Environmental Program Specialist

This position is located in the Air Quality Division - Enforcement & Compliance Section - Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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 sponsorships.

Application Requirements

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

Basic Purpose

The AQD Compliance/Enforcement group is responsible for conducting inspections of air pollution sources, responding to citizens’ complaints, observing and evaluating emission tests, tracking and evaluating excess emissions/malfunctions, and the implementation of a host of federal requirements. 

Employees receive on the job training, joining senior inspectors and managers to conduct on-site compliance evaluations, attending classroom and virtual courses, completing self-study air specific training through the AirKnowledge network, and attending visible emissions evaluator training twice per year to become certified. 

This position requires good skills in writing and comprehension, communication, organization, customer service, and advanced computer skills. This position must be self-motivated and have the ability to work in a team environment.

This position reports to the Environmental Programs Manager of the Compliance & Enforcement Section in the Regional Office in Tulsa.

Typical Functions

Perform all assigned Full Compliance Evaluations (FCE) and Partial Compliance Evaluations (PCE) targeted for evaluation within the allotted timeframes. Prepare for FCE/PCE and other assigned evaluations by conducting a thorough file review. Update DEQ’s database (TEAM) with evaluation results.

Prepare detailed written reports to document the findings of FCEs/PCEs.

Draft and submit enforcement case documents following guidance procedures and timelines. Take appropriate actions and update TEAM in accordance with enforcement procedure timelines.

Become knowledgeable of air quality regulations that pertain to facilities that have been assigned and administer these rules equitably and consistently.

Investigate environmental complaints from citizens while following all complaint procedures and timelines.

Travel Requirements

Inspector must be able to travel throughout the state and occasionally stay overnight for training and completion of FCEs or PCEs. Typically travel 2-4 days per week without overnight stay; occasional out of state overnight for training may be necessary to attend a workshop or conference, usually not exceeding two nights per fiscal year.

Inspector must have a valid driver’s license.

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

Inspectors must be able to operate a personal computer for long periods of time.

Must be able to walk long distances or spend long hours on their feet.

Must be able to walk over a variety of terrain such as loose gravel, slopes, excavated areas, and construction sites.

Must be able to climb ladders or stairs.

Must be able to carry equipment or supplies up to 50 pounds.

Must be able to handle extremes of heat or cold and inclement weather.

May occasionally be exposed to strong odors and possibly short-term exposure to pollutants such as air borne toxics.

Special Requirements

Inspector must be comfortable and able to wear various types of Safety and Personal Protective Equipment, including but not necessarily limited to, Nomex or Fire-Resistant clothing, safety ​boots, eye protection/safety glasses, hearing protection (ear plugs/muffs), hard hats, respiratory protection, and hand protection.

Inspector may be required to perform annual medical monitoring.

Additional Job Description

Inspectors must have the temperament to remain calm when faced with conflict.

Must be comfortable interacting with co-workers both in person digitally.

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.   

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.