ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 3 - 4 PROJECT MANAGER

DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY We are looking for results-oriented, driven individuals with a thirst for problem solving. At Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) our mission is to protect and enhance public health and the environment in Arizona. Through consistent, science-based environmental regulation; and clear, equitable engagement and communication; with integrity, respect and the highest standards of effectiveness and efficiency. Because Arizonans treasure the unique environment of our state and its essential role in sustaining well-being and economic vitality, today and for future generations. We are currently looking for employees who are committed to our Agency, passionate to excel in their career and engaged in our mission. Only this caliber of employee will be successful in driving our Agency towards accomplishing our mission ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SPECIALIST 3 - 4PROJECT MANAGERJob Location:Address: 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007Posting Details: Salary: Level 3 $65K-$70K Level 4 $80K-$85K Grade: 22, 24 Closing Date: Open Until Filled Job Summary: The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our Surface Water Protection Section. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing complex environmental projects related to water quality and protection. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing Arizona's surface water resources while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements). The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance. Job Duties: End-to-End Management: Lead and execute complex projects focused on Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) permitting, compliance, water quality monitoring, and field inspections. Strategic Planning: Develop comprehensive project charters, realistic milestones, and resource-allocated budgets to ensure on-time, within-scope delivery. Cross-Functional Coordination: Act as the central hub connecting Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), permit writers, field inspectors, compliance officers, and legal/technical staff to streamline workflows and achieve agency objectives. Data Integrity & Management: Oversee the analysis, interpretation, and quality assurance of surface water quality data. Technical Translation: Translate complex environmental data and regulatory requirements into high-quality, actionable reports, executive summaries, and presentations for ADEQ leadership, EPA region 9, and diverse public audiences. Regulated Community Collaboration: Collaborate with federal, state, and local government agencies, tribal nations, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance surface water protection initiatives. Multidisciplinary Leadership: Provide daily guidance, mentorship, and technical direction to teams of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), permit writers, field inspectors, compliance officers, and legal/technical staff. Culture Building: Cultivate an inclusive, high-performing team environment aligned with ADEQ values, encouraging professional growth and data-driven problem-solving. Process Optimization: Proactively identify bottlenecks in process pipelines, implementing project management best practices and Lean/Continuous Improvement tools to boost efficiency and reduce backlog. Innovation: Champion new tools, automated workflows, or field technologies to enhance the overall effectiveness and speed of surface water protection efforts. Attend quarterly in-person meetings. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge Environmental Regulations: Clean Water Act (CWA), NPDES/AZPDES frameworks, and state/federal water quality compliance. Project Management: Principles of project charting, milestone tracking, resource allocation, and budget management. Water Quality & Field Operations: Surface water monitoring protocols, QA/QC data procedures, and inspection methodologies. Continuous Improvement: Lean tools, workflow automation, and the Arizona Management System (AMS) framework. Intergovernmental Jurisdictions: Roles of EPA Region 9, state, local, and tribal agencies in Arizona water protection. Skills Project Execution: Managing complex, multi-phased environmental projects from conception to completion. Data Analysis: Interpreting complex data sets to ensure scientific integrity and support legally defensible decisions. Technical Communication: Translating dense scientific and regulatory data into