Environmental Science Specialist - Legal Specialist

Address: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Air Quality Division

Grade: 21

Job Summary:

This role involves drafting State Implementation Plans (SIPs) as mandated by the Clean Air Act. This includes developing pollutant-specific nonattainment areas, 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, air quality permits, and air quality 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 of: federal and state environmental rules and regulations, the Clean Air Act, and regulations governing administrative procedures.

Skill in: legal research and writing, project management, and understanding unfamiliar topic areas in order to educate management on those topics.

Ability to: understand rules and statutes; follow guidance documents and standard operating procedures; draft state rules and State Implementation Plans; ensure accuracy in legal research, citation, and formatting while maintaining an objective and impartial tone; prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports; as well as summarize completed tasks and air monitoring data orally and in written communication.

Selective Preference(s):

Bachelor’s degree or higher in fields such as law, public policy, environmental and/or natural resource policy, environmental/chemical engineering, environmental science, atmospheric chemistry, meteorology, environmental resource management or a related field preferred, but not required.

Juris Doctor Degree or a Paralegal Degree or Certification is preferred but not required.

Two years of experience required. A juris doctorate degree may substitute for 2 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).

Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there…