Groundwater Monitoring Specialist

State of Oklahoma • Oklahoma City, OK

2d • $52,258 - $56,074 • Onsite

About The Position

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board is a state agency responsible for overseeing the complex mission of managing, monitoring, planning for, and financing the state's water resources and infrastructure towards reliable future supplies that support strong communities, commerce, and the environment. The agency is seeking a full-time Groundwater Monitoring Specialist to join our family of professionals in delivering exceptional services and expertise to Oklahomans.

This position supports the Groundwater Monitoring Section by collecting, validating, analyzing, and managing groundwater quality and quantity data across Oklahoma. The role involves extensive fieldwork, including operation of monitoring equipment, aquifer testing, and environmental sampling, as well as office-based responsibilities related to data validation, technical analysis, and preparation of data summaries and technical reports. Additionally, the position will assist in the installation, operation, and maintenance of real-time water level recorders. The position also requires extensive interaction with landowners.

The incumbent helps ensure that groundwater monitoring data are collected, processed, and documented using scientifically defensible methods and established quality assurance procedures. The position contributes to statewide groundwater monitoring efforts by supporting environmental investigations, assisting with analysis of hydrologic data, and preparing documentation used for resource assessment and water management decisions.

The position requires extensive statewide travel, including periodic overnight field assignments. The position will require lifting and carrying field equipment and working outdoors under varying weather and site conditions. Activities will be statewide and will often require overnight travel.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental science, groundwater hydrology, geochemistry, or environmental monitoring methods gained through education or experience including sampling procedures, survey methods; biological, microbiological, and chemical analysis methods; environmental regulations related to water resource protection; operation of pumps, monitoring and survey equipment.
• Ability to collect and document environmental samples using standardized procedures and quality assurance protocols; manage, validate, and interpret datasets; apply quality assurance and quality control procedures; and prepare technical summaries.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, project managers, landowners, and external partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, is expected.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with GPS equipment and GIS software (such as ArcGIS) is preferred but not required.
• Experience working with environmental monitoring databases or data-analysis tools is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Gathers, organizes, processes, manages, validates, and analyzes groundwater quality and quantity data in a scientifically defensible manner.
• Operates field trucks, pumps, and other field equipment.
• Maintains and calibrates various types of electronic and non-electronic equipment.
• Performs routine chemical and aquifer tests.
• Prepares and reviews data summary and environmental reports.
• Works with various Project Managers on project planning and implementation.
• Perform/assist with varied, complex environmental data analysis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous Annual Benefit Allowance: Up to $21,934 to help cover insurance premiums for employees and their families.
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: A variety of options with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement Savings Plans: Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan: Employer matches 6% of a minimum 4.5% employee contribution (up to 7% if the employee contributes 7%). OPERS Defined Benefit Plan: Available for reenrollment to employees enrolled prior to November 1, 2015.
• Paid Leave: 15 days annually during the first 1–5 years of service. 18 days annually for 5–10 years of service. 20 days annually for 10–20 years of service. 25 days annually for over 20 years of service. Sick leave: Accrued at 15 days per year.
• Holidays: Eleven paid holidays annually.
• Employee Discounts: Special rates with various vendors and companies.
• Longevity Payment: Monetary rewards beginning at two years of service to recognize dedicated tenure.
• Thrive: Empower Oklahoma State employees to improve & enhance their well-being.

What This Job Offers

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