ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is seeking results-oriented, driven individuals with a thirst for problem solving. Our mission is to protect and enhance public health and the environment in Arizona through consistent, science-based environmental regulation; clear, equitable engagement and communication; and the highest standards of effectiveness and efficiency. We are looking for employees committed to our agency, passionate about excelling in their career, and engaged in our mission.

About the role

We’re looking for a motivated Environmental Technician (Levels 1-3) to join our dynamic Water Quality team. This is a unique opportunity to play a vital role in protecting Arizona’s environment by supporting the delivery of essential regulatory services—such as Subdivision Health Certificates and Pesticide Renewal licenses—while helping maintain seamless application intake and compliance. This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona, including virtual office arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Data Entry and Application Review
  • Conduct application intake for multiple types of permits.
  • Lead the processing of Notices of Intent (NOIs) via online database systems, ensuring all submittals meet regulatory standards.
  • Perform complex analysis of environmental data to verify compliance and identify and recommend process improvements to streamline permitting workflows.
• Customer Assistance
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for Type 4 general permits, responding to complex inquiries.
  • Coordinate and lead technical training sessions for external customers and stakeholders.
• Compliance Tracking
  • Proactively manage permit renewals, fee schedules, and annual reporting requirements.
  • Coordinate monitoring activities with external groups, evaluate complex compliance challenges, and implement effective solutions to ensure adherence to agency requirements.
• Manage the Application Lifecycle
  • Compile, review, and submit highly technical documents (blueprints, calculations, environmental reports) to local, state, and federal agencies.
  • Input data into a state database software system; meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks efficiently while under pressure.
• Monitor Compliance
  • Track permit expiration dates and ensure active sites follow approved plans.
• Act as Regulatory Liaison
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for developers and engineering firms.
  • Negotiate solutions for rejected plans and submit necessary revisions to keep projects on track.
• Manage Budgets & Fees
  • Calculate, process, and track all permit fees, surety bonds, and accounts.
• Problem Solving & Improvement
  • Provide innovative solutions to recurring compliance and permitting issues.

Requirements

• Knowledge
  • Technical Systems: Database entry and processing in complex systems managed by the Agency.
  • Regulations and Policies: Agency policies and processes; interpretation of State and Federal environmental regulations.
  • Scientific Principles: Environmental sciences, environmental research, investigation techniques, and statistical analysis.
  • Pollution Prevention: Arizona-specific sources of groundwater pollution and best practices for preventing the release of groundwater pollutants.
• Skills
  • Permit Coordination: Ability to schedule, conduct, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Technical Proficiencies: Experience using Google Office, Excel, databases internal to the state of Arizona.
  • Professional Engagement: Customer service and outreach and de-escalation techniques.
  • Cognitive Skills: Problem-solving, math, analytical.
  • Interpersonal: Strong communication skills (written and oral) and the ability to work effectively in a team-based, collaborative environment.
• Abilities
  • Regulatory Application: Understanding and applying environmental rules and statutes.
  • Procedural Adherence: Following guidance documents, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and other technical instructions.
  • Reporting and Documentation: Preparing clear, concise, and accurate data.
  • Synthesis: Summarizing completed tasks and monitoring data for both oral and written communication.

Qualifications

• Selective Preference(s):
  • Associate’s degree.
  • Tech 1: 0-3 years’ environmental experience overseeing environmental regulations/policies or a Bachelor’s degree or higher in hydrology, geology, environmental sciences/management, or chemistry or related environmental field with no prior experience.
  • Tech 2: 4-7 years’ environmental experience overseeing environmental regulations/policies or a Bachelor’s degree or higher in hydrology, geology, environmental sciences/management, or chemistry or related environmental field with 1-5 years of experience.
  • Tech 3: 7-10 years’ environmental experience overseeing environmental regulations/policies or a Bachelor’s degree or higher in hydrology, geology, environmental sciences/management, or chemistry or related environmental field with 6-8 years of experience (Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years of experience).
• Pre-Employment Requirements:
  • If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function, a valid driver’s license is required.
  • All newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Pay

$44,000 - $65,000 annually, depending on grade (17, 19, 20).

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 for a newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits.
• A 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 options, including remote work arrangements.
• Variety of 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.