Environmental Legal Specialist

State of Arizona; Washington; Remote; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A state agency is seeking an Environmental Legal Specialist to draft State Implementation Plans and conduct legal analyses mandated by the Clean Air Act. The candidate will engage with stakeholders and the public to develop compliant environmental regulations. This full-time role is available for remote work within Arizona.

Benefits

Paid Parental Leave

Flexible work schedule

Robust insurance plan

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal and state environmental rules and regulations.
• Ability to draft state rules and state implementation plans.
• Experience performing legal analysis and engaging with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Draft State Implementation Plans as mandated by the Clean Air Act.
• Conduct complex policy analyses referencing EPA guidance.
• Engage with the public and stakeholders to gather input.

Skills

Legal research and writing

Project management

Understanding unfamiliar topics

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant fields

Job description

Overview

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 Title

Environmental Legal Specialist

Job Location

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

Posting Details

Salary: $50K-$65K
Grade: 21
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

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, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge: federal and state environmental rules and regulations, the Clean Air Act, and regulations governing administrative procedures.
• Skills: legal research and writing, project management, and understanding unfamiliar topic areas in order to educate management on those topics.
• Ability: 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 Preferences

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. 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).

Benefits

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

Retirement

ASRS Lifetime Benefits

Contact

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.