Environmental Programs Specialist

State of Oklahoma • Oklahoma City, OK

11d • $53,914 - $57,886 • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Programs Specialist works in the Air Quality Division’s Quality Assurance Section in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The position provides quality assurance support across the division, primarily for ambient air monitoring conducted by the Monitoring Section. Its work helps ensure that monitoring data is valid, representative, and defensible through instrument-performance evaluation, data validation, and review of procedures. Duties may be performed independently or with a team. The position reports to the Environmental Program Manager of the Quality Assurance Section.

The role includes completing classroom, self-directed, and on-the-job training related to air pollution monitoring; conducting site and performance audits at air monitoring sites throughout Oklahoma; comparing laboratory calibration and QA/QC equipment against local primary standards; and helping operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and make minor repairs to air quality equipment. The specialist documents, reports on, and analyzes data using applicable computer software, reviews and validates air monitoring data, and assists with quality-system documents such as Quality Assurance Project Plans, work plans, and Standard Operating Procedures. The specialist is expected to learn relevant EPA standards and federal and state rules. Duties may expand to additional Air Quality Division sections.

The position requires in-office work Monday through Friday. Remote work is not allowed except when conducting regular field work. Travel includes driving a monitored state vehicle to Oklahoma monitoring sites for audits, typically zero to two days per week without overnight stays. Occasional overnight travel out of state for training may be required, typically no more than three days per year. Applicants must pass a background check, be legally authorized to work in the United States, and provide a resume, cover letter, and transcript. Sponsorship for H-1B visa holders is not available.

Requirements

• Level I: A bachelor's degree with at least 30 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: The Level I education plus one year of general professional experience in an environmentally related field, or a master's degree in a listed field.
• Applicants must be within 60 days of obtaining their degree to be considered.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must pass a background check and be legally authorized to work in the United States; H-1B visa sponsorship is not available.
• Must be able to work in extreme hot and cold weather conditions frequently.
• Must be able to lift or carry equipment or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to climb ladders or stairs to access rooftops, with limited fear of heights.
• Must be able to drive safely for long periods within an eight-hour workday.
• Must be able to operate a personal computer several hours a day.
• Must be able to walk occasionally over varied terrain, including loose gravel, slopes, and open pasture.
• Must be able to work alone for hours at remote monitoring sites.
• Must be able to wear required safety equipment, such as ear plugs or muffs, safety glasses, safety shoes, and dust masks.
• Must remain calm when faced with conflict.
• Must submit a resume, cover letter, and transcript.

Responsibilities

• Complete classroom, self-instruction, and on-the-job training related to air pollution monitoring.
• Conduct site and performance audits of air quality analyzers, samplers, and procedures at monitoring sites throughout Oklahoma.
• Certify laboratory equipment used for calibration and QA/QC checks by comparing it with local primary standards.
• Work with section members to operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and make minor repairs to air quality equipment.
• Use computer software to document data, create reports, and analyze air quality data.
• Review and validate data collected by Air Quality Division air monitoring programs.
• Assist in developing and reviewing Quality Assurance Project Plans, project work plans, Standard Operating Procedures, and other quality-system documents.
• Become knowledgeable about EPA standards and guidelines and federal and state rules relevant to the DEQ air monitoring program.
• Drive a monitored state vehicle to Oklahoma monitoring sites for audits and occasionally travel out of state for training.

Benefits

• 15 days of vacation leave annually.
• 15 days of sick leave annually.
• 11 paid holidays annually.
• A comprehensive benefits package with a benefit allowance to offset insurance premiums for employees and eligible dependents.

What This Job Offers

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