Community Engagement Professional

in Phoenix. City of, AZ

Job Description

At ADEQ, our mission/vision 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 looking for an Environmental Science Specialist 3 to help drive our agency towards accomplishing this mission/vision.

Our Community Engagement Professional will empower ADEQ’s programs to partner with the public and communities to understand their environmental situation and pursue solutions to meet the needs of Arizona’s communities and environment. As an Environmental Science Specialist 3 (Community Engagement Professional), one of your responsibilities is to bridge the communication between the public and our Agency by building, planning, and nurturing relationships with local government officials, community members, and stakeholders throughout Arizona. This position will serve as an agency expert on community engagement, working with other Community Engagement staff to improve community understanding of environmental challenges and increase the community voice in ADEQ decisions. The Community Engagement Professional will be a liaison between the Community Engagement team and staff throughout the agency and will coordinate their consultations with the Community Engagement team to develop action plans for their program. The ESS3 will oversee the implementation of agency-led initiatives as assigned.

This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements) with occasional office meetings and onsite evaluations. 

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 can 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.

• Plan, organize, facilitate, and provide communication between the public and ADEQ
• Actively engage with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders, providing information about ADEQ programs, regulations, and available assistance
• Serves as a primary resource for department and division-wide community engagement activities
• Assists program staff with coordinating public meetings and other community events to provide information and receive public comments
• Coordinates efforts and communicates with other internal departments and division leaders that are involved in projects, development plans, or strategies that may impact the community
• Develops, oversees, and implements community engagement programs and strategies
• Assists program staff, if needed, in planning, coordinating, and implementing public involvement activities and outreach
• Responsible for special assignments and projects
• Researches, develops, and implements innovative public involvement techniques, including online/virtual public engagement
• Ensures that ADEQ programs are responsive to community needs and that the public is well-informed about environmental regulations and resources

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• State and Federal environmental regulations
• Agency policies, processes, and state/federal regulations regarding the administration of Agency decisions.
• Community Engagement
• Principles and practices of community engagement and Techniques to ensure effective community engagement
• How to build consensus on complicated and complex issues
• AZ sources of pollution, best practices for preventing the release of pollutants, environmental research, investigation techniques, and statistical analysis

SKILLS:

• Communicate effectively in controversial situations or on politically sensitive issues
• Critical thinking skills
• Identify connections and generate ideas for navigating complex problems
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills, organization skills, and detail-oriented
• Track project progress, timelines, deadlines, and deliverables, while also coordinating with project partners

ABILITY:

• Balance, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks and complete assignments by applicable deadlines
• Synthesize feedback and adjust plans accordingly
• Understand and interpret environmental rules and statutes
• Work both independently and in a team environment