Environmental Resources Specialist 1

Nature of Work

DEP2700018 Environmental Resources Specialist 1

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Water and Waste Management

Water Quality Standards and Assessment Section / Assessment Unit

Office Location: 601 57th Street, Southeast, Charleston, WV 25304

This position is classified exempt; therefore, does not fall under the classified service.

We welcome you to join our team where we value work/life balance and diversity. We offer a great benefits package that includes 12 paid holidays, insurance and flexible benefits, ample annual and sick leave accrual, flexible work schedules, an Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Initiatives, an optional 457 defined contribution retirement savings plan and more. 

Click here for more information on benefits

If you want to be a part of this innovative team, apply today.

The employee will be assigned to the Division of Water and Waste Management, Water Quality Standards & Assessment Section (WQSAS), Assessment Unit. Employee will perform professional work and assist higher level specialists and analysts in support of the Section's database management and data analysis activities.

Duties include:

• Assist with complex database management, including data entry, review, maintenance, and quality assurance. 

• Perform data analysis, reporting, and create tables, charts, and graphical outputs for technical reports. 

• Conduct GIS data derivation, spatial analysis, and verification of sample locations. 

• Coordinate with agency contractors to provide current data from WQSAS and other DEP databases for assessment projects. 

• Import and manage electronic data from contract laboratories and Continuous Instream Monitors (CIM). 

• Generate CIM files and enter monitoring and field data into Microsoft Access and Aquarius databases. 

• Assist with updating and synchronizing the WQSAS database with the EPA Water Quality Exchange (WQX) database. 

• Support the digitization of paper records by converting documents into electronic format for data warehouse storage. 

• Fulfill external data requests and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests as assigned. 

• Perform data entry, data validation, and QA/QC review of information submitted by external agencies and organizations. 

• Assess stream water quality data for inclusion in the assessment database used to prepare EPA biennial reports. 

• Support the Section 401 Water Quality Certification Program by:

  • Tracking projects and preparing application and mitigation reports.

  • Coordinating with the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) on NEPA compliance and permitting.

  • Maintaining records and standard operating procedures (SOPs). 

• Conduct occasional fieldwork, including:

  • Collecting physical and chemical water quality data from streams, wetlands, and lakes.

  • Assessing riparian and in-stream habitat conditions and watershed disturbances.

  • Performing field reconnaissance of sampling and assessment locations. Assisting with pollutant source tracking investigations.

• Participate in public education and outreach activities related to environmental topics for schools, watershed groups, and other organizations as needed. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Notes:

DOP Purposes Only - 0313P00849

Minimum Qualifications

Training: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

OR

Substitution: Full-time or equivalent part-time paid technical or paraprofessional experience in the acquisition, preservation, protection and enhancement of environmental/natural resources may be substituted for the required training at a rate of one (1) year of experience for every thirty (30) semester hours of training.

Promotional Only: Two (2) years as an Environmental Resources Associate may substitute for the required training.

Note: At the appointing agency’s discretion, competitive candidates may receive probationary appointment pending official verification of the qualifying training or certification. The qualifying training or certification must be verified before the employee may be certified permanent.

Other Information

Preference will be given to applicants with degrees in Ecology, Biology, Chemistry; experience in the use of Microsoft or Google office applications (specifically databases and spreadsheet statistical capabilities), QGIS, and ESRI ArcGIS 9 or Pro is preferred. Applicants familiar with statistical software and/or EPA-WQX database are desirable.

FOR Land Agent. Two years of experience as a Land Agent/Landman, Land Surveying, Property/Surface Manager or Coordinator will substitute for the experience requirements.

PG:  14     $39,461 - $68,582

Market Rate: $61,044

Note: Applicants may complete an application and apply directly to [email protected]

Please include posting number DEP2700018 on application.

 

 

 

 

Benefits

State employment offers a variety of benefits.  Click HERE to visit the Division of Personnel's Benefits Page.

Agency Information

EmployerWest VirginiaAddress 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East
Building 3 Suite 500
Charleston, West Virginia, 25305 Phone(304) 558-3950
Website http://personnel.wv.gov