ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL SPECIALIST 3

Overview

This role involves drafting State Implementation Plans (SIPs) as required 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 performs moderately complex legal analysis to support rule writing, including rule development strategy assistance, drafting rule language, synthesizing information into clear and concise text, providing guidance on rule language and impact, and supporting public outreach and engagement related to rule development.

Remote work is available 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.

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 analysis referencing EPA guidance, other state air regulations, and case law.
• Draft environmental regulations: Write and 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 the general public.
• Internal collaboration: Coordinate 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.
• External collaboration: Work with federal and local agencies (including U.S. EPA, local air pollution control agencies, tribes, cities, counties, regulated facilities, and other stakeholders) to draft data-driven SIPs and state rules aimed at measurable pollution reduction.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act.
• Understanding of environmental sciences, sources of pollution, and best practices for preventing pollutant releases.
• 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.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree required.
• Experience: 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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).

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, 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).

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 (ASRS Lifetime Benefit)
• 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.

Location

• 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
• Remote work available full-time within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).