Environmental Science Specialist 3-4 (Project Management)

Arizona State Government; Phoenix, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Sick & annual leave

Parental leave

Retirement benefits

Health insurance

Transit subsidy

Work-life balance

Training opportunities

Job summary

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join the Surface Water Protection Section. The ideal candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams of field staff, scientists, engineers, and legal experts to manage complex timelines and deliverables while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

This role offers full-time remote work within Arizona, with opportunities for in-person collaboration and quarterly meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, natural resources, or related field.
• CAPM or PMP certification preferred.
• 5+ years of project management experience for Level 3 or 8 years for Level 4.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across field, technical, and legal staff.
• Knowledge of Lean tools and the Arizona Management System (AMS).
• Ability to translate data into clear reports for leadership and the public.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional projects from inception to delivery with defined scope and timelines.
• Coordinate SMEs, permit writers, field inspectors, compliance officers, and legal staff.
• Oversee data integrity, analysis, interpretation, and QA of surface water data.
• Translate complex technical/regulatory data into actionable reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with federal, state, local agencies and stakeholders on protection initiatives.
• Provide daily mentorship and technical direction to teams of SMEs and staff.
• Cultivate an inclusive, high-performing team environment aligned with ADEQ values.
• Identify bottlenecks and apply Lean/AMS methods to improve efficiency.
• Champion new tools and technologies to improve program speed and accuracy.
• Attend quarterly in-person meetings.

Skills

Project management

Data analysis

Report writing

Public hearings

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in science/engineering/natural resources

CAPM or PMP certification

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 3-4 (Project Management)

Surface Water Protection Section

Job Location:

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

Posting Details:

Salary:

Level 3 $65K-$70K
Level 4 $80K-$85K

Grade: 22, 24

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Job Summary:

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our Surface Water Protection Section. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record leading multidisciplinary teams – including field staff, scientists, engineers, and legal experts – and managing complex project timelines.. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing Arizona's surface water resources while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

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:

• End-to-End Management: Lead cross-functional projects from inception to delivery, developing charters, defining scope, establishing realistic timelines, and tracking resource allocations.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Act as the central hub connecting Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), permit writers, field inspectors, compliance officers, and legal/technical staff to streamline workflows and achieve agency objectives.
• Data Integrity & Management: Oversee the analysis, interpretation, and quality assurance of surface water quality data.
• Technical Translation: Translate complex technical data and regulatory requirements into high-quality, actionable reports, executive summaries, and presentations for ADEQ leadership, EPA region 9, and diverse public audiences.
• Regulated Community Collaboration: Collaborate with federal, state, and local government agencies, tribal nations, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance surface water protection initiatives.
• Multidisciplinary Leadership: Provide daily guidance, mentorship, and technical direction to teams of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), permit writers, field inspectors, compliance officers, and legal/technical staff.
• Culture Building: Cultivate an inclusive, high-performing team environment aligned with ADEQ values, encouraging professional growth and data-driven problem-solving.
• Process Optimization: Proactively identify bottlenecks in process pipelines, implementing project management best practices and Lean/Continuous Improvement tools to boost efficiency and reduce backlog.
• Innovation: Champion new tools, automated workflows, or field technologies to enhance the overall effectiveness and speed of surface water protection efforts.
• Attend quarterly in-person meetings.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge

• Principles of project charting, milestone tracking, resource allocation, and budget management. Managing technical, engineering, or regulated administrative workflows.
• Lean tools, workflow automation, and the Arizona Management System (AMS) framework.
• Data analysis, interpretation, and reporting related to projects.
• Working with government agencies, community organizations, and industry stakeholders preferred.

Skills

• Managing complex, multi-phased projects from conception to completion.
• Interpreting complex data sets to ensure integrity and support legally defensible decisions.
• Translating dense technical data into clear reports and presentations for leadership and the public.
• Leading public hearings, navigating sensitive PR, and building consensus among diverse groups.
• Applying continuous improvement tools to eliminate bottlenecks and reduce backlogs.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse stakeholders.
• Interpreting state and federal regulations.

Abilities

• Guide, mentor, and provide technical directions to permit writers, inspectors, compliance officers, and legal staff.
• Cultivate an inclusive, collaborative team environment focused on data-driven problem-solving.
• Connect technical units and SMEs to streamline agency workflows.
• Adopt new technologies, software, and field equipment to improve program speed and accuracy.
• Balance competing regulatory deadlines, public scrutiny, and operational goals in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven leadership abilities, including experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.

Selective Preference(s):

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, natural resources management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Level 3: 5 years of experience in project management. A master's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related field may substitute for four years of experience.
• Level 4: 8 years of experience in project management. A master's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related field may substitute for four years of experience.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

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
• An 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.