Environmental Programs Specialist

State of Oklahoma • Oklahoma City, OK

8d • $52,333 - $56,181 • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides environmental oversight to statutory programs facilitated by the ODEQ to assure public health and safety. Provide assistance to citizens and facilities in the State of Oklahoma through management of a single or multi-program environmental or health protection area. This position investigates environmental complaints, provides emergency response, completes on-site sewage requests and conducts facility inspections to protect public health; including those required by Federal Grants to receive Federal funding.

Requirements

• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Must be able to legally work within the United States.
• All applicants must upload a resume, cover letter, references, and transcript to be considered for this position.
• Possess a vehicle.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Be able to endure several hours of driving each day.
• 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: Those identified in Level I plus one year of general professional experience in an environmentally related field; or a master’s degree in a listed field.
• Applicants wishing to apply for the Environmental Programs Specialist position within the Environmental Complaints and Local Services Division must also meet the qualifications for a Registered Sanitarian and Environment Specialist.
• This includes a total of 30 semester hours in a Physical, Natural and Biological Science, Public Health, and/or Environmental Health.
• Applicants must be within 60 days of obtaining their degree.
• Must be capable of working as a team member to meet and advance the overall Agency or Division goals.
• Good organizational and computer skills.
• Ability to follow instruction from the Manager or designated representative.

Nice To Haves

• A State vehicle may be provided to drive while performing work duties. However, the employee must possess a vehicle to use to perform work duties if needed.
• If a personal vehicle is used, the employee will be reimbursed for work miles per the ODEQ travel and reimbursement SOP.
• Newly identified projects may encompass working on an individual or team basis.

Responsibilities

• Provide environmental complaint response, investigation and resolution within an assigned geographic area.
• Conduct air, water and soil inspections and investigations.
• Collect environmental samples.
• Provide technical assistance.
• Conduct investigations into and resolve environmentally related complaints and perform inspections at facilities permitted by DEQ.
• Work with parties to gain compliance and initiating enforcement if necessary.
• Perform all regulatory functions of the on-site sewage treatment program to include soil tests for system design, inspection of system installations, review of soil tests and inspections done by the private sector and issuance of authorizations for the construction of sewage treatment systems.
• Provide 24-hour emergency response to natural disasters and emergencies related to hazardous materials, spills or releases.
• Provide technical service to citizens and municipalities with regard to water treatment, wastewater treatment, solid waste disposal and air pollution control.
• Operate a personal computer as required to perform and complete assigned duties.
• Auger a 3-inch diameter hole, which requires fairly rigorous upper body twisting.
• Climb ladders and/or stairs.
• Carry equipment and/or supplies; which, at times, may consist of lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs.
• Remain calm when faced with conflict or difficult situations.
• Effectively and politely communicate, both verbal and in writing, with co-workers and customers.
• Be self-motivated and exhibit positive responsiveness with assigned tasks and with newly identified projects that the agency/division deem necessary to meet program assignments, commitments, and directives.
• Work as a team member to meet and advance the overall Agency or Division goals.
• Learn how to perform the tasks of other employees in order to serve in that capacity during the absences of those employees.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned to maintain program activities and commitments including good organizational and computer skills and the ability to follow instruction from the Manager or designated representative.

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