Environmental Program Specialist 1/2/3 (PCN 187538)

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Environmental Program Specialist 1/2/3 (PCN 187538)

Salary

$24.65 - $34.25 Hourly

Location

Multiple Locations, AK

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

45204

Department

Environmental Conservation

Division

Environmental Health

Opening Date

04/10/2024

Closing Date

4/22/2024 5:00 PM Alaska

Division

Environmental Health

Position Open To

Alaska Residents Only

Bargaining Unit

General Government

Range

14/16/18

Job Description

This position is open to Alaska Residents only.
Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.
This position is being recruited for in Anchorage, Soldotna, Wasilla, Fairbanks, or Juneau. 
Pay will be determined based on location of selected individual.
 
Anchorage, Soldotna, Wasilla salary: $24.65 hourly pay / $28.31 hourly pay / $32.62 hourly pay
Fairbanks salary: $25.39 hourly pay / $29.13 hourly pay / $33.60 hourly pay
Juneau salary: $25.88 hourly pay / $29.73 hourly pay / $34.25 hourly pay

What you will be doing:
Working with the Drinking Water Program staff, the Environmental Program Specialist will be providing educational, technical, compliance assistance, and enforcement to public water system (PWS) owners and operators, to help promote regulatory compliance and public health protection. This includes the recommendation and initiation of administrative or legal action for non-compliance, and involves routine review and management of a large volume of data and compliance tracking for multiple projects and cases. Interpersonal, communication, and technical skills will be used to work with systems in responding to contamination reports and citizen complaints.

Our organization, mission, and culture:
The Drinking Water Program’s mission is to protect public health by ensuring that all people have access to safe drinking water. We work with public water systems (PWS) to help them remain in compliance with state and federal drinking water regulations to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks and exposure to other drinking water contaminants. This position serves a key role in providing compliance assistance and enforcement to PWS located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska.

The benefits of joining our team:
The Environmental Program Specialist 1/2/3 will work with a wide variety of PWSs and projects, have opportunities to travel within the coverage area, and do work that really matters. We value each member of the Drinking Water team and work collaboratively to implement the Drinking Water regulations and help protect the public health of Alaskans and visitors to the state.

The working environment you can expect:
This position will be located where the best applicant resides (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Soldotna or Wasilla). The person in this position will be working daily with a team of scientists and engineers in implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act for public water systems located mostly in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, including review of all drinking water data, implementing consistency in regulatory interpretation, compliance and technical assistance and sanitary surveys. Occasional travel to communities on the road system may be necessary for conducting field work in the summer, and some travel throughout the year as applicable for training. There is independence in organizing the day-to-day work responsibilities and in determining the best way to meet the goals for each project.

We are looking for a candidate that has experience in the following areas: 
Successful candidates should possess the following position-specific competencies:
  • Compliance: Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with State and federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
  • Reading: Understands and interprets written material, including technical material, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs, or tables; applies what is learned from written material to specific situations.
  • Oral Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  • Problem Solving: Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
  • Written Communication: Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
Special Notice:
  • Valid driver's license is required.
  • Must become an approved sanitary surveyor within the first year of employment.
  • Must obtain DEC Enforcement Credential within first year of employment.
  • Must obtain Water System Treatment and Distribution Systems - Provisional certificate training within the first year of employment.

Minimum Qualifications

Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Range 14):
Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with the following competencies 

  • Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.    
  • Research - Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.    
  • Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Equivalent to those typically gained by:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in an environmental, physical, biological, or natural science; engineering; planning; or natural resources.

Environmental Program Specialist 2 (Range 16):
Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with the following competencies   
  • Environmental Science - Knowledge of the interdisciplinary concepts, principles, theories, and methods of investigating the natural and physical environment, including examination of ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, plant science, zoology, mineralogy, oceanography, limnology, soil science, geology and physical geography, atmospheric, and other related sciences in the protection and improvement of the environment and its resources.    
  • Scientific Research - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of scientific principles related to environmental, ecological, biological, or physical science and the methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.    
  • Critical Thinking - Analyzes and evaluates data to draw logical and well-reasoned conclusions.    
  • Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Equivalent to those typically gained by:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in an environmental, physical, biological, or natural science; engineering; planning; or natural resources.
AND
Professional experience developing knowledge and skills in environmental regulations, pollution control, environmental damage recovery, or programs to improve or protect environmental quality; or learning to evaluate the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts of construction projects; prepare environmental documentation; and determine, negotiate, and monitor permitted activities.

Environmental Program Specialist 3 (Range 18):
Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with the following competencies
  • Scientific Research - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of scientific principles related to environmental, ecological, biological, or physical science and the methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.    
  • Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.    
  • Decision Making - Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.    
  • Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Equivalent to those typically gained by:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in an environmental, physical, biological, or natural science; engineering; planning; or natural resources.
AND
Professional experience developing knowledge and skills in environmental regulations, pollution control, environmental damage recovery, or programs to improve or protect environmental quality; or learning to evaluate the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts of construction projects; prepare environmental documentation; and determine, negotiate, and monitor permitted activities.

