ENVIRONMENTAL HYDROGEOLOGIST

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality ADEQ; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) seeks a results-oriented Environmental Hydrogeologist to advance groundwater protection and water reuse initiatives in Arizona. The role blends field work with permit drafting and data analysis to support regulatory programs.

The position offers remote-friendly options with in-office needs and requires 1–2 days weekly field work across the state. Candidates should have hydrogeology expertise and strong communication skills to engage stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology with hydrogeology emphasis; Master’s may substitute for 2 years.
• 2 years of environmental experience.
• Arizona driver’s license.
• Geologist-in-training certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review APP applications for water reclamation facilities for completeness.
• Draft permits for internal, external, and public review.
• Support groundwater monitoring and pesticides monitoring programs via field sampling.
• Conduct data analysis and publish groundwater basin reports.
• Perform community outreach and education.
• Participate in field visits and conduct hydrogeological evaluations.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Problem solving

GIS & Office tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geology (with hydrogeology emphasis)

Job description

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.

ENVIRONMENTAL HYDROGEOLOGIST

Groundwater Reclamation & Reuse Individual Permits Unit

Job Location: Address: Water Quality Division 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Posting Details: Salary: $65K-$70K. Grade: 22. Closing Date: Open until filled.

Job Summary

We are looking for a Hydrogeologist to help drive our agency towards accomplishing our vision. We need our Hydrogeologists to be versatile and forward thinking about tackling problems, to think about problem solving “thinking outside the box” and have a combination of passion and technical skills for continuous improvement. If you get excited about problem solving and aren’t daunted by the challenge of building something from scratch, then our team might be your next step.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate individual Aquifer Protection Program (APP) applications for water reclamation facilities and recycled water permit applications for completeness.
• Write correspondence requesting additional information from applicants.
• Draft permits for internal, external, and public review and notice.
• Incorporate review comments and write final permits, Executive Summaries, and responsiveness summaries within established licensing time frames.
• Support the Groundwater Monitoring Program (GQMP) and Pesticides Monitoring Program (PMP) by conducting well sampling across the state of Arizona.
• Conduct data analysis and assist with publishing groundwater basin reports.
• Perform community outreach and education.

This position is eligible for remote work and is in the office as needed. This position requires approximately 1 -2 days a week of field work/outdoors.

Job Duties

• Participate in field visits to conduct well sampling, community outreach, data collection, inspections, and environmental investigations.
• Perform substantive and comprehensive technical hydrogeological evaluations and reviews of permit applications.
• Conduct administrative completeness reviews of submitted applications and draft formal correspondence requesting supplemental information as required.
• Prepare draft permits for internal and external review, as well as public notice and comment periods.
• Formulate final permits, Executive Summaries, and responsiveness summaries within mandatory licensing timeframes, incorporating stakeholder and public feedback.
• Assist in establishing standard work and external guidance documents for the Aquifer Protection Program (APP).
• Facilitate pre-application consultations and provide technical guidance to applicants during document preparation.
• Attend meetings, engage in professional development, and fulfill additional duties as assigned by agency management.
• Address customer inquiries in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

KNOWLEDGE

• State/federal environmental regulations and agency policies.
• Applied mathematics and statistics.
• Environmental chemistry, chemical structures, and transformations.
• Ground and surface water flow dynamics.
• Hydrogeological sciences.
• Chemical fate and transport in water systems.
• Arizona geography, aquifers, and surface waters.

SKILLS

• Strong customer service skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in computer software and technical tools, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office and GIS.

ABILITIES

• Work in office, remotely, and drive for state business as needed.
• Prioritize and organize multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
• Incorporate feedback and adapt plans accordingly.
• Report on task summaries and recommendations to senior staff.
• Write technical docs, interpret environmental rules for permit compliance, collect samples, and map surface/geologic data.
• Follow technical instructions, guidance, and SOPs.
• Coordinate office/field tasks and evaluate maps to assess contaminant flow.
• Build environmental models using site-specific data.

Selective Preference(s)

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Geology (with hydrogeology emphasis), or other similar degree. Master’s may substitute for 2 years of experience.
• 2 years of environmental experience.
• Arizona driver's license.
• “Geologist in-training” certification preferred through the Arizona Board of Technical Registration or an equivalent organization in a reciprocal jurisdiction preferred.

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).

Benefits

• 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

Retirement

Arizona State Retirement System Lifetime Benefits

Contact Us

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting [e-mail]. 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.