Job Posting Title

Environmental Programs Specialist

Agency

292 DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Supervisory Organization

Environmental Quality–ECLS

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

Hiring Rates:
Level I - $50,793.60
Level II - $54,537.60

Job Description

This position is located in the Environmental Complaints and Local Services Division in the Central Region 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 sponsorships for those on a H-1B visa.

Application Requirements

All applicants must upload a resume and official college transcript to be considered for this position.

Basic Purpose

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.

Typical Functions

• Within an assigned geographic area: provide environmental complaint response, investigation and resolution; conduct air, water and soil inspections and investigations; collect environmental samples; provide technical assistance.  These inspections may require walking a variety of terrains, climbing steep embankments, etc.

• Conduct investigations into and resolve environmentally related complaints and perform inspections at facilities permitted by DEQ; working 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.

• Provides 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.

Travel Requirements

The position requires daily travel.  Environmental Specialists must possess a vehicle, have a valid driver’s license and be able to endure several hours of driving each day.  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. 

Education and Experience

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.

• Please Note: 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 Environmental Specialist. This includes a total of 30-semester hours in a Physical, Natural, and Biological Science, Public Health and/or Environmental Health.

    Registered Sanitarian & EPS requirements

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements for the position include but may not be limited to the following:

• Operate a personal computer  as required to perform and complete assigned duties

• Must be able to walk over a variety of terrain; such as loose gravel, sloped ground, steep embankments, excavated areas and construction sites

• Manually 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

Other Information not included above

Environmental Specialists must have the temperament to remain calm when faced with conflict or difficult situations and must have good customer service skills and be capable of effectively and politely communicating, both verbal and in writing, with co-workers and customers.

Must 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.  Must be capable of working as a team member to meet and advance the overall Agency or Division goals.  Additionally, he/she will need to learn how to perform the tasks of other employees in order to serve in that capacity during the absences of those employees.  Newly identified projects may encompass working on an individual or team basis.

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.

Not all applicants will receive an interview.  If you are selected to be interviewed, you will be notified by email.   

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.