Environmental Quality Program Manager - Environmental Planner

Pima County; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima County Environmental Quality Department seeks an Environmental Planner to support environmental planning, rulemaking, and QA efforts. The role involves drafting rules with technical teams, coordinating with agencies, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.

The selected candidate will conduct data reviews, manage field operations, and contribute to public process activities such as meetings and hearings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, engineering or related field plus four years of professional level experience.
• Alternatively, two years of experience with Pima County as a Program Coordinator or related position.

Responsibilities

• Manages and supervises field operations for environmental monitoring programs, staff oversight, and safety compliance.
• Leads environmental planning and regulatory rulemaking to ensure legal compliance.
• Interprets and applies federal regulations, including EPA QA requirements under 40 CFR 50, 53, and 58.
• Implements QA systems, including QAPPs, SOPs, and Quality Management Plans.
• Performs data validation, Level II reviews, and audits to ensure data usability.
• Coordinates with stakeholders and oversees budgeting, procurement, and reporting duties.

Skills

Environmental planning

Regulatory rulemaking

QA procedures

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, or engineering

Two years with Pima County as Program Coordinator or related role

Job description

Job Description Summary

Job Description Summary Department - Environmental Quality Job Description OPEN UNTIL FILLED Job Type: Classified Job Classification: 5336 - Environmental Quality Program Manager Salary Grade: 14 Pay Range Hiring Range: $65,457 - $78,540 Annually Pay Range: $65,457 - $91,644 Annually Range Explanation: Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity. Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position. The first review of applications will be on 08/28/2026. The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality is seeking an Environmental Planner to assist with moderately complex environmental planning and rules analysis. This position will assist with the Department's rule writing and rule making process including drafting environmental rules through synthesizing information provided by the respective environmental program(s) into effective and concise proposed rules language. This role will also assist Department leadership with planning rule development and implementation strategies for the Department. The Environmental Planner is expected to have the ability to conduct formal rulemakings that include meaningful public processes (i.e. stakeholder meetings, public hearings, etc.). Additionally, the selected candidate must have the ability to understand and apply environmental rules and statutes; to follow guidance documents, standard operating procedures, and other technical instructions in performance of tasks; and to summarize completed tasks and/or monitoring data orally and in written communication.

Essential Functions

• Manages and supervises field operations for environmental monitoring programs, ensuring proper site maintenance, staff oversight, and adherence to safety protocols;
• Leads and executes environmental planning and regulatory rulemaking processes to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws;
• Interprets and applies federal regulations, particularly EPA QA requirements under 40 CFR Parts 50, 53, and 58, to align organizational practices with compliance standards;
• Implements and maintains quality assurance systems, including QAPPs, SOPs, and Quality Management Plans, to ensure the integrity and defensibility of environmental data;
• Conducts data validation and assessment, performing Level II reviews, statistical analysis, and certification audits to uphold the accuracy and usability of monitoring data;
• Provides QA oversight and guidance, reviewing operations, issuing quality control directives, and coordinating corrective actions to resolve data or procedural deficiencies;
• Manages program logistics and resources, including procurement, equipment tracking, permitting workflows, and budgeting processes;
• Supports staff development, overseeing training programs and offering technical assistance to promote consistent understanding and implementation of QA practices;
• Coordinates with stakeholders, engaging public water systems, agencies, and community representatives to foster collaboration, resolve issues, and facilitate access to resources;
• Conducts regulatory reviews and field inspections, including well siting, septic system evaluations, water sampling, and sewage investigations to protect public health;
• Manages administrative and reporting duties, from fee invoicing and CCR reviews to system activations, exemption determinations, and participation in regional work groups and meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in environmental science, biology, engineering or another program-related field, as defined by the department head at the time of recruitment AND four years of professional level experience in coordinating, monitoring, administering or managing program or specialized work unit activities. (Relevant professional level experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
• OR: Two years of experience with Pima County as a Program Coordinator or other related position as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment.

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in research, evaluation and/or interpretation of federal, state and/or local environmental regulations necessary for an environmental rule making process.
• Experience in professional writing to effectively communicate and document rule changes.
• Experience in coordinating and hosting public meetings, hearings, and presentations for the regulated community and general public with the objective of achieving effective rulemaking changes.
• Experience in collaborating with technical staff and/or various environmental programs to ensure proposed rules and regulations contain accurate and applicable information.
• Experience in professional planning in environmental and/or technical programs.

Selection Procedure

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid driver license is required at time of application.
• Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment.
• The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures.
• Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination.
• Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.

Special Notice Items

The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.

Physical/Sensory Requirements

• Action Activity - bending, reaching, stooping
• Motion Activity - grasping
• Speaking Activity - in person and on the phone
• Vision - operate motor vehicle, distinguish colors, have depth perception, peripheral vision

Working Conditions

Working conditions will be determined by the position.

EEO Information

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law. Pima County stands out as an exceptional workplace, offering a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and personal satisfaction. As one of the largest employers in the region, Pima County prioritizes its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique contributions of each employee. Embracing innovation and collaboration, Pima County provides multiple opportunities in which individuals can make a meaningful impact on their community. One of the key advantages of working for Pima County is its comprehensive benefits package. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security. Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well-being. Furthermore, Pima County takes pride in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs. In addition, a County-wide employee recognition program rewards employees who exemplify the County values of being accountable, respectful and ethical as well as providing great customer service. By joining Pima County, individuals become part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal: enhancing the quality of life for residents and building a vibrant future. Pima County is not just an employer; it's a community that values its employees, encourages their growth, and invests in their success.