As a Senior Engineering Associate, you will apply local and federal regulations under authority delegated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to evaluate and process permit applications for a broad spectrum of sources that emit or generate air pollutants. You may also evaluate and process performance test protocols, observe performance tests, and review performance test reports for a broad spectrum of sources, giving you the opportunity to expand your horizons and gain insight into multiple types of industries. Your work will contribute directly to the department’s mission to improve the air of Maricopa County so that customers, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment.

About Us

Located in one of the fastest-growing and largest counties in the nation, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department continues to develop innovative programs and engage the community so customers, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment. Air quality has improved significantly over the last 20 years, and the department remains committed to increasing compliance with air quality permits and regulations and strengthening the community's knowledge of air quality issues. From continually monitoring the air we breathe to permitting and inspecting sources of air pollution, developing award-winning school education and pollution reduction programs, and increasing outreach efforts, the department strives for excellence in all we do to meet our goals.

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose

• Tuition reimbursement

• Exceptional work-life balance with a hybrid work schedule option

• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County

• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents

• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

• Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts

• Employee discounts for goods and services

• Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12.27% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

• Learn more at Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Two years of engineering experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Chemical, Environmental, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university

• A combination of post-secondary education and/or job-related experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications on a year-for-year basis

• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver's license by the time of hire

We Also Value

• Master’s Degree in civil, chemical, environmental, electrical, or mechanical engineering or a closely related field from an accredited college or university

• Certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) through the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration

• Experience in the following air quality permitting areas: Title V, Non-Title V, PSD, Major New Source Review, NSPS, NESHAP, and BACT requirements

Job Contributions

• Perform technical review of permit applications, engineering drawings, datasheets, and technical plans for a wide range of complex stationary air pollution sources using standard and non-standard techniques and procedures

• Negotiate and prepare permit conditions (including operational limitations and monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping, and testing requirements) and prepare technical documentation in accordance with federal and local air quality rules and regulations

• Analyze complex manufacturing processes and conduct field visits as necessary to verify facility conditions and equipment lists

• Conduct, research, and perform complex technical and scientific engineering analyses to determine if facilities meet applicable rules, regulations, standards, and specifications

• Provide clear and accurate technical guidance to the regulated community, consultants, attorneys, other regulatory agencies, and the public regarding air quality regulations. This may include participating in public hearing processes, including written responses to comments

• Interpret and apply federal and local rules and regulations pertaining to air quality and provide technical expertise to other departmental employees during rule development, departmental policy and procedure development, inspection activities, and enforcement actions   

• Review the work and work product of engineering associate staff and consultants and/or related project contractors to ensure that quality standards and timelines are met

• Collaborate with regulatory agencies such as USEPA, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, and other federal, State, and local agencies for regulation interpretation and to provide input on regional issues

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for remote work after a brief training period and based on business need

• Exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, or negligible amounts constantly or requires walking or standing to a significant degree

• The position is typically office or administrative work and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions

• Two years of engineering experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Chemical, Environmental, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university

• A combination of post-secondary education and/or job-related experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications on a year-for-year basis

• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver's license by the time of hire

Maricopa County Careers