Environmental Specialist Jobs in Arizona
Environmental Specialist jobs in Arizona are in strong and steady demand, concentrated in mining and natural resources, municipal water and wastewater management, land development, and federal land compliance work across entry-level through senior consulting roles. Phoenix, Tucson, and Tempe are the primary hiring hubs, with major employers like AECOM, Tetra Tech, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality anchoring consistent openings. The most sought-after specialties in Arizona are hazardous materials assessment, air quality permitting, and NEPA compliance tied to infrastructure and energy projects. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 32+ Environmental Specialist jobs
- 544752
- PHOENIX
- DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
- Full-time
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 ENGINEER SPECIALIST 2/3
Address: WATER QUALITY DIVISION -1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85007
Salary: EES 2 $70k-$80k; EES3 $80-$90k
Grade: 25 , 26
Closing Date: Open until filled
We are seeking an Environmental Engineer Specialist for our Water Quality Division's Groundwater Protection Inspection & Compliance Enforcement Unit. As an Underground Injection Control (UIC) Inspector, you will safeguard vital subsurface drinking water resources by evaluating and overseeing regional injection operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Level 2 (EES 2) - Moderately Complex Oversight: Perform UIC well compliance evaluations, conduct physical field inspections, witness MITs, calculate fluid dynamics/pressures, and draft technical/enforcement reports.
- Level 3 (EES 3) - Advanced Technical Lead Oversight: Lead engineering oversight for Class I–VI wells, review complex UIC permits, witness advanced MITs, perform hydrogeologic modeling, and support legal enforcement actions.
This position is in the field 1-2 days per week/outdoors.
This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.
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.
- Conduct site inspections of injection wellheads, piping, pressure relief, and monitoring systems to ensure compliance with engineering plans and regulations.
- Manage file reviews, respond to complaints, and travel statewide (including overnight stays) for facility inspections.
Enforcement Support & Technical Documentation
- Draft engineering technical reports and compliance action plans.
- Provide technical justifications and expert determinations for legal counsel in enforcement proceedings.
- Provide field guidance to assist facilities in achieving compliance during inspections.
- Manage caseloads to resolve open compliance cases and return facilities to compliance quickly.
Engineering Evaluation & Plan Review
- Evaluate moderate to high complexity UIC permit applications, facility designs, well construction, stress calculations, pump sizing, and plugging specifications across Class I–VI wells.
- Conduct cost-benefit analyses to evaluate overall project efficacy.
Mechanical Integrity & Subsurface Analysis
- Standard MITs & Pressure Calculations: Evaluate and witness standard Mechanical Integrity Tests (e.g., pressure tests, temperature logs) and calculate annulus behavior and fracture pressures using standard methodologies.
- Advanced MITs & Subsurface Analysis:Evaluate and witness advanced MITs (e.g., radioactive tracer, temperature, and noise logs) and compute complex fluid migration and formation fracture pressures.
Data Modeling & Technical Analysis
- Data & Chemical Analysis: Analyze injection rates, well pressures, groundwater data, and chemical compatibility using engineering principles and mass balance calculations.
- Hydrogeologic Modeling: Apply hydrogeologic models to evaluate fluid behavior and subsurface conditions.
Problem Solving & Improvement
- Strategic Solutions: Providing innovative solutions to recurring compliance and permitting issues.
- Engineering Principles: Covers core topics like fluid mechanics, hydrogeology, geomechanics, and environmental remediation.
- Well Construction & Materials: Focuses on wellbore integrity, casing/tubing metallurgy, cementing, surface piping, and packers.
- Regulations & Standards: Requires understanding of the SDWA, EPA UIC rules (Classes I–VI), state codes, and procurement standards.
- Quantitative Analysis: Involves math, algebra, geometry, engineering statistics, and thermodynamics for fluid dynamics.
- Research & Operations: Includes researching info, agency rules/structure, confidentiality, and standard workplace software (MS Office/G-Suite).
Skills
- Calculations: Fluid dynamics, subsurface pressures, and fracture gradients.
- Plan Review: Engineering schematics, P&IDs, and specs.
- Data Analysis: Geophysical logs, MIT results, fall-off tests, and water chemistry.
- Documentation: Decision memos, permits, reports, and standard work.
- Communication & Analysis: Fact-gathering, communication, customer service, and statistical analysis.
- Advanced Calculations: Plume modeling and complex pressure/flow dynamics.
- Advanced Plan Review: Critiquing complex engineering plans and specs.
- Advanced Analysis: Analyzing advanced logs, MITs, and matrix data.
- Problem Solving: Engineering countermeasures and legal justifications.
Abilities:
- Work independently and prioritize tasks to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Provide technical assistance and communicate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and the public with tact and diplomacy.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships across department divisions and external contacts.
