Environmental Scientist, Chemistry Specialist

East Central University•Ada, OK

12d•$65,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Environmental Chemistry Specialist of the Oka' Institute (OKAI) plays a crucial role in supporting the mission of the Oka Institute, which is to address water quality solutions through water policy, water research, land stewardship, and the promotion of sustainable communities. As an Environmental Specialist, you will be working on water quality and environmental monitoring in watersheds, equally supporting both field and laboratory-based efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, watershed management, natural resources, agriculture, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
Experience or demonstrated interest in field and laboratory procedures, including development and application of SOPs.
Familiarity with wet chemistry methods and basic laboratory techniques for analyzing water or soil quality.
Strong passion for environmental science, conservation, and sustainable practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific findings into clear messages.
Detail-oriented with strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in the field and with lab teams.
Proficiency in standard software tools for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
Demonstrated experience with field-based environmental monitoring and lab-based analytical methods.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Advanced communication skills with ability to effectively coordinate outreach initiatives
Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example
Must be a professional, credible and respected representative of the institution internally and in the community
Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsible
Ability to communicate in a courteous manner

Nice To Haves

Preferred: Experience using GIS for data collection, analysis, and visualization.

Responsibilities

Participate in fieldwork activities, including data collection, site assessments, and environmental monitoring.
Develop and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for field sampling and laboratory analysis to ensure consistency, reproducibility, and data integrity.
Implement science-based sampling techniques to gather accurate and reliable data for water quality assessments and research projects.
Conduct laboratory analyses using a variety of methods and instruments, including wet chemistry techniques (e.g., colorimetric assays: ortho-phosphate, nitrate, chloride, etc.) and equipment such as pH and EC meters, UV-Vis Spectrophotometers, ICP-OES, and TOC combustion analyzers.
Maintain and calibrate field and laboratory equipment to ensure high-quality data and long-term equipment usability.
Assist in method development and refinement for water and soil quality analyses, collaborating with researchers on experimental design and data interpretation.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to contribute to the development of water policies, research studies, and community engagement initiatives.
Perform independent analysis and interpretation of data to draw meaningful conclusions and recommendations.
Prepare reports, presentations, and documents that communicate research findings and recommendations to both internal and external stakeholders.
Stay current on emerging trends, technologies, and advancements in the field of environmental sciences, watershed management, and natural resources.
Input and manage field and laboratory data using software tools and GIS platforms; create both digital and print mapping products.
Perform data quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) checks to ensure data reliability and adherence to project standards.
Other duties as assigned by Supervisor or designee.