Lakes Monitoring Specialist

Job Posting Title

Lakes Monitoring Specialist

Agency

835 WATER RESOURCES BOARD

Supervisory Organization

OK Water Resources Board

Job Posting End Date

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

Annual Salary: $49,300 plus a generous benefit package.

Job Description

"Upload a resume and college transcript""

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 $21,942 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.

  • 18 days annually for 5–10 years of service.

  • 20 days annually for 10–20 years of service.

  • 25 days annually for over 20 years of service.

  • Sick leave: Accrued at 15 days per year.

• 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.

Level I: This is the basic level of this job family where employees are assigned duties and responsibilities in a training status to build their skills in conducting investigations, performing basic professional analysis, and interpreting state and federal laws. In this role they will perform tasks involved in the evaluation of inspection and survey data, preparing technical records and reports, and assisting in making recommendations concerning remedial actions to correct environmental or water problems.

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.

AGENCY AWARDS:

THE OKLAHOMAN TOP WORKPLACES 2025

CERTIFIED HEALTHY OKLAHOMA 2025

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.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

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