Environmental Programs Specialist

State of Oklahoma • Oklahoma City, OK

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Land Protection Division - Used Tire Recycling Program Section in Oklahoma City. All applicants must be able to pass a background check and must be able to legally work within the United States. DEQ does not allow sponsorship for those on a H-1B visa. This position requires in-office work Monday - Friday. Other than regular field work, there is no remote work allowed. Application Requirements All applicants must upload a resume, transcript and professional licenses/certifications (if applicable) to be considered for the position. Basic Purpose This position will perform technical and regulatory tasks associated with the Used Tire Recycling Program of the Land Protection Division. The Used Tire Recycling Program works to ensure compliance with state solid waste regulations. This is accomplished by performing inspections at permitted facilities; performing complaint investigations; participating or leading special projects; processing and entering relevant data; and pursuing enforcement when needed. This position will primarily perform inspections, identify areas of noncompliance, utilize checklists and compile inspection reports, write letters and enforcement documents as necessary. Effective written and verbal communication is a significant portion of this job. This position will also respond to complaints and emergencies. This involves problem investigation, identification of non-compliance, and utilizing tact and diplomacy in interactions with responsible parties and complainants. These activities require attention to detail, the ability to interpret complex technical documents, the skill to verify simple mathematical calculations and close and frequent interaction with the regulated community. Customer service is a key part of this position.

Requirements

• Employee must have a valid driver’s license and will be required to travel throughout the state as well as out-of-state.
• Travel, including air travel, is necessary to perform assigned tasks and to attend designated trainings.
• Travel may be for a few hours to several days, including overnight stays.
• State vehicles are available, and their use is preferred, but there may be occasions state vehicles are unavailable, and it will be necessary for the employee to use their personal vehicle.
• Most travel will be at the expense of the employee with subsequent Agency reimbursement.
• Level I - bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in a physical, natural, or biological science, chemistry, geology, hydrology, physical geography, epidemiology, environmental science, environmental health or civil, agricultural, environmental, geological or chemical engineering.
• Level II - those identified in level I plus one (1) year of professional experience in one of the areas listed; or a master’s degree in a qualifying area.
• To be considered for this position applicants must be within 60 days of obtaining their degree.
• Employee will be required to perform field work including but not limited to conducting site inspections and performing oversight activities.
• Employee must be able to walk up to a mile in difficult terrain, carrying up to 25 pounds of equipment.
• Situations may include, but are not limited to, climbing up/down creek/riverbanks, structures, ladders, etc. in all kinds of weather.

Responsibilities

• Conduct tire dump inspections and inspections of tire dealers, auto dealers and tag agents to ensure compliance with the Act
• Prepare inspection reports/enforcement documents and monitor compliance with enforcement documents
• Conduct investigations, resolve complaints, and coordinate enforcement actions in accordance with DEQ policies
• Process grants and contracts related to market development and remediation projects
• Provide customer service and technical assistance to internal and external customers
• Participate in public outreach/training events
• Participate in routine meetings
• Coordinate with permitting staff and in-house counsel regarding enforcement actions
• Process reports from permitted facilities
• Perform data management activities as needed
• Lead or assist with special projects as needed
• Must be able to be in the field approximately two or more days a week in locations throughout the state
• Must be able to traverse uneven ground (e.g. creek banks), carrying sampling equipment
• Must be able to walk 1 mile or more in difficult terrain
• Must be able to travel in state and out of state to meetings and training
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office software

Benefits

• Generous leave including 15 days of vacation, 15 days of sick leave and 11 paid holidays annually.
• A comprehensive Benefit Package with a generous Benefit Allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level