ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL SPECIALIST 3

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 LEGAL SPECIALIST 3

Job Location:

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

Air Quality Division

Salary

Posting Details:

Level 3 $65K-$70K

Grade: 22

Closing Date: Open until filled

Job Summary

This role involves drafting State Implementation Plans (SIPs) as mandated by the Clean Air Act. This includes developing pollutant-specific nonattainment area, infrastructure, and rule-based SIPs, as well as other regulatory required reports to be submitted to the U.S. EPA. You will also perform moderately complex legal analysis to support the rule writing process. This includes assisting in planning the overall rule development strategy, drafting rules, synthesizing information into clear and concise rule language, providing guidance on rule language and impact, and conducting outreach and engagement related to rule development.

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

• Develop SIPs: Utilize accurate air quality data, control analysis methodologies, and technical modeling demonstrations to complete defensible SIPs.
• Conduct Policy Analysis: Perform complex policy analyses referencing EPA guidance, other state level air regulations, and case law.
• Draft Environmental Regulations: Write and coordinate with the ADEQ Office of Administrative Council, the Governor’s office, and the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council to finalize and issue state environmental regulations.
• Engage with the Public: Coordinate and host public meetings, hearings, and presentations for the regulated community and general public.
• Internal Collaboration: Work closely with other ADEQ Sections focused on air quality data assessment and monitoring, permits, and compliance to ensure SIPs and state rules are based on and contain accurate data, relevant regulations, and applicable compliance methodologies.
• External Collaboration: Work closely with federal and local state agencies, including U.S. EPA, local air pollution control agencies, tribes, cities, counties, etc., regulated facilities, and stakeholders to draft data driven SIPs and state rules with the objective of achieving measurable pollution reduction.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act.
• Understanding of environmental sciences, sources of pollution, and best practices for preventing the release of pollutants.
• Proficiency in environmental policy and regulatory research.
• Ability to understand and apply environmental rules and statues, as well as follow guidance documents and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports as well as summarize completed tasks and monitoring data orally and in written communication.
  
  

Selective Preference(s)

• Juris Doctor Degree required.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in fields such as law, environmental/chemical engineering, environmental science, environmental policy, atmospheric chemistry, meteorology, environmental resource management or a related field preferred, but not required.
• Five years of experience. A master’s degree in a related field may substitute for 2 years of experience. A doctorate in a related field may substitute for 4 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 Benefit

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.