Environmental Programs Specialist

This position is located in our Air Quality Division - Monitoring Section - East 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 H-1B visa.

Application Requirements

All applicants must upload a resume and transcript to be considered for this position.

Basic Purpose

This position will be primarily responsible for operation and maintenance of assigned ambient air monitoring sites and equipment at more than 30 locations throughout Oklahoma.  This position will be responsible for collecting high quality ambient air data for comparison to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and use in the Air Toxics program.  As a primary offshoot of this task, the position will perform daily/monthly, quarterly, and annual review/validation of monitoring data.  Most of the duties will require the employee to work independently; however, special projects will require that the employee be able to function occasionally in a team setting.  Additional responsibilities include extensive data analysis, routine data reporting, drafting of technical SOPs, and some technical assistance to other divisions and customers. 

Typical Functions

Work cooperatively with other section members to perform operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and minor repair of ambient monitoring sites and equipment. 

Become knowledgeable of federal and state laws, rules, and guidance relevant to the DEQ’s air monitoring program.  Successfully complete classroom, self-instruction, and on-the-job training related to air pollution monitoring.

Use word processing programs, databases, spreadsheets, and other applicable computer software programs to prepare documents, reports and analyze air quality data.

Respond to inquiries from internal and external customers concerning air quality data in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

Prepare standard operating procedures for the operation of numerous types of sampling and weather-related equipment.

Research air monitoring studies and provide written and verbal summaries of findings in a timely manner. 

Travel Requirements

The employee must have a valid driver’s license and will be required to travel within the state of Oklahoma typically 2-4 days per week without overnight stay; occasional out of state overnight stays may be necessary to attend a workshop or conference or for training.

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.

Physical Requirements

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 in order to conduct field work.

Applicant must be able to lift and/or carry equipment or supplies up to 50 pounds.

Applicant must be able to operate a motor vehicle for several hours a day.

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 work in extreme (hot and cold) weather conditions frequently.

Applicant must be able to work alone for hours at a time at remote monitoring site locations.

Additional Considerations/Preferences (These cannot eliminate a candidate)

Desired Education:

Air quality, chemistry, and meteorology classes.

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.