance public health and the environment in Arizona. Through consistent, science-based environmental regulation; and clear, equitable engagement and communication; with integrity, respect and the highest standards of effectiveness and efficiency. Because Arizonans treasure the unique environment of our state and its essential role in sustaining well-being and economic vitality, today and for future generations.

We are currently looking for employees who are committed to our Agency, passionate to excel in their career and engaged in our mission. Only this caliber of employee will be successful in driving our Agency towards accomplishing our mission.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 2 COMMUNITY LIAISON

Job Location:

Address: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007 Mission Partners Division

Posting Details

Salary: $50K-$60K

Grade: 21

Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Summary

As an Environmental Science Specialist 2 (Community Liaison) your main responsibility is to bridge the communication between the public and our Agency, by building and nurturing relationships with local government officials, community members and stakeholders in Northern Arizona region. This position will be a technical and regulatory resource for staff, stakeholders, customers, and the general public. The Community Liaison function will require residing in a community within the coverage area. This position will listen and learn about community issues, coordinate problem solving meetings both internally and externally, and advocate for solutions for the community’s needs. The Community Liaison needs to be able to resolve and respond to environmental concerns and is expected to lean on internal ADEQ knowledge to provide response to the public. The ESS 2 should have a deep understanding in at least one of ADEQ’s main divisions (air, water, waste) which will help to explain complicated environmental regulation to the community and how these regulations protect the community and the environment. The Community Liaison is the strong link between the community needs and ADEQ programs through interaction with the public and assistance with solutions. Travel is necessary for this position in order to meet the community where they are and live. An understanding of outreach methods and principles will be needed in this position as you coordinate engagement. The Environmental Science Specialist 2 Community Liaison will have excellent time and project management skills.

This position may be available for partial remote work within the state of Arizona with a 50% in field work within Northern Arizona.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties
• Facilitate and provide communication between the public and ADEQ.
• Actively engage with residents, businesses and other stakeholders, providing information about ADEQ programs, regulations, and available assistance.
• Work to resolve environmental issues by connecting individuals with relevant ADEQ programs and staff, ultimately leading to solutions.
• Respond to environmental complaints, providing compliance assistance, and representing ADEQ at regional meetings.
• Ensures that ADEQ programs are responsive to community needs and that the public is well-informed about environmental regulations and resources.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)
• Knowledge of State and Federal environmental regulations.
• Knowledge of Agency policies, processes and state/federal regulations regarding administration of Agency decisions.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to cope and adapt to changing priorities, work in a fast-paced environment, and under frequently stressful conditions.
• Ability to balance, prioritize and organize multiple tasks and complete assignments by applicable deadlines.
• Ability to synthesize feedback and adjust plans accordingly.
• Ability to understand and interpret environmental rules and statutes.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

Selective Preference(s)
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental or science related field.
• EES 2: 2 years or more of relevant experience in a similar or related capacity including community engagement, public relations.

Pre-Employment Requirements

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).

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.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement

ASRS Lifetime Benefits

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.