Environmental Programs Specialist

Job Posting Title Environmental Programs Specialist Agency

292 DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Supervisory Organization Environmental Quality–Air Quality Job Type Regular Compensation Hiring Rates: Level I - $52,332.80 Level II - $56,180.80 These are for two positions located in the Air Quality Division – Technical Resources and Special Projects 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 H1B visa. This position requires in-office work Monday – Friday. Other than regular fieldwork, there is no remote work allowed. Application Requirements All applicants must upload a resume, transcript and references to be considered for this position. Basic Purpose The Technical Resources and Projects Section provides technical support for the Air Quality Division, coordinates special projects such as grant administration and public education efforts, and operates the lead‑based paint (LBP) and renovation, repair, and painting (RRP) programs. This specific position will be assisting with day‑to‑day administration of the LBP certification program and the RRP certification program. These programs are essential to reduce lead‑poisoning risks for families and workers conducting home repairs, renovations, and abatements. After learning applicable regulations and procedures, daily activities of this position will include reviewing and approving certification applications in an online system, administering certification exams, assisting customers, conducting inspections and completing compliance reviews. This position will also be part of a team managing the Clean Diesel School Buses grant (DERA) and Volkswagen Clean Air Act Civil Settlement, both of which are aimed at reducing mobile source emissions. Typical Functions Predominantly in an office setting. On average, up to four weekend outreach events per year, and up to four overnight trips per year (including conferences & out of town outreach events). Learn regulations and requirements of the LBP program, RRP program, EPA grants, and Volkswagen (VW) Settlement Trust. Under the LBP program, review certification applications and quarterly reports submitted by customers. Provide assistance to the public via phone, email, and in‑person on understanding the requirements of lead certification and how to navigate the online application system. Assist different customers on how to apply and comply with the DERA grant and VW Settlement programs. Administer LBP and RRP certification exams. Train and serve as an inspector and auditor for LBP and RRP. After training is complete, must pass associated exams prior to independently performing inspections. Under DERA and VW, perform inspections on assigned vehicle projects. Occasionally give presentations over the regulations, lead certification programs, dangers of LBP, and promotion of DERA/VW programs. Create, maintain and update informal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), instructions, and process notes on independent activities to ensure continuity of operations. Assist with the creation, reviews, and updating of formal SOPs and Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) that relate to assigned activities. Assist with progress reporting to EPA and the VW Settlement Trust. Travel Requirements Must have a valid driver’s license. Employee will be required to travel both for in‑state inspections and public outreach events and out‑of‑state for training, meetings, or conferences. Public outreach events will occur on the weekend two to four times per year. On average, five overnight trips per year. 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. To be considered for this position applicants must be within 60 days of obtaining their degree. Additional Considerations / Preference Computer skills – Become proficient in DEQ standard software (MS Office 365, Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive and MS Teams) and nForm, the electronic system used for LBP and RRP programs. Detail Orientation – Employee must be detail‑oriented, with the ability to determine (after training) whether information is incorrect or missing from customer‑submitted applications and reports. Writing Skills – Employee must have writing skills that include a good understanding of grammar, a basic understanding of technical writing, the ability to organize a document with clear subject prioritization and flow, the ability to format a document, and the ability to review documents created by others. Must be capable of writing procedural and descriptive documents. Integrity – The applicant must conduct their work with a commitment to ethical practices, ensuring assessments and reports are accurate, impartial, and truthful. Communication & presentation skills – Must be capable of communicating professionally and effectively (verbally and in writing) with co‑workers, customers, and the public. Must be able to create and give presentations to co‑workers and the public and to converse informally at public outreach events. Composure – Employee must have the temperament to remain calm, patient, and constructive when assisting others, when faced with conflict, and when interacting with unhappy customers. Employee must have the patience and focus required to complete re‑occurring and detail‑oriented tasks. Organizational Skills – Employee must be sufficiently self‑motivated to manage and complete multiple, simultaneous independent projects with different timelines. Attitude / Loyalty – Employee must have a positive attitude and be willing to participate in “as assigned” projects, surveys, or pilot programs. Agency goals and priorities must supersede personal preference in regard to assigned work. Employee must be willing to learn new skills and topics as projects rotate and work assignments change. Independent and Team Work – Employee must be able to work both individually and as part of a team. Deadlines – Employee must be able to track and meet established timeframes and deadlines, and to ask for help when it is necessary to meet those timeframes and deadlines. Problem Solving – Employee should be able to utilize problem‑solving skills to recognize potential issues and work to resolve them and/or bring them to the attention of the manager. Physical Requirements Applicant must be able to operate a personal computer several hours a day. Applicant must be able to occasionally sit behind the wheel of a monitored, state‑owned vehicle for several hours a day. Applicant must be able to walk occasionally over a variety of terrain such as loose gravel, slopes, excavated areas and construction sites. Applicant must be able to carry equipment or supplies up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Applicant must be able to occasionally ride in an airplane for several hours a day. Applicant must be able to climb step‑ladders and stairs. Applicant must be able to set up and break down folding chairs, tables, and displays. Applicant must be able to walk up to one mile per day. Applicant must be able to stand and/or walk several hours at a time during outreach events (breaks and chairs will be provided). Applicant may occasionally be exposed short‑term to odors and pollutants. 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 Benefits to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Oklahoma State Government