ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 2-3 PERMIT WRITER

Arizona Department of Administration; Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson (AZ, AZ, AZ); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Medical insurance

Transit subsidy

Work-life balance

Job summary

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) seeks an Environmental Science Specialist to review permit applications and draft AZPDES permits. The role involves conducting research, applying science to identify pollutant limits, and preparing technical reports.

Remote work is available within Arizona; duties cover both independent and team-based collaboration in protecting water quality. Successful candidates will have a BS in an environmental field and experience with environmental

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Strong communications skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret environmental rules and apply procedures.

Responsibilities

• Review, evaluate, and process complex surface water protection permit applications and technical submittals.
• Perform environmental calculations and process large datasets to solve issues.
• Serve as a technical resource to facilities, entities, and the public for compliance guidance.
• Draft and update technical guidance documents and SOPs.
• Manage short- and long-term environmental projects under supervision.
• Respond to customer inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Review documents for adherence to Arizona surface water rules.

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. 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

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 2-3 PERMIT WRITER

SURFACE WATER PROTECTION SECTION
WATER QUALITY DIVISION

Address: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary:

ESS 2 $50K-$60K

ESS3 $65-$75K

Grade: 21, 22

Closing Date: Open Until Closed

Job Summary:

We have an immediate opening for an Environmental Science Specialist in our Surface Water Protection Unit, Water Quality Division. As an Environmental Science Specialist, we will rely on you to review permit applications and develop permits for the Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (AZPDES) permit program. As a permit writer, you will conduct research and draft pollutant limits for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect human health and the environment. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, you may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on the reviews of permit applications or facility details.

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:

• Review, evaluate, and process complex surface water protection permit applications and technical submittals for regulatory adherence.
• Perform complex environmental calculations using established methodologies and process large datasets to solve complex environmental issues.
• Serve as a technical resource to municipal facilities, regulated entities, and the public to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
• Assist in researching, drafting, and updating technical guidance documents and updating standard operating procedures.
• Manage and execute short- and long-term environmental projects under the direction of a unit lead or manager.
• Respond to customer inquiries promptly, professionally, and accurately.
• Review technical documents for adherence to Arizona surface water rules and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the federal Clean Water Act and Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) regulations –known as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) on a federal level.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment plant operation, mining operations, industrial operations, environmental engineering, compliance and enforcement strategies.
• Knowledge of AZ sources of pollution, best practices for preventing the release of pollutants, environmental research, investigation techniques and statistical analysis, Agency policies and processes.

Skills:

• Strong organizational skills and ability to schedule, conduct and manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Strong communications skills.
• Skilled in dataset management, metric production, and secure data handling.

Abilities:

• Ability to understand and apply environmental rules and statutes.
• Ability to follow guidance documents, standard operating procedures, and other technical instructions in performance of tasks.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports; and to summarize completed tasks and/or scientific data orally and in written communication.
• Ability to work independently and in a team based collaborative environment effectively.

Selective Preference(s):

• Bachelors of Science Degree in an environmental/chemical, hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, biology, earth science or an equivalent science discipline.
• Level 2 (grade 21): 2-5 years environmental experience (Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years’ experience).
• Level 3 (grade 22): 5 or more years of environmental experience (Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years’ experience).
• Professional in Training Certification or equivalent is required through the Institute of Professional Environmental Practice (IPEP) or an equivalent.

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

Retirement:

ASRS 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.

Advertised: 14 Aug 2026 US Mountain Standard Time