Environmental Programs Specialist

Compensation

Hiring Rates:
Level I - $50,793.60
Level II - $54,537.60
Level III - $61,900.80
Level IV - $68,744.00

Job Description

This position is located in the Land Protection Division - Restoration and Revitalization Section 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 sponsorship for those on a H-1B visa.

Application Requirements

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

Basic Purpose

This position will perform technical, regulatory, and project management tasks associated with the Superfund Program within the Land Protection Division.  The Superfund Program works on National Priority List Superfund projects, large complex Voluntary Cleanup sites, and Site Assessment of potential Superfund sites.  The position will perform project management tasks that include, but are not limited to, preparing and reviewing technical reports, conducting environmental sampling events, assessing and evaluating data, providing contractor and consultant oversight during site investigations and remedial activities, engaging in community relations, and coordinating with federal, state, and tribal stakeholders.

Typical Functions

Write technical reports, memorandums, and letters including Superfund Preliminary Assessment and Site Inspection reports;

Plan and conduct sampling events on potentially contaminated properties; evaluate data and make recommendations for future steps;

Plan and conduct Five-Year reviews of Superfund sites;

Perform project and contract management duties including managing cooperative agreements/grants, budgets, and consultants and contractors on assigned projects;

Review and provide written comment on site-specific documents, reports, assessments, site data, and site plans;

Perform technical oversight of the contractor during the construction phase of remedial work;

Plan, coordinate, and budget future remedial work with landowners, federal partners, tribal partners, and stakeholders;

Work with project team, including hydrologists, engineers, risk assessors, and legal staff to provide expertise related to projects;

Research environmental issues and assist in evaluating risk associated with environmental issues;

Provide technical and/or regulatory assistance to DEQ customers (internal and external) including, but not limited to, prompt replies (written and verbal) to inquiries and interpretation of analytical data and other requests;

Host and attend public meetings to answer questions and/or present information related to project status, remediation plans, analytical data, and/or risk assessment data;

Communicate with landowners, elected officials, other state and federal agencies, tribal agencies, local entities, and the general public;

Participate in internal and/or external workgroups and committees; and

Perform other duties and tasks to maintain program activities and commitments.

Travel Requirements

Employee must have a valid driver’s license and will be required to travel throughout the state as well as out-of-state. Travel, including air travel, is necessary to perform assigned tasks and to attend designated trainings. Travel may be for a few hours to several days, including overnight stays. State vehicles are available, and their use is preferred, but there may be occasions state vehicles are unavailable and it will be necessary for the employee to use their personal vehicle. Most travel will be at the expense of the employee with subsequent Agency reimbursement

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.

Level III - those identified in level I plus three (3) years of professional experience in one of the areas listed; or a master’s degree plus two (2) years of professional experience in one of the areas listed.

Level IV - those identified in level I plus four (4) years of professional experience in one of the areas listed; or a master’s degree in a qualifying area three (3) years of professional experience in one of the areas listed.

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

Physical Requirements

Employee will be required to perform field work including, but not limited to, conducting site inspections and performing oversight activities. Employee must be able to walk up to a mile in difficult terrain, carrying up to 25 pounds of equipment. Situations may include, but are not limited to, climbing up/down creek/riverbanks, structures, ladders, etc. in all kinds of weather.

Special Requirements

Personal Protective Equipment – Employee must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include Tyvek suits, air purifying respirator, or self-contained breathing apparatus/supplied-air respirator. As a result, this position will require participation in medical monitoring during the first year and annually thereafter, or as determined by a provider. Medical monitoring will entail a medical exam to determine if employee is fit to wear PPE and may include blood work, x-ray, audiometric and other medical tests at the expense of DEQ. If during the probationary period, it is determined employee is unable to wear PPE, employment may be terminated.

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.