Environmental Programs Specialist

The State of Oklahoma is seeking an Environmental Programs Specialist in Oklahoma City, focusing on reviewing and drafting municipal wastewater permits and providing technical assistance. Candidates need a relevant bachelor's degree and may require professional experience depending on the level applied for. The position offers generous leave and benefits. Applicants must pass a background check and be eligible to work in the U.S. No remote work is indicated.
About the position

This position is located in the Water Quality Division - Municipal Discharge and Stormwater Permit 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 sponsorships.

Responsibilities
• Review applications for permits to discharge municipal wastewater to waters of the state for administrative and technical completeness.
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• Draft OPDES discharge permits (Tier I and Tier II) for municipal facilities that discharge wastewater to waters of the state.
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• Draft authorizations for coverage under municipal and stormwater general permits.
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• Review applications for permits to supply reclaimed water for administrative and technical completeness.
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• Draft state permits to supply reclaimed water for land application and other uses (Tier I and Tier II).
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• Update the NMS permit database system to reflect permit processing status and incorporate permit requirements.
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• Inspect municipal facilities as needed to aid in permit drafting.
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• Respond to queries from permittees, the public, media, and state government.
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• Provide technical assistance to permittees.
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• Participate in training and outreach efforts as presenter and/or resource person or participant.
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• Perform technical analyses, special projects, and other technical duties as assigned.

Requirements
• 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.
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• Level II: One year of professional experience in one of the areas listed; or a master's degree in a qualifying area.
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• Level III: Two additional years of professional experience in one of the areas listed; or a master's degree in a qualifying area plus two years of professional experience in one of the areas listed.
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• Level IV: One additional year of professional experience in one of the areas listed; or a master's degree in a qualifying area plus one additional year of professional experience in one of the areas listed.
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• To be considered for this position applicants must be within 60 days of obtaining their degree.

Nice-to-haves
• Greater consideration will be given to candidates who have a grade point average of 3.0 or greater or have transcripts demonstrating coursework relevant to this position.
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• Greater consideration will be given to candidates who have the relevant coursework or experience necessary to qualify for a position as an Environmental Programs Specialist II-IV.

Benefits
• Generous leave including 15 days of vacation, 15 days of sick leave and 11 paid holidays annually.
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• A comprehensive Benefit Package with a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.