ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL SPECIALIST 3

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 includes moderately complex legal analysis to support rule writing, including assisting with 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.

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 and write rules with relevant offices, including 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.
• Collaborate internally: Work with other ADEQ sections focused on air quality 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 state 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 aimed at measurable pollution reduction.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor Degree required.
• Five years of experience required.
  • 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.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
  • Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act.
  • Understanding of environmental sciences, pollution sources, and best practices for preventing pollutant releases.
  • Proficiency in environmental policy and regulatory research.
  • Ability to understand and apply environmental rules and statues, 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.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• If this position requires driving or 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).

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)
• A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
• An 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 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

Location

• 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
• Remote work: Full-time within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements), with work performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Equal Opportunity & 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.