ENIVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 2 - ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE SPECIALIST

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 RESPONSE SPECIALIST

Job Location: Emergency Response Unit, Waste Programs Division 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007 Salary: $50K-$60K Grade: 21 Closing Date: OPEN until filled We have an immediate opening for an Environmental Science Specialist 2 (ESS2) – Environmental Response Specialist in our Emergency Response Unit (ERU), Waste Programs Division. The ERU is dedicated to reducing casualties, property loss, and environmental impacts stemming from chemical accidents, fires, and various pollutant discharges. In this role, you will be responsible for the coordination of resources and actions aimed at the preparation for, response to, and investigation of pollutant or hazardous material incidents and risks. Our team ensures continuous readiness while operating on a 24/7 basis to provide an immediate response to any environmental emergency. Ability to be on call and work any time in a 24-hour period, all days of the week. Key Responsibilities Preparedness & Planning – Review emergency and safety plans, conduct risk assessment, and participate in training, drills, and exercises. Response Coordination – Respond to actual or potential hazardous material incidents impacting the environment. Conduct atmospheric monitoring. Oversight of emergency response contractors. Documentation & Compliance – Situation reporting and compliance management. Produce and provide timely reports to leadership and other stakeholders. Customer support – Tier II and spill reporting support. Serve as a technical resource for external stakeholders, customers, and the general public. Job Duties Emergency Response & Field Operations Response Management – Respond to actual or potential hazardous materials emergencies and coordinate response activities between ADEQ divisions and other first responders. Operational Execution – Plan, implement, and monitor clean‑up and disposal activities; conduct maintenance and calibration of emergency response equipment. Field Investigation & Assessment – Conduct complex field investigations to evaluate hazards and threats, perform scientific studies to assess damage and the adequacy of clean‑up efforts, and handle a broad range of response, assessment, and monitoring duties for complex emergencies. Public Engagement & Stakeholder Collaboration Public & Agency Outreach – Build communication between the public and the Agency by establishing relationships with stakeholders, local officials, and community members. Provide information about ADEQ programs, regulations, and assistance, such as grant funding. Customer & External Support – Provide customer‑facing support for EPCRA Tier II and spill reporting notifications; offer technical advice to other local, state, and federal agencies regarding environmental damage from hazardous spills. Professional Development & Networking – Attend Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meetings, training, workshops, and exercises. Documentation, Compliance & Analysis Reporting & Data Analysis – Write detailed reports based on research and data evaluation; prepare clear status reports, preliminary damage assessments, and after‑action evaluations. Regulatory Oversight – Determine appropriate monitoring and sampling strategies and ensure all local, state, and federal safety regulations and ordinances are strictly met. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge State and Federal environmental laws and regulations (e.g., EPCRA, Arizona Revised Statutes) Knowledge of OSHA Safety Standard 29 CFR 1910.120 Microsoft Office and the G‑Suite/Workplace Skills Proficiency in delivering high‑quality customer service Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills Proficient problem solving, problem analysis, and resolution Analyze, interpret, and communicate rules, statutes, and regulations Abilities Collaborate alongside scientists, engineers, public safety personnel, and government officials Demonstrate initiative and effective prioritization Collaborate as a team player across several divisions Establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with agency staff and the public Apply LEAN concepts and engage in continuous problem solving Be organized, analytical, professional, and a problem solver Report work status, issues, and inquiries promptly Selective Preference(s) Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in physical sciences, biological sciences, chemical sciences, environmental sciences, environmental studies, public health, engineering, emergency management, or homeland security. Environmental Science Specialist 2 (G21): 2 or more years of professional and/or technical experience involving emergency response field activities associated with environmental or atmospheric conditions that pose potential public health hazards and/or significant adverse environmental effects, especially those involving potentially acute hazards. Alternative: 2 years or more of specialized military training and experience in handling hazardous materials or related fields. OSHA 40‑hour training or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire. Pre‑Employment Requirements Driver’s license required; requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state‑issued driver’s license. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training. Physical required at offer stage. All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E‑Verify). 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 Workplace flexibility promoting work/life balance Variety of learning and career development opportunities Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion. Retirement Arizona State Retirement System 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Arizona State Government