Environmental Science Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an Environmental Science Specialist Inspector, you will conduct research and perform inspections in the Hazardous Waste Unit for the purpose of ensuring compliance with appropriate rules and regulations; you will be identifying, abating or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, you will collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend actions based on data derived from field observations, inspections of facilities, file reviews, or measurement/observations of air, soil or water and other sources. In order to conduct inspections for this position, you are required to travel.

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (3 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.

• 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.
• Reviews technical documents for adherence to policies and regulations.
• Respond to customer inquiries in a timely and professional manner.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations pertaining to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), solid waste, hazardous waste, environmental sciences, and research.
• Knowledge of solid and hazardous waste determination practices.
• Knowledge of regulations regarding the handling, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous substances.
• Knowledge of the implementation of enforcement actions.
• Knowledge of spill and incident response.
• Knowledge of environmental compliance sampling requirements for soil, water, and air.
• Knowledge of hazardous waste generator requirements.
• Knowledge of requirements for large-quantity, small-quantity, and very-small-quantity generators.
• Knowledge of universal waste handler requirements.
• Knowledge of Arizona sources of pollution and best practices for preventing the release of pollutants.
• Knowledge of agency policies and processes.

Skills

• 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, alongside the ability to review, interpret, and analyze waste manifests, laboratory reports, and complex compliance metrics.

Abilities

• Ability to conduct inspection activities, which include 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 in the performance of tasks; prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports.
• Ability to balance, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks, and complete assignments by the 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.
  • Level 3: Qualified Environmental Board for Global EHS Credentialing (https://gobgc.org/epi/) or an equivalent organization in a reciprocal jurisdiction preferred. If not available, professional certification through an accredited institution is preferred. Professional through the; Environmental Professional In-Training certification required through the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (https://gobgc.org/epi/) or an equivalent organization in a reciprocal jurisdiction is required.
    HAZMAT/HAZWOPER Certification preferred.

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 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 program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

ASRS Lifetime Benefits

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.