Environmental Programs Specialist

State of Oklahoma • Oklahoma City, OK

22h • Onsite

About The Position

This is for three available positions located in the Air Quality Division- Surveillance, Compliance and Enforcement 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 H1B visa. This position requires in-office work Monday - Friday. Other than regular field work, there is no remote work allowed. The AQD Compliance/Enforcement group is responsible for conducting inspections of air pollution sources, responding to citizens’ complaints, observing and evaluating emission tests, tracking and evaluating excess emissions/malfunctions, and the implementation of a host of federal requirements. Employees receive on the job training, joining senior inspectors and managers to conduct on-site compliance evaluations, attending classroom and virtual courses, completing self-study air specific training through the AirKnowledge network, and attending visible emissions evaluator training twice per year to become certified.

Requirements

• All applicants must upload a resume, transcript, references and cover letter to be considered for the position.
• 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 H1B visa.
• This position requires in-office work Monday - Friday. Other than regular field work, there is no remote work allowed.
• 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.
• Inspectors must be able to operate a personal computer for long periods of time.
• Inspectors must be able to walk long distances or spend long hours on their feet.
• Inspectors must be able to walk over a variety of terrain such as loose gravel, slopes, excavated areas, and construction sites.
• Inspectors must be able to climb ladders or stairs.
• Inspectors must be able to carry equipment or supplies up to 50 pounds.
• Inspectors must be able to handle extremes of heat or cold and inclement weather.
• Inspectors may occasionally be exposed to strong odors and possibly short-term exposure to pollutants such as airborne toxics.
• Applicant must be able to wear various types of safety equipment (ear plugs/muffs, hard hats, safety glasses, safety boots) and safety clothing (Nomex or flame resistant (FR) clothing).

Responsibilities

• Perform all assigned Full Compliance Evaluations (FCE) and Partial Compliance Evaluations (PCE) targeted for evaluation within the allotted timeframe.
• Prepare for FCE/PCE and other assigned evaluations by conducting a thorough file review.
• Update the Division’s database (TEAM) with evaluation results.
• Prepare detailed written reports to document the findings of on-site evaluations.
• Draft and submit enforcement case documents following guidance procedures and timelines.
• Accomplish enforcement case development and update TEAM in accordance with enforcement procedure timelines.
• Become knowledgeable of Air Quality regulations that pertain to facilities that have been assigned and apply these rules and consistently.
• Become knowledgeable of the Oklahoma Audit Privilege Act and the DEQ Audit SOP and guidance.
• Become knowledgeable of leak detection methods, sampling methods, and stack testing/compliance monitoring methods and procedures as assigned by your manager.
• Review notifications and reports, observe stack tests, and evaluate test protocols or sampling results within specified timeframes.
• Update the Division’s TEAM database following guidance procedures.
• Investigate environmental complaints from citizens while following all complaint procedures and timelines.
• Must be able to travel throughout the state and occasionally stay overnight for training and completion of FCEs or PCEs.
• Typically travel 1-4 days per week without overnight stay; occasional out of state overnight for training may be necessary to attend a workshop or conference.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

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