ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 2 - COMMUNITY LIAISON

The Environmental Science Specialist 2 - Community Liaison position at the State of Arizona involves bridging communication between the public and the agency, focusing on community engagement in Northern Arizona. Responsibilities include resolving environmental issues, providing information on regulations, and advocating for community needs. The role requires residing in the coverage area, strong communication skills, and knowledge of environmental regulations. Travel is necessary for community meetings.
About the position

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.

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

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

Nice-to-haves
• Bachelor's degree in environmental or science related field.
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• 2 years or more of relevant experience in a similar or related capacity including community engagement, public relations.

Benefits
• 10 paid holidays per year
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• Accrual of sick and annual leave beginning at 12 and 13 days per year respectively for full-time employees
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• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
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• A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
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• A robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability
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• An incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program
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• We promote the importance of work/life balance by offering workplace flexibility
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• We offer a variety of learning and career development opportunities