Enivironmental Science Specialist - Environmental Response Specialist

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.

Job Location: Emergency Response Unit, Waste Programs Division
1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $50K-$60K

Grade: 21

Closing Date: OPEN until filled

We have an immediate opening for an Environmental Science Specialist 2 (ESS2) – Environmental Response Specialist in our Emergency Response Unit (ERU), Waste Programs Division. The ERU is dedicated to reducing casualties, property loss, and environmental impacts stemming from chemical accidents, fires, and various pollutant discharges. In this role, you will be responsible for the coordination of resources and actions aimed at the preparation for, response to, and investigation of pollutant or hazardous material incidents and risks.

Our team ensures continuous readiness while operating on a 24/7 basis to provide an immediate response to any environmental emergency.

Ability to be on call and work any time in a 24-hour period, all days of the week.

• Preparedness & Planning – Review emergency and safety plans, conduct risk assessment, and participate in training, drills, and exercises.
• Response Coordination – Respond to actual or potential hazardous material incidents impacting the environment. Conduct atmospheric monitoring. Oversight of emergency response contractors.
• Documentation & Compliance – Situation reporting and compliance management. Produce and provide timely reports to leadership and other stakeholders.
• Customer support – Tier II and spill reporting support. Serve as a technical resource for external stakeholders, customers, and the general public.

Emergency Response & Field Operations

• Response Management – Respond to actual or potential hazardous materials emergencies and coordinate response activities between ADEQ divisions and other first responders.
• Operational Execution – Plan, implement, and monitor clean‑up and disposal activities; conduct maintenance and calibration of emergency response equipment.
• Field Investigation & Assessment – Conduct complex field investigations to evaluate hazards and threats, perform scientific studies to assess damage and the adequacy of clean‑up efforts, and handle a broad range of response, assessment, and monitoring duties for complex emergencies.

Public Engagement & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Public & Agency Outreach – Build communication between the public and the Agency by establishing relationships with stakeholders, local officials, and community members. Provide information about ADEQ programs, regulations, and assistance, such as grant funding.
• Customer & External Support – Provide customer‑facing support for EPCRA Tier II and spill reporting notifications; offer technical advice to other local, state, and federal agencies regarding environmental damage from hazardous spills.
• Professional Development & Networking – Attend Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meetings, training, workshops, and exercises.

Documentation, Compliance & Analysis

• Reporting & Data Analysis – Write detailed reports based on research and data evaluation; prepare clear status reports, preliminary damage assessments, and after‑action evaluations.
• Regulatory Oversight – Determine appropriate monitoring and sampling strategies and ensure all local, state, and federal safety regulations and ordinances are…