Environmental Programs Specialist

The State of Oklahoma is hiring an Environmental Programs Specialist in McAlester, OK. This role involves providing environmental oversight, investigating complaints, conducting inspections, and offering technical assistance related to public health and safety. Applicants need a relevant Bachelor's degree and must pass a background check. The position requires daily travel within the assigned area, and a vehicle is necessary for commuting.
This position is located in the Environmental Complaints & Local Services Division in Southeast Region - McAlester, OK.

All applicants must be able 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 Requirement

All applicants must upload a resume and 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.

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 year of professional experience in one of the areas listed; or a master’s degree in a qualifying area.

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 Environment Specialist. This includes a total of 30 semester hours in a Physical, Natural and Biological Science, Public Health, and/or Environmental Health. Please click this link Approved Courses list for the approved course list.

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

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.

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.