ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL SPECIALIST 3

Overview

This position is located at 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007, within the Air Quality Division. The role offers a salary range of $65,000 to $70,000 (Level 3, Grade 22) and remains open until filled. It is available for full-time remote work within Arizona, including virtual office arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Develop State Implementation Plans (SIPs) as required by the Clean Air Act, including pollutant-specific nonattainment area, infrastructure, and rule-based SIPs.
• Prepare other regulatory reports for submission to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Perform moderately complex legal analysis to support rule writing.
• Assist in planning rule development strategies, drafting rules, and synthesizing information into clear, concise rule language.
• Provide guidance on rule language and its impact.
• Conduct outreach and engagement related to rule development.
• Utilize accurate air quality data, control analysis methodologies, and technical modeling to complete defensible SIPs.
• Conduct complex policy analyses referencing EPA guidance, state air regulations, and case law.
• Draft and coordinate environmental regulations with relevant state offices and regulatory review councils.
• Coordinate and host public meetings, hearings, and presentations for regulated communities and the general public.
• Collaborate internally with sections focused on air quality data assessment, monitoring, permits, and compliance.
• Work externally with federal and local agencies, tribes, cities, counties, regulated facilities, and stakeholders to draft data-driven SIPs and state rules aimed at measurable pollution reduction.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree required.
• Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act.
• Understanding of environmental sciences, pollution sources, and pollution prevention best practices.
• Proficiency in environmental policy and regulatory research.
• Ability to interpret and apply environmental rules, statutes, guidance documents, and standard operating procedures.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports and summaries.
• Five years of relevant experience; a master's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience, and a doctorate may substitute for four years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in law, environmental or chemical engineering, environmental science, environmental policy, atmospheric chemistry, meteorology, environmental resource management, or related fields is preferred but not required.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• If driving or vehicle use is essential to the job, a valid driver’s license is required.
• Successful completion of the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify) is mandatory for all newly hired state employees.

Compensation & Benefits

• 10 paid holidays annually.
• Accrual of sick leave and annual leave starting at 12 and 13 days per year respectively for full-time employees.
• Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks per year for newborn or newly placed foster/adopted children (pilot program).
• Lifetime pension benefits through a top-ranked retirement program.
• Comprehensive and affordable insurance plans including medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability.
• Incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program.
• Workplace flexibility promoting work/life balance.
• Various learning and career development opportunities.

Remote work is offered as a management option and may be modified or terminated at the agency’s discretion.

Location

This position is based in Phoenix, Arizona, with full-time remote work permitted within the state.

Equal Opportunity

Reasonable accommodations are available for persons with disabilities upon request. The employer is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.