- Demonstrate flexibility, analytical problem-solving, and sound judgment when adapting to changing priorities.
- Lead cross-disciplinary initiatives, mentor junior staff, and apply technical authority to complex subsurface scenarios.
- Travel state-wide and/or work remotely as required by department needs.
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, geotechnical engineering or an engineering related discipline required.
- Level 2 (grade 25): 2-5 years Engineering experience (Master’s or Doctorate may substitute for 2 years’ experience
- Level 3 (grade 26): 5 or more years of Engineering experience (Master’s degree may substitute for two years of experience or Doctorate degree may substitute for 4 years of experience).
- Level 3 (grade 26): Engineer in training certification required through the Arizona Board of Technical Registration or equivalent organization in reciprocal jurisdiction. Professional Engineering certification through the AZ Board of Technical Registration or an equivalent org.
- Valid Arizona Driver License required.
- The position is approximately 60% virtual work and 40% in the field/office.
- This position requires overnight travel.
If this position requires driving or the 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).
- 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
- We promote the importance of work/life balance by offering workplace flexibility
- We offer a variety of learning and career development opportunities
By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Arizona State Retirement System Lifetime Benefits
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting HPO@azdeq.gov.
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
- 544752
- PHOENIX
- DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
- Full-time
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 ENGINEER SPECIALIST 2/3
Address: WATER QUALITY DIVISION -1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85007
Salary: EES 2 $70k-$80k; EES3 $80-$90k
Grade: 25 , 26
Closing Date: Open until filled
We are seeking an Environmental Engineer Specialist for our Water Quality Division's Groundwater Protection Inspection & Compliance Enforcement Unit. As an Underground Injection Control (UIC) Inspector, you will safeguard vital subsurface drinking water resources by evaluating and overseeing regional injection operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Level 2 (EES 2) - Moderately Complex Oversight: Perform UIC well compliance evaluations, conduct physical field inspections, witness MITs, calculate fluid dynamics/pressures, and draft technical/enforcement reports.
- Level 3 (EES 3) - Advanced Technical Lead Oversight: Lead engineering oversight for Class I–VI wells, review complex UIC permits, witness advanced MITs, perform hydrogeologic modeling, and support legal enforcement actions.
This position is in the field 1-2 days per week/outdoors.
This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.
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.
- Conduct site inspections of injection wellheads, piping, pressure relief, and monitoring systems to ensure compliance with engineering plans and regulations.
- Manage file reviews, respond to complaints, and travel statewide (including overnight stays) for facility inspections.
Enforcement Support & Technical Documentation
- Draft engineering technical reports and compliance action plans.
- Provide technical justifications and expert determinations for legal counsel in enforcement proceedings.
- Provide field guidance to assist facilities in achieving compliance during inspections.
- Manage caseloads to resolve open compliance cases and return facilities to compliance quickly.
Engineering Evaluation & Plan Review
- Evaluate moderate to high complexity UIC permit applications, facility designs, well construction, stress calculations, pump sizing, and plugging specifications across Class I–VI wells.
- Conduct cost-benefit analyses to evaluate overall project efficacy.
Mechanical Integrity & Subsurface Analysis
- Standard MITs & Pressure Calculations: Evaluate and witness standard Mechanical Integrity Tests (e.g., pressure tests, temperature logs) and calculate annulus behavior and fracture pressures using standard methodologies.
- Advanced MITs & Subsurface Analysis:Evaluate and witness advanced MITs (e.g., radioactive tracer, temperature, and noise logs) and compute complex fluid migration and formation fracture pressures.
Data Modeling & Technical Analysis
- Data & Chemical Analysis: Analyze injection rates, well pressures, groundwater data, and chemical compatibility using engineering principles and mass balance calculations.
- Hydrogeologic Modeling: Apply hydrogeologic models to evaluate fluid behavior and subsurface conditions.
Problem Solving & Improvement
- Strategic Solutions: Providing innovative solutions to recurring compliance and permitting issues.
- Engineering Principles: Covers core topics like fluid mechanics, hydrogeology, geomechanics, and environmental remediation.
- Well Construction & Materials: Focuses on wellbore integrity, casing/tubing metallurgy, cementing, surface piping, and packers.
- Regulations & Standards: Requires understanding of the SDWA, EPA UIC rules (Classes I–VI), state codes, and procurement standards.
- Quantitative Analysis: Involves math, algebra, geometry, engineering statistics, and thermodynamics for fluid dynamics.
- Research & Operations: Includes researching info, agency rules/structure, confidentiality, and standard workplace software (MS Office/G-Suite).
Skills
- Calculations: Fluid dynamics, subsurface pressures, and fracture gradients.
- Plan Review: Engineering schematics, P&IDs, and specs.
- Data Analysis: Geophysical logs, MIT results, fall-off tests, and water chemistry.
