Environmental Programs Specialist

Job Title

Environmental Programs Specialist – Agency 292, DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Job Type
:
Regular (Full time)

Location
:
Southeast Region, office in Dewar or McAlester. In‑office work Monday–Friday; no remote work allowed.

Salary
:
Level I – $52,332.80;
Level II – $56,180.80

Provides environmental oversight to statutory programs facilitated by the ODEQ to assure public health and safety. Aids citizens and facilities in the State of Oklahoma through management of a single or multi‑program environmental or health protection area. Investigates environmental complaints, provides emergency response, completes on‑site sewage requests, and conducts facility inspections to protect public health and support Federal Grants.

• Respond to, investigate and resolve environmental complaints within an assigned geographic area.
• Conduct air, water, and soil inspections and investigations; collect environmental samples and provide technical assistance.
• Inspect facilities permitted by DEQ, work with parties to gain compliance, and initiate enforcement when necessary.
• Perform all regulatory functions of the on‑site sewage treatment program, including soil tests for system design, inspection of installations, review of private sector inspections, and issuance of authorizations for sewage treatment systems.
• Provide 24‑hour emergency response to natural disasters and emergencies related to hazardous materials, spills, or releases.
• Provide technical service to citizens and municipalities regarding water treatment, wastewater treatment, solid waste disposal, and air pollution control.
• Walk a variety of terrains, climb steep embankments, and perform tasks that require upper‑body twisting and manual augering of 3‑inch diameter holes.

• Level I:
  Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours in a physical, natural, or biological science, chemistry, geology, hydrology, physical geography, epidemiology, environmental science, environmental health, or civil/engineering disciplines.
• Level II:
  Level I qualifications plus one year of general professional experience in an environmentally related field, or a master’s degree in a listed field.
• Applicants for this position within the Environmental Complaints and Local Services Division must also meet the qualifications for a Registered Sanitarian and Environment Specialist, including 30 semester hours in Physical, Natural, and Biological Science, Public Health, and/or Environmental Health.
• Must be within 60 days of obtaining the required degree.

Requires daily travel; applicant must possess a vehicle and a valid driver’s license. A state vehicle may be provided, but a personal vehicle is required for duties. Personal vehicles may be reimbursed for work miles per ODEQ travel and reimbursement SOP.

• Operate a personal computer as required to perform and complete assigned duties.
• Walk over various terrain, climb ladders, and manually auger a 3‑inch diameter hole; lift or carry up to 25lbs.

• Maintain calm demeanor in conflict or difficult situations; possess strong customer service and communication skills.
• Self‑motivated and responsive to newly identified tasks and projects.
• Must be a capable team member and able to perform duties of other employees during absences.

• Generous leave: 15days vacation, 15days sick leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive benefit package with a generous allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
• Background check required.

All applicants must upload a resume, cover letter, references, and transcript to be considered for this position.

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.