Environmental Programs Specialist

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.

• 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.

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.

• Level I: A 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, agricultural, environmental, geological or chemical engineering.
• Level II:
  Those identified in Level I plus one year of general professional experience in an environmentally related field; or a master’s degree in a listed field.

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 Environment Specialist. This includes a total of 30 semester hours in a Physical, Natural and Biological Science, Public Health, and/or Environmental Health. Approved courses are listed in the provided link.

To be considered for this position applicants must be within 60 days of obtaining their degree.

• 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.

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…