Environmental Science Specialist

DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 2-3
Inspector

Job Location: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary Levels: Level 2: $50k - 60k;
Level 3: $65k - 75k

Grade: 21, 22

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

As an Environmental Science Specialist Inspector, you will conduct research and perform inspections in the Hazardous Waste Unit to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations. You will identify, abate, or eliminate sources of pollutants or hazards that affect the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, you will collect, synthesize, study, report on, and recommend actions based on data derived from field observations, facility inspections, file reviews, and measurements of air, soil, or water.

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (3 days per week in the office/hoteling). All remote work is to be performed within Arizona unless otherwise authorized.

• Review and evaluate moderately complex environmental permits, reports, facility designs, and data.
• Participate on site visits, data collection, inspections, and investigations regarding environmental topics.
• Provide technical guidance to industrial and municipal facilities, responsible parties, and individuals to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Perform inspections under direction of a unit lead or manager.
• Review technical documents for adherence to policies and regulations.
• Respond to customer inquiries in a timely and professional manner.

• State and federal environmental regulations pertaining to RCRA, solid waste, hazardous waste, environmental sciences, and research.
• Solid and hazardous waste determination practices.
• Regulations regarding the handling, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous substances.
• Implementation of enforcement actions.
• Spill and incident response.
• Environmental compliance sampling requirements for soil, water, and air.
• Hazardous waste generator requirements.
• Requirements for large‑quantity, small‑quantity, and very‑small‑quantity generators.
• Universal waste handler requirements.
• Arizona sources of pollution and best practices for preventing the release of pollutants.
• Agency policies and processes.

• Enthusiasm for identifying, analyzing, and solving problems and attention to detail.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to author detailed inspection reports, effectively explain code violations, and translate complex technical topics for facility operators and the public.
• Skilled in utilizing digital databases to track site conditions and progress, and to review, interpret, and analyze waste manifests, laboratory reports, and complex compliance metrics.

• Ability to conduct inspection activities, including organizing notes, taking pictures, and documenting responses.
• Ability to interpret environmental compliance records, environmental reports, and hazardous waste manifest forms.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with hazardous waste generators, property owners, concerned citizens, governmental agencies, and the public.
• Ability to understand and apply environmental rules and statutes; follow guidance documents, standard operating procedures, and other technical instructions, and prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports.
• Ability to balance, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks and complete assignments by applicable deadlines.

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management/Science/Criminal Justice Studies, Geology, Earth Sciences, Law or Sustainability discipline.
• Level 2: 2 – 4 years environmental experience.
• Level 3: 5 or more years’ experience.
  • Qualified Environmental Board for Global EHS Credentialing or an equivalent organization in a reciprocal jurisdiction preferred. If not available, professional certification through an accredited institution is preferred. Environmental Professional In-Training certification is required.
  • HAZMAT/HAZWOPER Certification preferred.

If driving or use of a vehicle is required as an…