ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL SPECIALIST 3

Location: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007 (fully remote within Arizona)

About the role

This role involves drafting State Implementation Plans (SIPs) as mandated by the Clean Air Act. This includes developing pollutant-specific nonattainment area, infrastructure, and rule-based SIPs, as well as other regulatory required reports to be submitted to the U.S. EPA. You will also perform moderately complex legal analysis to support the rule writing process, including assisting in planning the overall 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop SIPs: Utilize 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: 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 general public.
• Internal Collaboration: Work closely with other ADEQ Sections focused on air quality data assessment and monitoring, permits, and compliance to ensure SIPs and state rules are based on and contain accurate data, relevant regulations, and applicable compliance methodologies.
• External Collaboration: Work closely 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 with the objective of achieving measurable pollution reduction.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor Degree required.
• 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.
• 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, as well as follow guidance documents and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports as well as summarize completed tasks and monitoring data orally and in written communication.

Pay

$65,000 – $70,000 annually

Benefits

• 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
• Workplace flexibility, including full-time or part-time remote work options within Arizona
• Variety of learning and career development opportunities

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).