Environmental Programs Specialist

Hiring Rates: 
Level I - $52,332.80
Level II - $56,180.80

Job Description

This position is located in the Land Protection Division - Sustainable Materials Management 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 H1B 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 transcript, and resume to be considered for the position.

Basic Purpose

This position will perform technical and regulatory tasks associated with the Sustainable Materials Management Section of the Land Protection Division.

The Sustainable Materials Management Section works to implement sustainability initiatives related to materials management, including but not limited to, waste reduction and recycling, toxic chemical reduction, food waste and food recovery, composting, and beneficial reuse. The Section also includes the Land Reclamation Program, the Solid Waste Management Grant Program, and the Oklahoma Computer Equipment Recovery Act (OCERA) Program.

This position will primarily be responsible for the Land Reclamation Program as the Land Reclamation Specialist and the Oklahoma Computer Equipment Recovery Act (OCERA) Program. Other responsibilities will include assisting with Solid Waste Management Grant Program, assisting in the development and implementation of sustainability projects and programs, public outreach, and assistance with implementation of grant funded projects and programs.

These activities require attention to detail and the ability to interpret technical documents. Effective written and verbal communication is a significant portion of this job, and customer service is a key aspect of this position.

Typical Functions

Serve as the Land Reclamation Specialist

Plan and conduct site visits for the Land Reclamation Program, Manage the Land Reclamation Inventory Project, Coordinate with Air Quality Division on EPA NESHAP reports submitted for the Land Reclamation Program

Manage the OCERA Program

Track and manage OCERA annual payments, Process OCERA data, Prepare annual OCERA report

Assist with the Solid Waste Management Grant Program

Write contracts for, assist with negotiation of, and track spending for solid waste grant funding

Participate in public outreach/training events

Coordinate and lead compliance assistance/technical outreach to DEQ regulated businesses

Participate in routine meetings

Perform data management activities as needed

Lead or assist with special projects as needed

Must be able to be in the field approximately two or more days a week in locations throughout the state

Must be able to travel in state and out of state to meetings and training

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office software

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 training. 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.

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.

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.