ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 2-4

The State of Arizona is hiring an Environmental Science Specialist (Air Quality Meteorologist) for its Air Quality Division in Phoenix, AZ. This position involves air quality forecasting, data analysis, and communication support. It offers a full-time remote work option within Arizona. The role requires problem-solving skills and a commitment to the agency's mission of protecting public health and the environment.
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 2-4

Job Location:

Address: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Air Quality Division

Posting Details:

Salary:

Level 2 $50K-$60K

Level 3 $65K-$70K

Level 4 $80-85k

Grade: 21-24

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Job Summary:

We have an immediate opening for an Environmental Science Specialist (Air Quality Meteorologist) in our Air Quality Division. In this role, you will be responsible for air quality forecasting and delivery; timely screening/analysis/demonstration of Exceptional Events; communication support with media requests; prescribed burn approval and wildfire forecast support; providing general weather and air quality data analysis and support across the Agency.

This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).

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:

• Analyze previous day’s weather and air quality data for use in developing daily air quality forecasts
• Provide support within a team environment to ensure all forecasts are posted on time
• Maintain situational awareness of weather and air quality across Arizona and the southwest, and be prepared to respond to questions from internal and external customers as required.
• Perform analyses of existing data to better understand the variables that contribute to local pollution
• Collect, analyze, and compile weather and air quality data to support documentation and/or demonstration of Exceptional Events
• Assist Federal, State, and Local land managers in the preparation of Prescribed Burn Plans, Daily Prescribed Burn Requests, and Burn Accomplishments, as well a smoke forecasting as it relates to rules governing the Smoke Management Program
• Create smoke forecasts for prescribed and wildfire to aid in public and regulatory decision making
• Initiate and/or participate in problem solving as it relates to existing products, services, or processes
• Develop/implement new ideas and metrics that help support the mission and impact goals
• Provide meteorological support and problem-solving skills across all levels of the agency.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of agency policies and processes including County, State and/or Federal air quality regulations; Arizona’s sources of air pollution, techniques and practices for preventing and remediating the release of air pollutants; and environmental enforcement processes
• Strong customer service skills; de-escalation and negotiation skills in the context of environmental enforcement; and excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; strong statistical analyses and coding skills using one or more of the following: VBA, Python, Java, R, and/or GIS
• Ability to understand and interpret air quality rules, statutes and permits; to prepare clear, concise and accurate reports and compliance documentation;

Selective Preference(s):

Bachelor’s degree in meteorology, atmospheric science/chemistry, climatology, geographical science, environmental science or statistics
• Level 2: 2-4 years of experience. Master’s or Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience.
• Level 3: 5 years of experience. 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. 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.

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.

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.