Environmental Science Specialist

Overview

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 1-3
AIR QUALITY INSPECTOR Job Location:
Address: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007 Air Quality Division Posting Details:
Salary: ESS 1 $ 45K-$50K, ESS 2 $ 50K-$60K, ESS 3 $ 65K-$70K;
Grade: 20-22;
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled (First Review 2/13/2026).

Job Summary:

As an Environmental Science Specialist with the Air Quality Compliance Unit, you serve as a frontline technical expert, conducting inspections of sources to determine compliance with air quality laws, rules and regulation.

Note:

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (4 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.

• Works approximately 50% in the field conducting site visits, data collection, inspections, and investigations of permitted facilities to ensure adherence to air quality standards.
• Review technical and program-specific documentation.
• Communicate and document observations and conduct tests to determine compliance with environmental standards.
• Writing detailed reports and issuing formal and informal notices of compliance.
• Provide technical assistance to the regulated community, staff, and the public pertaining to environmental impact and compliance.
• Manage and prioritize independent work assignments to meet project objectives.
• Interpret and apply air quality laws, rules, and regulations.
• Analyze test data to determine the compliance status of facilities.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of State and Federal environmental regulations, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of air quality facility types, processes, and emission control equipment.
• Knowledge of Agency policies and processes.

Skills:

• Developing and writing clear and concise technical documentation.
• Proficiency in using air monitoring equipment and conducting inspections to ensure adherence to air quality standards.
• Customer service, communicating complex regulatory information, guiding stakeholders back into compliance.

Abilities:

• Ability to understand and interpret environmental rules and statutes.
• Ability to balance, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks to complete assignments by applicable deadlines.
• Ability to synthesize feedback, adjust plans accordingly, and summarize completed tasks and recommendations for senior staff through reports.

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science/Studies/Technology, Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, or Environmental/Chemical Engineering.
• Level 1:
  Requires 0-2 years’ experience
• Level 2:
  Requires 2 years’ 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)
  • Environmental Professional in Training required for Level 3, or the ability to obtain within a year of hire.

Driver’s License Requirements:
This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business.

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…