Overview
This role involves drafting State Implementation Plans (SIPs) as mandated by the Clean Air Act. Responsibilities include developing pollutant-specific nonattainment area, infrastructure, and rule-based SIPs, along with other regulatory-required reports submitted to the U.S. EPA. The position also requires moderately complex legal analysis to support the rule-writing process, including rule development strategy, drafting rules, synthesizing information into clear and concise rule language, providing guidance on rule language and impact, and conducting outreach and engagement related to rule development.
This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements). All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.
Location
- 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Responsibilities
- Develop SIPs: Use accurate air quality data, control analysis methodologies, and technical modeling demonstrations to complete defensible SIPs.
- Conduct policy analysis: Perform complex policy analyses referencing EPA guidance, other state-level air regulations, and case law.
- Draft environmental regulations: Coordinate with the ADEQ Office of Administrative Council, the Governor’s office, and the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council to finalize and issue state environmental regulations.
- Engage with the public: Coordinate and host public meetings, hearings, and presentations for the regulated community and general public.
- Collaborate internally: Work with other air-quality-focused sections (data assessment and monitoring, permits, and compliance) to ensure SIPs and state rules are based on accurate data, relevant regulations, and applicable compliance methodologies.
- Collaborate externally: Work with federal and local agencies, including U.S. EPA, local air pollution control agencies, tribes, cities, counties, regulated facilities, and stakeholders to draft data-driven SIPs and state rules with the objective of measurable pollution reduction.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor degree required.
- Knowledge and skills:
- Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act.
- Understanding of environmental sciences, sources of pollution, and best practices for preventing the release of pollutants.
- Proficiency in environmental policy and regulatory research.
- Ability to understand and apply environmental rules and statutes, and follow guidance documents and standard operating procedures.
- Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports and summarize completed tasks and monitoring data orally and in written communication.
Selective Preferences
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in fields such as law, environmental/chemical engineering, environmental science, environmental policy, atmospheric chemistry, meteorology, environmental resource management, or a related field (preferred, but not required).
- Five years of experience.
- A master’s degree in a related field may substitute for 2 years of experience.
- A doctorate in a related field may substitute for 4 years of experience.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then Driver’s License Requirements apply.
- Newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: Level 3 $65K–$70K
- Grade: 22
- Closing Date: Open until filled
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 per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
- Top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
- Robust and affordable insurance plan including medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability
- Incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program
- Workplace flexibility to support work/life balance
- 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: ASRS Lifetime Benefit
Equal Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodation
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation (such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format). 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.