Environmental Programs Specialist

Compensation

Hiring Rates:
Level I - $50,793.60
Level II - $54,537.60
Level III - $61,900.80

Job Description

This position is located in the Land Protection Division - Restoration and Revitalization Section 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 perform technical, regulatory, and project management tasks associated with the Site Cleanup Assistance Program (SCAP)/Tar Creek Superfund Site within the Land Protection Division. The SCAP/Tar Creek Superfund Site position will perform project management tasks at SCAP and Tar Creek Sites that include, but are not limited to, managing complex cleanups, assessing and evaluating data, conducting environmental sampling, providing contractor and consultant oversight, preparing and reviewing technical reports, engaging in community relations, and coordinating with federal, state, and tribal stakeholders.

Typical Functions

Manage and perform oversight of consultants and contractors on assigned projects associated with the Tar Creek Superfund Site and Site Cleanup Assistance Program;

Draft and review technical reports and memorandums, site-specific documents, and quality assurance project plans associated with the Tar Creek Superfund Site and Site Cleanup Assistance Program;

Review and provide written comments on EPA technical reports, memorandums, risk assessments, and other documents associated with the Tar Creek Superfund Site;

Draft and submit Cooperative Agreement Work Plans to ensure future funding on cleanup sites at the Tar Creek Superfund Site;

Manage Cooperative Agreement budgets and submit quarterly reports associated with the Tar Creek Superfund Site;

Plan and conduct soil and groundwater sampling on potentially contaminated properties, evaluate sampling data, and make recommendations for future cleanup activities;

Plan and coordinate future cleanups with landowners, federal partners, tribal partners, and stakeholders;

Draft and bid consultant and contractor scope of work documents associated with the Tar Creek Superfund Site and Site Cleanup Assistance Program;

Provide technical and/or regulatory assistance and direction to DEQ customers (internal and external);

Host and attend public meetings and present information related to project status, remediation plans, evaluation of analytical data, and risk management information;

Communicate with landowners, elected officials, other state and federal agencies, tribal agencies, local entities, and the general public;

Participate in internal and/or external workgroups and committees; and

Perform other duties and tasks to maintain Restoration and Revitalization Section activities and commitments.

Travel Requirements

Employee must have a valid driver’s license and will be required to travel throughout the state as well as out-of-state. Travel, including air travel, is necessary to perform assigned tasks and to attend designated trainings. Travel may be for a few hours to several days, including overnight stays. State vehicles are available, and their use is preferred, but there may be occasions state vehicles are unavailable and it will be necessary for the employee to use their personal vehicle. Most travel will be at the expense of the employee with subsequent Agency reimbursement.

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.

Level III - those identified in level I plus three (3) years of professional experience in one of the areas listed; or a master’s degree plus two (2) years of professional experience in one of the areas listed.

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

Physical Requirements

Employee will be required to perform field work including but not limited to conducting site inspections and performing oversight activities. Employee must be able to walk up to a mile in difficult terrain, carrying up to 25 pounds of equipment. Situations may include, but are not limited to, climbing up/down creek/riverbanks, structures, ladders, etc. in all kinds of weather.

Special Requirements

Personal Protective Equipment – Employee must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include Tyvek suits, air purifying respirator, or self-contained breathing apparatus/supplied-air respirator. As a result, this position will require participation in medical monitoring during the first year and annually thereafter, or as determined by a provider. Medical monitoring will entail a medical exam to determine if employee is fit to wear PPE and may include blood work, x-ray, audiometric and other medical tests at the expense of DEQ. If during the probationary period, it is determined employee is unable to wear PPE, employment may be terminated.

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.