Groundwater Monitoring Specialist

Groundwater Monitoring Specialist – Oklahoma Water Resources Board

Job Posting End Date: Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above. Estimated Appointment End Date: Continuous if Blank. Full/Part-Time: Full time. Job Type: Regular Compensation. Groundwater Monitoring Specialist (R20A) – Annual Salary: $52,258. Groundwater Monitoring Specialist (R20B) – Annual Salary: $56,074.

Position Details

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board is a state agency responsible for overseeing the complex mission of managing, monitoring, planning for, and financing the state's water resources and infrastructure towards reliable future supplies that support strong communities, commerce, and the environment. The agency is seeking a full-time Groundwater Monitoring Specialist to join our family of professionals in delivering exceptional services and expertise to Oklahomans.

Position: Groundwater Monitoring Specialist Division: Water Assessment, Trends, and Environmental Research Section: Groundwater Location of Work: 3800 Classen Boulevard; Oklahoma City, OK 73118 Trial Period: 12 months in accordance with (OAC) 260:130-19-30 Travel: Extensive fieldwork, training & conference attendance with extended day and overnight travel is required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay Scale: $52,258 to $56,074 – Pay is based on education, experience and availability but in general will be within the range listed above.
• Generous Annual Benefit Allowance: Up to $21,934 to help cover insurance premiums for employees and their families.
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: A variety of options with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement Savings Plans:
  • Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan: Employer matches 6% of a minimum 4.5% employee contribution (up to 7% if the employee contributes 7%).
  • OPERS Defined Benefit Plan: Available for reenrollment to employees enrolled prior to November 1, 2015.
• Paid Leave:
  • 15 days annually during the first 1–5 years of service.
  • 18 days annually for 5–10 years of service.
  • 20 days annually for 10–20 years of service.
  • 25 days annually for over 20 years of service.
  • Sick leave: Accrued at 15 days per year.
• Holidays: Eleven paid holidays annually.
• Employee Discounts: Special rates with various vendors and companies.
• Longevity Payment: Monetary rewards beginning at two years of service to recognize dedicated tenure.
• Thrive: Empower Oklahoma State employees to improve & enhance their well-being, This robust benefits package reflects our commitment to the well-being, financial security, and work-life harmony of our team members.

Position Summary

This position supports the Groundwater Monitoring Section by collecting, validating, analyzing, and managing groundwater quality and quantity data across Oklahoma. The role involves extensive fieldwork, including operation of monitoring equipment, aquifer testing, and environmental sampling, as well as office-based responsibilities related to data validation, technical analysis, and preparation of data summaries and technical reports. Additionally, the position will assist in the installation, operation and maintenance of real-time water level recorders. The position also requires extensive interaction with landowners. The incumbent helps ensure that groundwater monitoring data are collected, processed, and documented using scientifically defensible methods and established quality assurance procedures. The position contributes to statewide groundwater monitoring efforts by supporting environmental investigations, assisting with analysis of hydrologic data, and preparing documentation used for resource assessment and water management decisions. The position requires extensive statewide travel, including periodic overnight field assignments. The position will require lifting and carrying field equipment and working outdoors under varying weather and site conditions. Activities will be statewide and will often require overnight travel.

Examples of Duties

• Gathers, organizes, processes, manages, validates, and analyzes groundwater quality and quantity data in a scientifically defensible manner.
• Operates field trucks, pumps, and other field equipment.
• Maintains and calibrates various types of electronic and non-electronic equipment.
• Performs routine chemical and aquifer tests.
• Prepares and reviews data summary and environmental reports.
• Works with various Project Managers on project planning and implementation.
• Perform/assist with varied, complex environmental data analysis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

Knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental science, groundwater hydrology, geochemistry, or environmental monitoring methods gained through education or experience including sampling procedures, survey methods; biological, microbiological, and chemical analysis methods; environmental regulations related to water resource protection; operation of pumps, monitoring and survey equipment.

Ability to collect and document environmental samples using standardized procedures and quality assurance protocols; manage, validate, and interpret datasets; apply quality assurance and quality control procedures; and prepare technical summaries.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, project managers, landowners, and external partners.

Experience with GPS equipment and GIS software (such as ArcGIS) is preferred but not required.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, is expected.

Experience working with environmental monitoring databases or data‑analysis tools is desirable.

Education and Experience

Level I Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in physical, natural, or biological science, chemistry, geology, hydrology, physical geography, environmental science, environmental health or civil, agricultural, environmental, geological, or chemical engineering.

Level II Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a 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 plus one (1) year of professional experience in one of the areas listed; or a master’s degree in a qualifying area.

Agency Awards

THE OKLAHOMAN TOP WORKPLACES – 2026 CERTIFIED HEALTHY OKLAHOMA - 2026

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.