Operator Certification Coordinator -Environmental Science Specialist

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality ADEQ; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 paid holidays per year

Paid Parental Leave

Robust insurance plan

Retirement benefits

Work/life balance programs

Job summary

A government environmental agency in Arizona is looking for an Environmental Science Specialist 2/3 to join the Capacity Development Unit. This role includes supporting the Operator Certification Program for drinking water systems, coordinating training, and attending outreach events. Candidates should hold a relevant degree and possess experience in environmental outreach. The position offers a hybrid work model, allowing 90% remote work within Arizona. A commitment to public health and environment will drive success in this mission-oriented role.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of environmental outreach planning experience for ESS2 (grade 21).
• 5+ years for ESS3 (grade 22) with master's degree substituting for 2 years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Attend outreach events as a subject matter expert.
• Coordinate training events in both virtual and in-person formats.
• Prepare annual operations reports.
• Audit operator companies to ensure compliance.

Skills

Knowledge of the Safe Drinking Water Act

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Strong customer service skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science/studies/technology or equivalent

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.

Position

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 2/3

Operator Certification Coordinator ~ CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT UNIT

Job Location: Address: WATER QUALITY DIVISION - 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Posting Details: Salary: ESS2 $50K - $60K ~ ESS3 $65k - $70k
Grade: 21/22
Closing Date: OPEN until filled

Job Summary

We have an immediate opening for an Environmental Science Specialist - Operator Certification Coordinator in our Capacity Development Unit, Water Quality Division. As a member of the Capacity Development Unit, you will support the Operator Certification Program for drinking water systems. This includes implementing operator certification related legislation, including the development of operator training and providing oversight for operator testing. This position will also support operators through answering questions and solving problems concerning operators’ certifications, testing, or training.

This position is available for remote work per department needs within State of Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).

Position is 90% remote and 10% field/office.

All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Work Environment

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.

Job Duties

• Attend outreach events and representing ADEQ as a subject matter expert on the Operator Certification Program.
• Coordinate training events in a virtual and in person format.
• Prepare annual operations reports.
• Maintain Operator Certification committee meeting; membership, minutes, direction.
• Communicate with multiple internal and external customers on a variety of technical and nontechnical topics.
• Audit Operator Companies and contracts to ensure they meet all minimum standards as outlined by rule.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Arizona Administrative Code (specifically drinking water rules), and agency policies and processes, including County, State, and Federal drinking water regulations is advantageous.
• Knowledge of operational certifications in drinking water system operations, environmental risk, public health, hydrology, geology, or environmental law/policy.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with the ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise, and accurate communications.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong customer service skills to include communication with external customers.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply environmental rules and statues.
• Ability to follow guidance documents, standard operating procedures, and other technical instructions in performance of tasks; to prepare clear, concise and accurate reports; and to summarize completed tasks and/or monitoring data orally and in written communication.

Selective Preference

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science/studies/technology, earth sciences, statistics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, environmental management, or chemical/environmental engineering or an equivalent science discipline.
• ESS2 (grade 21): 2 - 5 years of environmental outreach planning and coordination experience (Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years’ experience).
• ESS3 (grade 22): 5 years or more of environmental outreach planning and coordination experience (Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years’ 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

Arizona State Retirement System 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.