Lakes Monitoring Specialist

State of Oklahoma

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 Lakes Monitoring Specialist to join our family of professionals in delivering exceptional services and expertise to Oklahomans. The position involves performing various activities in our Lakes Monitoring Program such as water quality sampling, GIS mapping, diagnostic and restoration activities, assist with wetlands monitoring, and writing/review of technical reports and technical guidance documents. Moderate to heavy physical exertion will be required; including but not limited to carrying field equipment, operating certain sample collection equipment, and wading in all types of water for prolonged periods while working. Experience with the operation of boats and/or another watercraft is a plus, but not required. Activities will be statewide, requiring overnight travel.

Requirements

Strong communications skills and knowledge, skills and abilities required at this level include knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental quality and sanitation; of biological, microbiological, radiological and chemical analysis; of environmental problems; of sample collection; of laboratory methodologies; of complaint investigations; of the survey and inspection of environmental and sanitary conditions; of consumer protection; of epidemiology; of water and air quality regulations; of hydrological and geological survey methods; and of the principles of ground and surface water geology and hydrology.
Ability is required to operate and maintain monitoring and detection equipment; to establish and maintain professional working relationships with others; to write technical reports; to collect samples; to apply research methodologies; to read and interpret plans and specifications of proposed facilities; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the operation of boats and/or another watercraft is a plus, but not required.
Experience with GPS equipment and ArcGIS is preferred but not required.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

Gathers, organizes, and processes water quality and quantity data.
Operates field trucks, boats, and other field equipment.
Performs validations on water quality and quantity data or other types of data.
Performs routine chemical tests of samples.
Process biological samples for taxonomic analysis.
Prepares, or review data summary reports of investigations, sampling, chemical analysis, or other related tasks.
Maintain and calibrate various types of electronic and non-electronic equipment.
Enters data and manipulates spreadsheets from a variety of investigations and projects.
Ensures that data is collected and analyzed in a scientifically defensible manner.
Works with Lakes Monitoring Leader on project planning and implementation.
Assist with bathymetric mapping activities of lakes across the state
Other Duties Assigned

Benefits

Generous Annual Benefit Allowance: Up to $21,942 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.