Additional Required Information

A cover letter is required for this position.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

  • A cover letter is required for this position. In your cover letter, please clearly describe and give examples of how your background and experience qualifies you for this job, with an emphasis on documenting the competencies listed above.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF INTERVIEW
  • Copies of college transcripts, if using education to meet minimum qualifications
  •  Two (2) examples of technical writing which you completed
  • Three professional references, including names, addresses and current phone numbers
 
FLEXIBLY STAFFED
This position is flexibly staffed. The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate’s credibly possessed and proven competencies. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher level after completing the training plan and demonstrating competency in the work.  
 
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is required for this position. In your cover letter, please clearly describe and give examples of how your background and experience qualifies you for this job, with an emphasis on documenting the competencies listed above.

The cover letter will be considered as a writing sample, and it will be used, in part, to determine which applicants advance to the interview phase of the recruitment.

Please attach the cover letter as a separate document to your application before applying online. If unable to attach to your application, email or fax the cover letter to the contact number provided in the job posting prior to the closing date of this recruitment.  Your cover letter will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.Omission of any required documentation will result in an incomplete application and you will not receive further consideration.   
 
LEGAL EMPLOYMENT
The State’s online recruitment system, Workplace Alaska, requires applicants to certify that they have a legal right to accept employment in the United States. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the appropriate documentation to accept or continue legal employment. The State of Alaska does not function in the role as an employer sponsor.
 
THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY
Please be sure to check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.
 
EDUCATION
To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competencies, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview; if not, transcripts will be required before employment.
 
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.  Omission of required documentation listed will result in an incomplete application and you will not receive further consideration.
 
NOTE: The State of Alaska does not provide VISA Employer sponsorships.
  
WORK EXPERIENCE
When using work experience not already documented in your application, please provide the employer's name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported, and minimum qualifications are clearly met. Work experience needed to meet the minimum qualifications must be documented in the application.  If the application does not support minimum qualifications, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment. A resume will not be used to determine that minimum qualifications have been met for the position in which you are applying.
 
If you are currently or previously been appointed to a flexibly staffed position, please ensure your work experience within a flexibly staffed position indicates the actual dates employed at each level.  Ensure your time and any subsequent flex promotion(s) are documented as a separate position. This is required as there are minimum qualifications that require experience at a particular level in which the lower level may not be considered. If this information is not accurately reflected in your application this may cause the processing of your application for consideration to be delayed.
   
NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
   
MULTIPLE VACANCIES
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.
 
APPLICATION NOTICE
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or via hardcopy application. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal such as AlaskaJobs or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska online or hardcopy application to successfully apply. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska "How to Apply" webpage, found here: http://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/help/
 
NOTICE
Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095. If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the ‘govermentjobs.com’ domains. For information on allowing emails from the ‘govermentjobs.com’ domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword 
 
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
 
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
   
For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword   

Contact Information

For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:
Amy Hill
Environmental Program Manager I
907-376-1861
Amy.Hill@alaska.gov


Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits
  • Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
    • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State:   See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
      • AVTEC
      • Confidential
      • Correctional Officers
      • Marine Engineers
      • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
      • Supervisory
      • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
      • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
    • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts.  Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
      • General Government
      • Labor, Trades and Crafts
      • Public Safety Employees Association
      • Masters, Mates & Pilots
  • Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Optional Insurance Benefits
  • Group-based insurance premiums for
    • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
    • Long-term and short-term disability
    • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
    • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
    • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
  • Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits
  • Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
  • Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
  • Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
  • Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
  • Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
  • Note:  The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options
See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information
 
Paid Leave & Other Benefits
  • Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
  • Eleven paid holidays a year

01
Please describe your experience reviewing laboratory analyses from PWS routine or special compliance monitoring samples, or other types of laboratory analyses? If you have no experience, please state so.
02
Please describe any experience you have interpreting and enforcing Drinking Water Regulations (18 AAC 80) or other government regulations? If you have no experience, please state so.
03
Please describe the experience you have compiling detailed data summaries and writing reports and letters? If you have no experience, please state so.
04
Please describe any experience you have interpreting and describing complex regulations and technical terms to a variety of audiences in an understandable manner? If you have no experience, please state so.
05
Please describe any experience you have effectively working in a fast-paced and multi-task environment? If you have no experience, please state so.
06
This position is being recruited for in Anchorage, Soldotna, Wasilla, Fairbanks or Juneau. Please indicate which location you wish to be considered for.
  • Anchorage
  • Soldotna
  • Wasilla
  • Fairbanks
  • Juneau
07
This position is flexibly staffed please indicate which level you wish to be considered for.
  • Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Range 14)
  • Environmental Program Specialist 2 (Range 16)
  • Environmental Program Specialist 3 (Range 18)
  • All Levels

Required Question

Agency
State of Alaska
Address
PO Box 110201

Juneau, Alaska, 99811
Phone
(800) 587-0430 (Statewide toll-free number)
(907) 465-4095 (Juneau and out-of-state callers)
Website
http://workplace.alaska.gov/
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