Summary of Responsibilities:

The Environmental Scientist/Water Quality Specialist is responsible for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma’s stream assessment program through monitoring of selected surface waterbodies, habitat assessments, channel assessments, and educational outreach activities. It is the responsibility of the Water Quality Specialist to work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in meeting approved goals and tasks under the Clean Water Act, Section 106 funding program and under the supervision of the ITO OES Director. The Specialist will perform all water quality monitoring and reporting activities in coordination with the approved Quality Assurance Project Plan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare and organize water sampling bottles, containers and related tracking documents.
• Collect and evaluate water samples from selected surface water sites.
• Use a variety of equipment for the evaluation of in-situ analysis of water quality, i.e., multi-parameter field probes used to capture pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity.
• Deliver water samples to the laboratory for analysis and ensure the proper documentation is attached.
• Perform laboratory assays for specified parameters.
• Conduct habitat assessments.
• Maintain and organize all records that pertain to the project.
• Prepare and/or write a variety of reports including, quality assurance project plans, quarter reports, monthly reports, standard operating procedures, and annual reports for the review of the OES Director and appropriate Tribal Administration prior to timely submittal to the Environmental Protection Agency project officer.
• Track grant objectives to ensure the obligations are met; Communicate and cooperate with the OES Director and EPA Project Officer to ensure the objectives are successfully carried out.
• Plan and write or assist with writing the EPA grant for the CWA Section 106 program each year, or every two-year basis, whichever is appropriate.
• Plan and prepare budgets to continue funding of the surface water program.
• Attend meetings, seminars, and trainings as required or as needed.
• Coordinate and participate in outreach activities including development of brochures, articles, and educational materials for special events and the OES website.
• Assist OES staff in other areas of as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Education and Experience:

• Successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in environmental sciences or a related field.
• Preference given to those with at least one year specialized experience in drinking water systems including certification and license from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.
• Must possess responsible work experience where administrative and technical skills have been demonstrated.
• Preference to those with knowledge of federal Indian Law, tribal environmental regulations, and tribal government operations.
• Preference given to those applicants with grant writing and management experience.
• Preference given to those applicants who are proficient with computer skills and database development.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Ability to actively listen and give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, in writing and verbally, with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to conduct field monitoring activities and other essential duties in the field as needed.  
• Outstanding organizational abilities and must be able to prioritize.
• Productive and effective time management, flexibility in responding to a variety of work tasks. Proficiency with basic information technology.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, in writing and verbally, with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds.
• Must be able to read, understand, apply and retain knowledge of departmental rules, regulations and policies.   
• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Conditions of Employment:

The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma operates a drug-free workplace.

• Must submit to and pass applicable drug test.
• Must pass background investigation. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must provide proof of insurability for performing driving duties.