ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SPECIALIST 3 - 4 (ASSOCIATE)

About the position At ADEQ our mission/vision 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 looking for an Environmental Engineer to help drive our agency towards accomplishing this mission/vision. The Environmental Engineer Specialist (EES) in our Safe Drinking Water (SDW) Section will review and evaluate environmental permit applications, reports, facility designs, plans and cost estimates. Develop permits, action plans and recommendations based on the review and evaluation. Support the critical initiative of updating the minimum design criteria rules for Public Water Systems (PWSs). Provide engineering review to the regulated community, staff, and the public pertaining to environmental impact and regulation. Assist in preparing environmental guidance documents. The specialist will also perform other related duties as assigned to support the Safe Drinking Water Section’s objectives. This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements) with occasional mandatory office meetings and onsite evaluations. 90% remote, 10% field 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.

Responsibilities

• Review engineering documents for public water system operations, maintenance, permitting, and treatment technologies for regulated community, staff, and public.
• Draft and revise design criteria documents reflecting current practices and technologies.
• Develop new guidance for complex treatment challenges (e.g., PFAS, lead and copper, biological treatment).
• Apply engineering knowledge and regulatory policy to align and implement sustainable revisions of public water system criteria.
• Act as a technical subject matter expert (SME) and provide technical facilitation during stakeholder engagement.
• Conduct site visits and resolve with public water systems compliance issues.
• Assist in preparing internal and external engineering guidance documents.
• Mentorship of staff and technically review of work of junior staff.
• Utilize Lean concepts to drive ongoing continuous improvement.
• Prepare engineering memos and other forms of technical writing for permits.
• Proficient in the interpretation of the Arizona Administrative Code and relevant Arizona Revised Statutes relating to the Safe Drinking Water Act.
• Develop environmental guidance documents, policies and outreach materials.
• Present at conferences and train internal/external staff.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Requirements

• Proficient knowledge of civil or environmental engineering principles and practices.
• Expert-level knowledge of State and Federal environmental regulations, specifically Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
• Thorough understanding of Agency policies, processes and state/federal regulations governing the administration of Agency decisions.
• Expert-level of engineering and regulatory policy.
• Detailed knowledge of water system design.
• Proficiency in using the Google Suite for communication, collaboration, and document management.
• Effectively facilitate technical discussions and manage customer interactions.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and keen attention to detail.
• Prioritize, balance, organize and manage multiple tasks and assignments to meet established deadlines.
• Synthesize feedback and adjust strategies as necessary.
• Interpret environmental rules and statutes to ensure permit applications, plans, and reports comply with requirements; seek legal clarification for routine matters.
• Adhere to technical instructions, standard operating procedures, and guidance documents when executing tasks.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or related engineering field with a focus in one or more of the following; environmental, civil, or chemical engineering.
• 5 or more years of engineering experience.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) is required, Professional Engineer (PE) certification (preferred) through the Arizona Board of Technical Registration or equivalent organization in reciprocal jurisdiction.
• Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years of experience and Doctorate may substitute for 4 years of experience.
• 8 or more years of engineering experience.
• Professional Engineering (PE) certification through the Arizona Board of Technical Registration or an equivalent organization in a reciprocal jurisdiction is required.
• Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years of experience and Doctorate may substitute for 4 years of experience.

Benefits

• 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

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