Environmental Science Specialist 3-4 (Project Management)

Environmental Science Specialist 3-4 (Project Management)

Surface Water Protection Section

Address:  Address: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary:

Level 3 $65K-$70K
Level 4 $80K-$85K

Grade: 22, 24

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our Surface Water Protection Section. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record leading multidisciplinary teams – including field staff, scientists, engineers, and legal experts – and managing complex project timelines.. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing Arizona's surface water resources while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).

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.

• End-to-End Management: Lead cross-functional projects from inception to delivery, developing charters, defining scope, establishing realistic timelines, and tracking resource allocations.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Act as the central hub connecting Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), permit writers, field inspectors, compliance officers, and legal/technical staff to streamline workflows and achieve agency objectives.
• Data Integrity & Management: Oversee the analysis, interpretation, and quality assurance of surface water quality data.
• Technical Translation: Translate complex technical data and regulatory requirements into high-quality, actionable reports, executive summaries, and presentations for ADEQ leadership, EPA region 9, and diverse public audiences.
• Regulated Community Collaboration: Collaborate with federal, state, and local government agencies, tribal nations, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance surface water protection initiatives.
• Multidisciplinary Leadership: Provide daily guidance, mentorship, and technical direction to teams of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), permit writers, field inspectors, compliance officers, and legal/technical staff.
• Culture Building: Cultivate an inclusive, high-performing team environment aligned with ADEQ values, encouraging professional growth and data-driven problem-solving.
• Process Optimization: Proactively identify bottlenecks in process pipelines, implementing project management best practices and Lean/Continuous Improvement tools to boost efficiency and reduce backlog.
• Innovation: Champion new tools, automated workflows, or field technologies to enhance the overall effectiveness and speed of surface water protection efforts.
• Attend quarterly in-person meetings.

Knowledge

• Principles of project charting, milestone tracking, resource allocation, and budget management. Managing technical, engineering, or regulated administrative workflows.
• Lean tools, workflow automation, and the Arizona Management System (AMS) framework.
• Data analysis, interpretation, and reporting related to projects.
• Working with government agencies, community organizations, and industry stakeholders preferred.

Skills

• Managing complex, multi-phased projects from conception to completion.
• Interpreting complex data sets to ensure integrity and support legally defensible decisions.
• Translating dense technical data into clear reports and presentations for leadership and the public.
• Leading public hearings, navigating sensitive PR, and building consensus among diverse groups.
• Applying continuous improvement tools to eliminate bottlenecks and reduce backlogs.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse stakeholders.
• Interpreting state and federal regulations.

Abilities

• Guide, mentor, and provide technical directions to permit writers, inspectors, compliance officers, and legal staff.
• Cultivate an inclusive, collaborative team environment focused on data-driven problem-solving.
• Connect technical units and SMEs to streamline agency workflows.
• Adopt new technologies, software, and field equipment to improve program speed and accuracy.
• Balance competing regulatory deadlines, public scrutiny, and operational goals in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven leadership abilities, including experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, natural resources management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Level 3: 5 years of experience in project management. A master's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related field may substitute for four years of experience.
• Level 4: 8 years of experience in project management. A master's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience. Doctorate in a related field may substitute for four years of experience.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

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).

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 program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

ASRS Lifetime Benefits

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting [email protected].

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.