Environmental Programs Specialist

Environmental Programs Specialist

This position is located in the Air Quality Division - Quality Assurance Section in Oklahoma City, OK.

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. This position requires in-office work Monday - Friday. Other than regular field work, there is no remote work allowed.

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

Basic Purpose: This position provides quality assurance support for the entire Air Quality Division, however the vast majority of work is for ambient air monitoring activities conducted by the division's Monitoring Section. The quality assurance activities regarding ambient air monitoring are to ensure that all data generated is demonstrably valid, representative, and defensible through the evaluation of instrument performance, validation of data collected, and review of applicable procedures. Many of the duties will require the applicant to work independently; however, some tasks will require the applicant to function in a team setting.

This position reports to the Environmental Program Manager of the Quality Assurance Section in the Air Quality Division.

Typical Functions:

• Successfully complete classroom, self-instruction, and on-the-job training related to air pollution monitoring.
• Conduct site and performance audits on air quality analyzers, samplers, and procedures at air monitoring sites throughout the state. This requires knowledge of technology and procedures utilized in the collection of data.
• Certify site equipment used for calibrating and performing QA/QC checks on air quality analyzers in a laboratory by comparison to local primary standards.
• Work cooperatively with other section members to perform operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and minor repair of air quality equipment.
• Use word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other applicable computer software programs to document data, create reports, and analyze air quality data. Review and validate data collected by the AQD Air Monitoring programs.
• Assist in the development and/or review of Quality Assurance Project Plans, project work plans, Standard Operating Procedures, and other quality system documents for all sections of the Air Quality Division.
• Become knowledgeable of EPA standards and guidelines, and federal and state rules relevant to the DEQ's air monitoring program.
• More duties may expand to more sections within the Air Quality Division.

Travel Requirement: Applicant must have a valid driver's license. Drive a monitored state vehicle to Oklahoma Monitoring sites for audits 0-2 days per week without overnight stay. The applicant may occasionally be required to drive in less than ideal weather conditions. Occasional out of state overnight travel for training may be necessary to attend a workshop or conference, typically not more than 3 days per year.

Education and Experience:

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

Physical Requirements:

• Applicant must be able to work in extreme (hot and cold) weather conditions frequently.
• Applicant must be able to lift and/or carry equipment or supplies up to 50 pounds.
• Applicant must be able to climb ladders or stairs to access roof tops of small portable buildings, shipping containers or 2-3 story buildings with a limited fear of heights.
• Applicant must be able to spend long hours driving vehicles safely within an 8 hour workday.
• Applicant must be able to operate a personal computer several hours a day.
• Applicant must be able to walk occasionally over a variety of terrain such as loose gravel, slopes, and open pasture to conduct field work.
• Applicant must be able to work alone for hours at a time at remote monitoring site locations.

Special Requirements: Applicant must be able to wear various types of safety equipment (ear plugs/muffs, safety glasses, safety shoes, dust masks, etc.)

Other Information not included above:

• Applicant must have the temperament to remain calm when faced with conflict.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employment: 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.