Environmental Scientist | Utility

Summary

Environmental Scientist | Utility

Make a real difference in protecting the environment and supporting the communities we serve. As an Environmental Scientist within our utility organization, you’ll apply your scientific expertise to projects and programs that safeguard natural resources while supporting safe and reliable operations. This role is a chance to put your knowledge into action, helping identify environmental challenges and deliver practical, science-based solutions.

What your day would be like:
You are responsible for:

• Applying knowledge of the natural sciences to support projects and programs that protect the environment and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Identifying environmental problems and developing solutions that minimize risks to public health and natural ecosystems.
• Conducting research, analysis, and reporting to guide decision-making across utility operations.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate environmental best practices into projects and daily operations.
• Contributing to the design and implementation of sustainable initiatives that balance environmental stewardship with operational needs.

This position is ideal for someone passionate about science, sustainability, and problem-solving — with the drive to turn knowledge into meaningful impact.

Minimum Requirements

Environmental Scientist | Utility

• 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.
• PLUS two (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.
  
  

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. 
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 & 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.