3 (PCN 187710)

State of Alaska•Juneau, AK

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Water is seeking an energetic and proactive environmental professional to serve as an Environmental Program Specialist (EPS) 1/2/3 in the Operator Certification Program, focusing on compliance and enforcement activities targeting water and wastewater systems and their operators throughout the state. The EPS 1 is a trainee/entry-level position that is responsible for learning the basics of administering the Operator Certification Program; the EPS 2 is a journey/professional level position responsible for administering the program with general oversight; while the EPS 3 is the fully proficient professional level responsible for independently administering the program. The Operator Certification Program is committed to ensuring that water and wastewater systems within the state are properly maintained and operated by properly certified operators. This position will have an impact on the health and welfare of the citizens of Alaska.

Requirements

Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: Uses a logical, systematic, and sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.
Compliance: Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with State and federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
Organizational Awareness: Knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.
Problem Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.
Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, customers, and individuals from other state or federal organizations
Proven ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks and demands
Working knowledge of the cultural, political, social, and economic conditions of rural Alaska
Working knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to water and wastewater, including the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Water Act, 18 AAC 74 Water and Wastewater Operator Certification regulations, 18 AAC 80 Drinking Water regulations, 18 AAC 72 Wastewater Disposal regulations, and any other applicable state regulations
Experience in the water and/or wastewater industry, including operations, maintenance, or management
The ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Customer service experience, especially with a clientele of diverse backgrounds and cultures
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Must obtain enforcement credential in order to implement the Compliance and Enforcement Strategy (Department of Environmental Conservation Policy and Procedure 05-04-101). (can be obtained after hire)
Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. (EPS 1)
Research - Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results. (EPS 1)
Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. (EPS 1)
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in an environmental, physical, biological, or natural science; engineering; planning; or natural resources. (EPS 1)
Environmental Science - Knowledge of the interdisciplinary concepts, principles, theories, and methods of investigating the natural and physical environment, including examination of ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, plant science, zoology, mineralogy, oceanography, limnology, soil science, geology and physical geography, atmospheric, and other related sciences in the protection and improvement of the environment and its resources. (EPS 2)
Scientific Research - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of scientific principles related to environmental, ecological, biological, or physical science and the methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results. (EPS 2 & 3)
Critical Thinking - Analyzes and evaluates data to draw logical and well-reasoned conclusions. (EPS 2)
Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. (EPS 2)
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in an environmental, physical, biological, or natural science; engineering; planning; or natural resources. (EPS 2)
Professional experience developing knowledge and skills in environmental regulations, pollution control, environmental damage recovery, or programs to improve or protect environmental quality; or learning to evaluate the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts of construction projects; prepare environmental documentation; and determine, negotiate, and monitor permitted activities. (EPS 2)
Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance. (EPS 3)
Decision Making - Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change. (EPS 3)
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in an environmental, physical, biological, or natural science; engineering; planning; or natural resources. (EPS 3)
Professional experience developing knowledge and skills in environmental regulations, pollution control, environmental damage recovery, or programs to improve or protect environmental quality; or learning to evaluate the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts of construction projects; prepare environmental documentation; and determine, negotiate, and monitor permitted activities. (EPS 3)

Nice To Haves

Experience in the water and/or wastewater industry, including operations, maintenance, or management
Customer service experience, especially with a clientele of diverse backgrounds and cultures
Working knowledge of the cultural, political, social, and economic conditions of rural Alaska

Responsibilities

Administering the Operator Certification Program
Learning the basics of administering the Operator Certification Program (EPS 1)
Administering the program with general oversight (EPS 2)
Independently administering the program (EPS 3)
Focusing on compliance and enforcement activities targeting water and wastewater systems and their operators throughout the state.