Groundwater Monitoring Specialist

State of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

7d•$49,300 - $52,900•Onsite

About The Position

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 Groundwater Monitoring Specialist to join our family of professionals in delivering exceptional services and expertise to Oklahomans. Position Summary: This position supports the Groundwater Monitoring Section by collecting, validating, analyzing, and managing groundwater quality and quantity data across Oklahoma. The role involves extensive fieldwork, including operation of monitoring equipment, aquifer testing, and environmental sampling, as well as office-based responsibilities related to data validation, technical analysis, and preparation of data summaries and technical reports. The incumbent helps ensure that groundwater monitoring data are collected, processed, and documented using scientifically defensible methods and established quality assurance procedures. The position contributes to statewide groundwater monitoring efforts by supporting environmental investigations, assisting with analysis of hydrologic data, and preparing documentation used for resource assessment and water management decisions. The position requires extensive statewide travel, including periodic overnight field assignments. The position will require lifting and carrying field equipment and working outdoors under varying weather and site conditions. Entry-level candidates with appropriate education, experience, or demonstrated technical aptitude are encouraged to apply; training will be provided for specialized monitoring equipment and procedures.

Requirements

Knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental science, groundwater hydrology, geochemistry, or environmental monitoring methods gained through education or experience.
Knowledge of environmental sampling procedures and hydrologic or geologic survey methods used in water resources investigations.
Knowledge of biological, microbiological, and chemical analysis methods used in environmental monitoring and water quality assessment.
Familiarity with environmental regulations related to water quality or quantity and resource protection.
Ability to collect and document environmental samples using standardized procedures and quality assurance protocols.
Ability to manage, validate, and interpret environmental monitoring datasets; apply quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure data accuracy and reliability; and prepare technical summaries and reports describing monitoring activities, data analyses, and environmental investigations.
Ability to operate and maintain groundwater monitoring equipment, including pumps, meters, sensors, and field instrumentation. Training will be provided; however, candidates must demonstrate basic mechanical and technical aptitude.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, project managers, and external partners.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, is expected.
Level I Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in 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

Nice To Haves

Experience with GPS equipment and GIS software (such as ArcGIS) is preferred but not required.
Experience working with environmental monitoring databases or data-analysis tools is desirable.

Responsibilities

Collect groundwater quality and quantity data through field monitoring, well measurements, and environmental sampling activities across the state.
Operate field vehicles and travel extensively throughout Oklahoma, including periodic overnight travel, to access groundwater monitoring sites and conduct field investigations under a variety of field conditions.
Operate pumps, meters, data loggers, and other groundwater monitoring equipment used for sampling and measurement activities.
Maintain, clean, calibrate, and troubleshoot monitoring equipment and field supplies to ensure proper operation and prevent sample contamination.
Perform routine sample processing, basic chemical testing (e.g., hardness and alkalinity), and documentation prior to submission to contract laboratories for further analysis.
Conduct aquifer tests and assist with documentation and interpretation of hydrogeologic data.
Process, organize, and manage environmental monitoring data using spreadsheets, databases, and data management systems.
Perform quality assurance and validation of groundwater monitoring data, including review of field measurements, laboratory results, and associated datasets.
Assist with management and quality assurance of time-series monitoring data from automated sensors, telemetry systems, and environmental monitoring networks.
Assist with analysis and interpretation of groundwater monitoring datasets to identify trends, anomalies, or potential data-quality concerns.
Prepare or contribute to data summaries, technical reports, and documentation of monitoring activities and environmental investigations.
Collaborate with project managers and technical staff on planning and implementation of monitoring projects and environmental investigations.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Generous Benefit Allowance: Up to $21,942 annually 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 (FSA) 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.