Lakes Monitoring Specialist

Oklahoma AG; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Benefit Allowance

Comprehensive Insurance Plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Retirement Savings Plan

Paid Leave

Holidays

Longevity Payment

Thrive program

Job summary

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board is seeking a full-time Lakes Monitoring Specialist to join the Lakes Monitoring Program statewide. The role involves water quality sampling, GIS mapping, data validation, and writing technical reports, with extensive fieldwork and travel.

Qualified applicants will have a bachelor’s degree with 24 semester hours in physical, natural, or biological sciences (Level I) or a master’s degree or one year of professional experience (Level II).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in physical, natural, or biological sciences or related fields.
• Level II requires 1 year of professional experience or a master’s degree in a qualifying area.

Responsibilities

• Gather, organize, and process water quality and quantity data.
• Operate field trucks, boats, and related field equipment.
• Perform validations on water quality and quantity data.
• Conduct routine chemical tests of samples.
• Process biological samples for taxonomic analysis.
• Prepare data summary reports for investigations and projects.
• Maintain and calibrate monitoring equipment.
• Enter data and manage spreadsheets for investigations.
• Assist with bathymetric mapping of lakes statewide.

Skills

GPS equipment

ArcGIS

MS Office

Data entry

Technical reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 24 sem hrs in science

Master’s degree in a qualifying area

Tools

ArcGIS

Field equipment

Job description

Lakes Monitoring Specialist

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board is a state agency responsible for overseeing the complex mission of managing, monitoring, planning for and financing the state's water resources and infrastructure towards reliable future supplies that support strong communities, commerce, and the environment. The agency is seeking a full-time Lakes Monitoring Specialist to join our family of professionals in delivering exceptional services and expertise to Oklahomans.

Position: Lakes Monitoring Specialist

Division: Water Assessment, Trends, and Environmental Research

Section: Lakes

Location of Work: 3800 Classen Boulevard; Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Trial Period: 12 months in accordance with (OAC) 260:130-19-30

Travel: Extensive fieldwork, training & conference attendance with extended day and overnight travel is required.

We proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, financial security, and work-life balance of eligible employees and their families:

• Generous Annual Benefit Allowance: Up to $21,934 to help cover insurance premiums for employees and their families.
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: A variety of options with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement Savings Plans: Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan: Employer matches 6% of a minimum 4.5% employee contribution (up to 7% if the employee contributes 7%).
• OPERS Defined Benefit Plan: Available for reenrollment to employees enrolled prior to November 1, 2015.
• Paid Leave: 15 days annually during the first 1–5 years of service.
• Holidays: Eleven paid holidays annually.
• Employee Discounts: Special rates with various vendors and companies.
• Longevity Payment: Monetary rewards beginning at two years of service to recognize dedicated tenure.
• Thrive: Empower Oklahoma State employees to improve & enhance their well-being, This robust benefits package reflects our commitment to the well-being, financial security, and work-life harmony of our team members.

The position involves performing various activities in our Lakes Monitoring Program such as water quality sampling, GIS mapping, diagnostic and restoration activities, assist with wetlands monitoring, and writing/review of technical reports and technical guidance documents. Moderate to heavy physical exertion will be required; including but not limited to carrying field equipment, operating certain sample collection equipment, and wading in all types of water for prolonged periods while working. Experience with the operation of boats and/or another watercraft is a plus, but not required.

Activities will be statewide, requiring overnight travel. Examples of duties that will be performed include, but are not limited to:

• Gathers, organizes, and processes water quality and quantity data.
• Operates field trucks, boats, and other field equipment.
• Performs validations on water quality and quantity data or other types of data.
• Performs routine chemical tests of samples.
• Process biological samples for taxonomic analysis.
• Prepares, or review data summary reports of investigations, sampling, chemical analysis, or other related tasks.
• Maintain and calibrate various types of electronic and non-electronic equipment.
• Enters data and manipulates spreadsheets from a variety of investigations and projects.
• Ensures that data is collected and analyzed in a scientifically defensible manner.
• Works with Lakes Monitoring Leader on project planning and implementation.
• Assist with bathymetric mapping activities of lakes across the state

Other Duties Assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies: Strong communications skills and knowledge, skills and abilities required at this level include knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental quality and sanitation; of biological, microbiological, radiological and chemical analysis; of environmental problems; of sample collection; of laboratory methodologies; of complaint investigations; of the survey and inspection of environmental and sanitary conditions; of consumer protection; of epidemiology; of water and air quality regulations; of hydrological and geological survey methods; and of the principles of ground and surface water geology and hydrology. Ability is required to operate and maintain monitoring and detection equipment; to establish and maintain professional working relationships with others; to write technical reports; to collect samples; to apply research methodologies; to read and interpret plans and specifications of proposed facilities; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Experience with GPS equipment and ArcGIS is preferred but not required. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

Education and Experience: Level I: Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a 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: Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a 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 plus one (1) year of professional experience in one of the areas listed; or a master’s degree in a qualifying area.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future employer sponsorship This position does not offer visa sponsorship

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.

The State of Oklahoma is the largest employer in the state of Oklahoma, employing over 35,000 diverse and talented employees in more than 100 state agencies, boards and commissions. Our workplaces can be found across the state from Boise City to Idabel, Hollis to Miami, and everywhere in between.

Industries: Government Administration Worker Size: 10,001+ Employees Headquarters: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Utilizing the Office of Veterans Placement provides eligible veterans additional services and interview opportunities for State of Oklahoma employment.