Environmental Science Specialist

Apply for the Environmental Science Specialist (Safe Drinking Water Inspector) role at Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).

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.

Job Location: Water Quality Division, 1110 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Salary: Level 2: $50k - $60k;
Level 3: $65k - $70k
Grade: 21 or 22

Job Summary: The Environmental Science Specialist will be responsible for inspecting Public Water Systems (PWSs) throughout Arizona to ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The role includes file review, permit research, monitoring history assessment, onsite visits, writing compliance documentation, and responding to customer complaints about water quality.

This position is based out of the Phoenix office with a mix of 80% field and 20% remote work. Remote work may be available within Arizona depending onGR department needs and performance metrics.

Job Duties:

• Conduct inspections at regulated sites, file reviews, and complaint inspections throughout Arizona, traveling across the state and requiring overnight stays.
• Provide compliance assistance in the field and increase compliance during inspections.
• Collaborate with permitted facilities to reduce open compliance cases, violations, and the time required to achieve compliance.
• Reduce Safe Drinking Water Act violations and exceedances through inspections, outreach, and compliance assistance.
• Offer innovative solutions to recurring compliance and permitting issues.
• Use Gmail, Google Meets, Google Drive, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, Slides.
• Apply agency policies, interpret state and federal environmental regulations, environmental sciences, and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
• Implement Lean management/Arizona Management System principles—customer service, transparency, accountability, continuous improvement.
• Possess certified operator experience in water distribution and/or treatment; experience as a public water systems inspector is desirable.
• Demonstrate ability to balance, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks.
• Understand and apply environmental rules and statutes, guidance documents, SOPs, and other technical instructions.
• Prepare clear, concise, accurate reports; summarize tasks and monitoring data orally and in written communication.
• Maintain strong organizational skills and manage multiple projects stamina.
• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a team environment.

Selective Preferences:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biology, Microbiology, Environmental/Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Geology, or related disciplines.
• Level 2:
  Requires 2 years of environmental experience (Master’s may substitute for 2 years).
• Level 3:
  Requires 5 years of environmental experience (Master’s may substitute for 2 years).
• Position requires approximately 80% field/office and 20% work from home.
• Position requires overnight travel.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

This position requires driving or vehicle use as an essential function of the job. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

All newly hired State employees must complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E‑Verify).

Benefits include:

• 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 for newborn or newly placed foster/adopted child (pilot)
• Top‑ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
• Robustatı affordable insurance covering medical, dental, life, short‑term disability, and long‑term disability
• Incentivized commuter club and public transport subsidy program
• Workplace flexibility promoting work‑life balance
• Varietyamericanos learning and career development opportunities

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or alternative format by contacting HPO. Requests should be made early to allow time for(Exception). The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.