Environmental Scientist

Date: Sep 19, 2025

Location: FRUITLAND, NM, US, 87416

Company: APS

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.

 

The Four Corners Fossil-Fuel Generating plant is located 18 miles west of Farmington, a community of about 40,000, in the northwest region of New Mexico.

 

Because the Four Corners Fossil-Fuel Generating plant is on the Navajo Reservation,  Navajo preference will apply in the job selection.

 

 

 

 

 

Summary

The Environmental Scientist uses knowledge of the natural sciences, gained through formal education and/or direct experience in a related field, to contribute to projects and programs that protect the environment.  The Scientist identifies problems and finds solutions that minimize hazards to the health of the environment and the population.  The primary location of this position is at Four Corners Power Plant supporting environmental programs of air, water and waste compliance.

Minimum Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Earth Science or related science (such as Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Hydrology) or other field from an accredited college or university, with specific coursework and/or internship experience which included conducting field studies, sampling and analysis, etc. Minimum 2 years' experience in a related Environmental Science field or discipline.


In lieu of a bachelor's degree, a combination of college coursework and directly related work experience equaling six (6) years is required.



Certification or licensure preferred.

 

Knowledge in Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, RCRA  are strongly preferred. Limited environmental compliance support will be required for the APS northern area region in Transmission & Distribution as well as Cholla Power Plant.


Major Accountabilities

1) Regularly conducts scientific studies to support the safe and efficient operation of business units or plants within the organization.

2) Participates in the operations of facilities for environmental compliance and identifies potential noncompliance issues.

2) Resolves various environmental problems by utilizing knowledge, process and procedures.

3) Conducts scientific investigations which may include sampling, analyzing test results, and interpreting trends to determine waste characterization.  May also be called upon to participate in cause investigations and report findings to management.

4) Operates, maintains and monitors operating systems (e.g., water treatment and waste disposal) to ensure compliance with established guidelines.  Provides technical support and maintenance of operating systems. 

5) Oversees the use of appropriate sampling and monitoring procedures and guidelines.

6) May be responsible to ship various waste (hazardous waste, TSCA, and used oil) from field locations, apply proper shipping name, profile the waste with disposal company. 

7) Reviews and evaluates proposed and existing codes, standards, regulations, and guidelines to determine the impact on programs and facility modifications

8) Provides technical guidance to field personnel in interpreting and monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry guidelines. 

9) Provides Quality Control (QC) oversight of field sampling / data collection.

10) Develops schedule of inspections and samplings based on regulatory and permit requirements.

11) Assembles and verifies data for routine to complex metric reports.

12) Provides and participates in reviewing technical documents for internal and external audit groups. Participate in conducting environmental training to frontline employees

13) Keeps current on the changes developing in the regulations and legislation. 

14) Provides guidance to less experienced Specialists and technicians.  May act as lead person or technical advisor on small projects and participates in conducting environmental training to Frontline employees.

15) Evaluates and recommends field sampling equipment and supplies.



Export Compliance / EEO Statement

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.

 

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.

 

For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

 

In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job-related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.

CIP Requirement:
This position requires Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) access consistent with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. The applicant considered for this role will be required to obtain and maintain CIP access for the duration of employment in this position. A full seven (7) year criminal history will be obtained through the pre-employment background check process (or, for current employees, through supplemental background check process) to fulfill the CIP access requirements. In addition, this position requires an additional background check every seven years to maintain access.

 

Location-Based Role:
This position requires employees to work at the (Location), with some flexibility. Flexibility will be determined with the hires employee and leadership, but the ultimate decision is the company's.

 

*Employees are required to reside in Arizona (or NM for Four Corners-based employees). Role types are subject to change based on business need.


Nearest Major Market: Farmington

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