ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 3 - 4 PROJECT MANAGER

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is hiring an Environmental Science Specialist 3 - 4 Project Manager to oversee complex environmental projects related to water quality. This full-time remote position is available for candidates within Arizona and involves leading initiatives for surface water protection, managing project charters, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Responsibilities include data analysis, mentoring teams, and implementing project management best practices.
About the position

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our Surface Water Protection Section. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing complex environmental projects related to water quality and protection. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing Arizona's surface water resources while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.\nThis position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).\nThe 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.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute complex projects focused on Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) permitting, compliance, water quality monitoring, and field inspections.Develop comprehensive project charters, realistic milestones, and resource-allocated budgets to ensure on-time, within-scope delivery.Act as the central hub connecting Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), permit writers, field inspectors, compliance officers, and legal/technical staff to streamline workflows and achieve agency objectives.Oversee the analysis, interpretation, and quality assurance of surface water quality data.Translate complex environmental data and regulatory requirements into high-quality, actionable reports, executive summaries, and presentations for ADEQ leadership, EPA region 9, and diverse public audiences.Collaborate with federal, state, and local government agencies, tribal nations, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance surface water protection initiatives.Provide daily guidance, mentorship, and technical direction to teams of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), permit writers, field inspectors, compliance officers, and legal/technical staff.Cultivate an inclusive, high-performing team environment aligned with ADEQ values, encouraging professional growth and data-driven problem-solving.Proactively identify bottlenecks in process pipelines, implementing project management best practices and Lean/Continuous Improvement tools to boost efficiency and reduce backlog.Champion new tools, automated workflows, or field technologies to enhance the overall effectiveness and speed of surface water protection efforts.Attend quarterly in-person meetings.Requirements

Clean Water Act (CWA), NPDES/AZPDES frameworks, and state/federal water quality compliance.Principles of project charting, milestone tracking, resource allocation, and budget management.Surface water monitoring protocols, QA/QC data procedures, and inspection methodologies.Lean tools, workflow automation, and the Arizona Management System (AMS) framework.Roles of EPA Region 9, state, local, and tribal agencies in Arizona water protection.Managing complex, multi-phased environmental projects from conception to completion.Interpreting complex data sets to ensure scientific integrity and support legally defensible decisions.Translating dense scientific and regulatory data into clear reports and presentations for leadership and the public.Leading public hearings, navigating sensitive PR, and building consensus among diverse groups.Applying continuous improvement tools to eliminate bottlenecks and reduce backlogs.Guide, mentor, and provide technical direction to permit writers, inspectors, compliance officers, and legal staff.Cultivate an inclusive, collaborative team environment focused on data-driven problem-solving.Connect technical units and SMEs to streamline agency workflows.Adopt new technologies, software, and field equipment to improve program speed and accuracy.Balance competing regulatory deadlines, public scrutiny, and operational goals in a fast-paced environment.Strong understanding of state and federal regulations governing surface water quality and environmental protection.Demonstrated experience in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting related to environmental projects.Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse stakeholders.Proven leadership abilities, including experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.Experience working with government agencies, community organizations, and industry stakeholders preferred.Nice-to-haves

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, natural resources management, or a related field.Master's degree preferred.Level 3: 5 years of experience in project management related to environmental law and/or regulation, permitting, and monitoring. A master's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related field may substitute for four years of experience.Level 4: 8 years of experience in project management related to environmental law and/or regulation, permitting, and monitoring. A master's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related field may substitute for four years of experience.Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI).Benefits

10 paid holidays per yearAccrual of sick and annual leave beginning at 12 and 13 days per year respectively for full-time employeesPaid 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 benefitsA robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disabilityAn incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy programWe promote the importance of work/life balance by offering workplace flexibilityWe offer a variety of learning and career development opportunities