- Documentation: Decision memos, permits, reports, and standard work.
- Communication & Analysis: Fact-gathering, communication, customer service, and statistical analysis.
- Advanced Calculations: Plume modeling and complex pressure/flow dynamics.
- Advanced Plan Review: Critiquing complex engineering plans and specs.
- Advanced Analysis: Analyzing advanced logs, MITs, and matrix data.
- Problem Solving: Engineering countermeasures and legal justifications.
Abilities:
- Work independently and prioritize tasks to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Provide technical assistance and communicate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and the public with tact and diplomacy.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships across department divisions and external contacts.
- Demonstrate flexibility, analytical problem-solving, and sound judgment when adapting to changing priorities.
- Lead cross-disciplinary initiatives, mentor junior staff, and apply technical authority to complex subsurface scenarios.
- Travel state-wide and/or work remotely as required by department needs.
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, geotechnical engineering or an engineering related discipline required.
- Level 2 (grade 25): 2-5 years Engineering experience (Master’s or Doctorate may substitute for 2 years’ experience
- Level 3 (grade 26): 5 or more years of Engineering experience (Master’s degree may substitute for two years of experience or Doctorate degree may substitute for 4 years of experience).
- Level 3 (grade 26): Engineer in training certification required through the Arizona Board of Technical Registration or equivalent organization in reciprocal jurisdiction. Professional Engineering certification through the AZ Board of Technical Registration or an equivalent org.
- Valid Arizona Driver License required.
- The position is approximately 60% virtual work and 40% in the field/office.
- This position requires overnight travel.
If this position requires driving or the 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).
- 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
- We promote the importance of work/life balance by offering workplace flexibility
- We offer a variety of learning and career development opportunities
By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Arizona State Retirement System Lifetime Benefits
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting HPO@azdeq.gov.
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
See All 32 Environmental Specialist Jobs in Arizona
Find roles in Arizona that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Environmental Specialist JobsEnvironmental Specialist Jobs by City in Arizona
Where Arizona roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Environmental Specialist Job Market in Arizona
A snapshot from current Arizona openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage
- Electronics & Hardware
- Waste Management & Environmental Services
What Arizona Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in environmental specialist jobs across Arizona.
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, geology, or a closely related field required
- Familiarity with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality regulations and permitting processes
- Experience conducting Phase I or Phase II environmental site assessments in the field
- Professional certification such as CHMM or registered geologist credential preferred
- Proficiency with GIS software and environmental data management platforms
- Valid driver's license and ability to conduct fieldwork in Arizona desert conditions
Environmental Specialist Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a environmental specialist in Arizona?
Most Arizona environmental specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, geology, chemistry, or a related field. While Arizona does not issue a single statewide environmental specialist license, roles involving geology often require registration with the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration. Many employers expect familiarity with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality rules, and certifications like CHMM or NEPA training strengthen a candidate's standing significantly.
How much do environmental specialists make in Arizona?
Environmental specialists in Arizona earn a median of about $80,600 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $57,100 for the lowest 10% to over $160,910 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire environmental specialists in Arizona?
Employers hiring environmental specialists in Arizona right now include State of Arizona, WestLand Resources, and Kingman Regional Medical Center, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Arizona's mining, infrastructure, and land development sectors drive consistent demand, meaning both large national consulting firms and state and local government agencies maintain ongoing environmental specialist roles.
Which Arizona cities have the most environmental specialist jobs?
Phoenix, Tucson, and Kingman have the most environmental specialist openings in Arizona. Phoenix dominates because of its concentration of consulting firms, state agency offices, and large infrastructure projects, while Tucson draws consistent hiring through its proximity to mining operations and federal land management work tied to southern Arizona's public lands and military installations.
Are there remote environmental specialist jobs in Arizona?
Yes, but they're rare. Environmental specialist work is largely field-based, involving site assessments, sampling, and on-the-ground compliance inspections that cannot be done remotely. About 50% of environmental specialist openings tied to Arizona are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions are typically limited to report writing, data analysis, and regulatory review tasks.
How can I get hired as a environmental specialist in Arizona with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an environmental technician or field technician role, which large Arizona consulting firms like AECOM and Tetra Tech regularly post for candidates with a relevant degree but no professional experience. Completing coursework in Arizona Department of Environmental Quality permit processes or earning a basic HAZWOPER certification immediately differentiates a new applicant. Internships with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality or county planning departments also provide the documented field exposure most hiring managers require.
Where can I find and apply to environmental specialist jobs in Arizona?
You can find and apply to environmental specialist jobs in Arizona on Migrate Mate, which lists current Arizona openings across consulting firms, government agencies, and private industry. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to each one.
See All 32 Environmental Specialist Jobs in Arizona
Find roles in Arizona that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Environmental Specialist Jobs