ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 1-2

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 1-2

Join a dynamic team of scientists, hydrogeologists, and project managers dedicated to restoring and protecting Arizona’s rivers and streams. As an Environmental Scientist in the Watershed Improvement Unit, you will lead and support projects that reduce pollution, restore impaired waterbodies, and protect healthy waters under the Clean Water Act Section 303(d).

We are looking for a motivated scientist to drive restoration and remediation efforts in priority watersheds - focusing on E. coli and metal contamination. This role will involve diverse projects such as:

• Remediating contaminated soils and streams impacted by abandoned hardrock mines.
• Restoring streams affected by E. coli sources, including recreation, septic tanks, and runoff.
• Implementing proactive projects to protect streams that currently meet water quality standards.

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (1 days per week in the office/hoteling).

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.

• Support and manage watershed restoration and remediation projects using project management best practices.
• Oversee partnerships with NGOs and consultants while providing subject matter expertise.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, permits, and design standards for restoration efforts.
• Conduct fieldwork, including site visits, stream and soil sampling, and equipment installations.
• Analyze environmental data, interpret findings, and communicate results effectively.
• Evaluate project effectiveness through data analysis and long-term monitoring.

• Knowledge of federal and state environmental laws (e.g., Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, NEPA, NHPA).
• Knowledge of watershed restoration best management practices (BMPs).
• Strong relationship-building skills to collaborate with private landowners, federal land managers, and state agencies.
• Project management skills to deliver projects on time, within budget, and within scope.
• Skilled in visual management tools, problem-solving, and developing Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to integrate multiple disciplines, such as environmental science, hydrogeology, and sustainability.

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Sustainability

• Level 1: Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field
• Level 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field and 2 years of experience

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).

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 programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

ASRS Lifetime Benefits

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.