Environmental Specialist - Environmental Quality

Job Description Summary
Department - Environmental Quality Job Description

REVISED

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Type: Classified

Job Classification: 5533 - Environmental Specialist

Salary Grade: 11

Pay Range

Hiring Range: $56,555 - $67,870 Annually

Pay Range: $56,555 - $79,164 Annually

Range Explanation:

• Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
• Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

The first review of applications will be on 06/12/2026.

The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is seeking an inspector to join our team of environmental professionals. The successful candidate will primarily inspect large and small quantity generator facilities for Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) compliance, respond to complaints, and conduct inspections for other PDEQ waste and water programs (including aquatic facility construction, public water systems sanitary surveys, onsite waste, and sewage overflows). This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department's need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

• Provides information to department staff, the public and regulated industry, concerning environmental quality and health issues;
• Performs inspections, research, and analysis, and reviews to ensure compliance with established rules, regulations and statutes and completes reports;
• Prepares, reviews and approves plans and applications for applicable permits;
• Oversees, monitors and coordinates assigned environmental, safety or health programs, e.g., pollution prevention and sustainability, to ensure compliance with environmental quality, health and safety regulations and criteria;
• Plans, organizes and implements environmental and health programs, e.g., pollution prevention and sustainability, for department, area of assignment, regulated industries and the general public;
• Coordinates environmental quality and health and hazardous materials identification and remediation programs with other public, county, state and federal programs and agencies;
• Advises and consults with management, public officials, professional, civic, industry and other groups, organizations and individuals regarding environmental quality and health activities;
• Develops, analyzes, interprets and implements County ordinances and/or policies, state and federal laws regulating environmental quality and health;
• Establishes and maintains liaison relationships and coordinates specific activities with management, other departments, public and private agencies, organizations, groups, and public officials regarding environmental quality and health activities;
• Maintains, monitors, and coordinates creation and maintenance of appropriate records and data and ensures they are up to date and in compliance with regulations and policies;
• Responds to citizen complaints/inquiries or conducts enforcement activities regarding environmental quality and health.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in environmental science, environmental health, sanitation, public health, engineering hydrology or a closely related field as defined by the department director at the time of recruitment AND one year of experience in the environmental or health fields.

OR:

Two years of experience with Pima County as a Laboratory Chemist, Environmental Analyst or Environmental Health Specialist I, or a combination of experience in two or more of the cited classes or other similar level position as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment.

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.


Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

• Experience coordinating and participating in regulatory field inspections and compliance evaluations of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
• Experience with/knowledge of environmental inspections and complaint investigations.
• Experience coordinating and participating in regulatory field inspections and compliance evaluations of water/wastewater systems.
• Experience presenting and explaining information to the regulated community and the general public.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.

Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information:

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant's suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services' review and approval of the candidate's driving record. Some positions may require possession of a current Certificate of Registration to practice as a Registered Sanitarian in the State of Arizona at the time of appointment or prior to completion of initial/promotional probation. Failure to obtain/maintain the required licensure/certification/registration shall be grounds for termination.

Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Some positions may require work in remote or limited access areas and terrain exposed to dust and pollen; work for prolonged periods in extreme heat, cold, moisture, and humidity; occasional use of protective equipment due to potential exposure to hazardous substances, i.e., asbestos. Some positions may require preventative immunizations such as Hepatitis and Tetanus. Some positions within this classification that are not covered by the requirements of OSHA's Blood Borne Pathogen program may be offered, at County expense, the Hepatitis B series of vaccinations due to potential exposure to raw sewage and sharps (discarded needles/syringes). This position will require a post-job offer physical and/or drug screen.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position. Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions: Working conditions will be determined by the position. Action Activity - bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching, squatting, stooping; Motion Activity - grasping; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas, on a radio, behind themselves, equipment alarms; Speaking Activity - in person, on the phone, on a radio, on a cell; Vision Activity - operate a motor vehicle, distinguish colors, depth perception, peripheral vision.

EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.