Environmental Technician

Note: The normal starting pay for this position is the minimum of the pay range listed above. A higher rate of pay may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City’s step placement policy.

This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., § 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019. This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is located in the Administration Division of the Utilities Department within the City of Oklahoma City and reports directly to a supervisor. The Environmental Technician is responsible for ensuring the general compliance with applicable environmental codes, ordinances, and environmental protection standards. Knowledge of specific codes, ordinances and environmental protection programs may be required prior to assuming the duties and responsibilities of the position. Essential job functions include: driving to conduct frequent field inspections to assess environmental conditions; enforcing established environmental codes and regulations and providing effective remedies; responding to inquiries from citizens and complaints regarding environmental violations or concerns; responding to emergency reports of hazardous and/or non-hazardous spills or conditions; and conducting environmental screenings and samplings of ambient water and other potential environmental contaminants. The employee is also responsible for assisting with special activities or projects; attending meetings of environmental committees, agencies, and boards; generating routine reports; assisting with public awareness programs and special events; and maintaining laboratory supplies, equipment and materials used to sample and test water quality and conduct investigations. The work is primarily performed on an independent basis. The employee must exercise tact and diplomacy in communication with citizens, businesses, and various City personnel. The nature of the work performed may require the Environmental Technician to support decisions made in conjunction with the enforcement of established laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and collect evidence relating to possible court testimony. Work assignments are received in both verbal and written form and are subject to review through inspection of records maintained, and through complaints registered by private citizens and businesses.

VETERANS PREFERENCE

Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Active Duty Armed Forces, National Guard, and Reserve Forces who are not currently employed full-time by the City of Oklahoma City and who meet the qualifications for the position shall be given preference. To receive preference, veterans must submit verification of honorable discharge from the United States military service (Department of Defense Form DD214 or NGB Form 22) prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and City environmental codes, water quality regulations, policies and procedures.
• Skill in enforcing environmental codes and standards.
• Skill in recording information accurately.
• Skill in communicating effectively in verbal and written form using tact and diplomacy.
• Skill in conducting on-site inspections to determine compliance with established water quality regulations and the ability to utilize required safety equipment and apparel.
• Skill in use of geographic information systems software.
• Ability to assess ambient biological, chemical, and physical scientific characteristic of water bodies.
• Ability to read and interpret applicable codes, ordinances, regulations, maps and plans.
• Ability to follow standard administrative procedures and policies.
• Ability to independently follow verbal or written instructions.
• Willingness to follow established safety procedures.
• Possession of a valid driver license (Operator).

DEPARTMENTAL PREFERENCES

• Experience in use of computer software programs for data reporting and analysis, file storage and recordkeeping, and GIS systems for mapping and utility location identification.
• Possess a C Wastewater or Water Lab Operator License, C Wastewater Works Operator license or ability to obtain within six (6) months.

COMPETENCIES

• Execution and Results: (1) Sets well-defined and realistic goals and high standards of performance for self or self and others; (2) displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment toward performing work; (3) completes assignments in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner, and delivers results; (4) works with minimal supervision, is motivated to achieve, and demonstrates responsible behavior; (5) demonstrates understanding of all aspects of the job and application of accrued knowledge in carrying out duties and responsibilities; technical knowledge; skill in the techniques, equipment, procedures, and work required; (6) recognizes opportunities and takes action for improvement to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (7) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (8) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (9) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results; (10) effectively achieves results through others to achieve the Department or City's mission.
• Judgment: (1) Plans, coordinates, and executes business functions efficiently, effectively, and in a fiscally responsible manner; (2) identifies risks and develops and implements measures to avoid, mitigate, or minimize those risks; (3) makes effective, timely, well-informed, objective, and transparent work-related decisions; (4) exhibits emotional maturity and stability, effectively manages conflict, and remains optimistic and calm during stressful situations; (5) uses resources effectively to achieve results aligned with organizational priorities; (6) applies understanding of financial management/budgeting principles to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible and in accordance with policies, procedures, processes, rules, regulations, and laws; (7) makes business decisions that drive positive, fiscally responsible performance; (8) manages ambiguity, business insight, financial acumen, makes decisions using data and insight that achieves the best outcome for the department and City.
• Teamwork/Team Oriented: (1) Recognizes, values, and leverages the ideas, opinions, and perspectives of others; (2) participates willingly and effectively as a team lead or team member; (3) builds consensus; fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust; (4) collaborates with others to accomplish goals and objectives and achieve results; (5) expresses facts, ideas, messages, and information (technical and non-technical) to individuals or groups clearly, concisely, accurately, understandably, with honesty, tact, and diplomacy and in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience; (6) actively listens, clarifies information as needed.
• Customer Centric: (1) Demonstrates commitment to public service; (2) serves and satisfies internal and external customers in a timely and effective manner; (3) establishes, commits to, and maintains high standards for producing quality work products and being responsive to customers; (4) supports the Department/City's mission; develops and executes strategies with the customer in mind.
• Strategic Thinking: (1) Thinks conceptually, imaginatively, and systematically; (2) envisions the future; (3) defines the vision, direction, and goals; (4) develops a road map for achievement; (5) anticipates change and plans for it; (6) considers long-term value and consequences; (7) influences others to achieve results; (8) understands where the organization is headed; knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work; (9) aligns business strategies to long-term success of the City; (10) sets the vision, direction and compelling course of action; (11) operates effectively within the systems, programs, policies, procedures, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations of the organization; (12) knows industry and stays ahead of best practices; (13) understands the political environment, management priorities, staff roles and responsibilities, and grasps external factors impacting the organization; (14) identifies when issues need to be escalated to higher authorities and effectively alerts appropriate officials.
• Leads Through Influence: (1) Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; (2) gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals; (3) works with others towards achieving agreements that may involve exchanging resources or resolving differences; (4) understands the concepts, practices, and techniques used to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort including those actively involved; (5) leads through influence over the process and its results, and those who have a vested interest in the outcome (positive or negative).
• Commitment to Continuous Improvement: (1) Recognizes opportunities for improvement with regard to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (2) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (3) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (4) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results.
• Agility: (1) Values collaboration, communication, and feedback and is flexible and open to new ideas; (2) learns rapidly and transforms learning into action; (3) examines processes and practices to perform work most effectively; (4) demonstrates courage and willingness to take calculated risks; (5) assesses readiness; proposes new approaches, methods, and technologies plans, implements, and evaluates change in a transparent, positive, and thoughtful manner; (6) exhibits emotional maturity and stability, effectively manages conflict, and remains optimistic and calm during stressful situations; (7) rapidly adapts to change and leads others through change, while producing tangible results and identifying new opportunities.
• Talent Development: (1) Provides tools, materials, equipment, and resources; (2) provides performance feedback, coaching, mentoring, encouragement, and support; (3) discusses personal and professional goals; (4) provides formal and informal learning and development opportunities that support achievement of personal and professional goals; (5) attracts and develops talent; (6) manages performance throughout the department or City; (7) sets the leadership tone for area of responsibility. Note: This competency is not applicable for employees who are not supervisors.
• Inclusive Leadership: (1) Fosters a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where individual differences are valued, and employees feel a sense of belonging; (2) seeks to know and learn about others; welcomes diversity in ideas, perspectives, and thoughts; understands and respects values, attitudes, and beliefs of others; (3) seeks to build diverse teams through inclusive hiring practices (ensures opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds and demonstrates a commitment to hiring the most qualified candidates); (4) cultivates engagement, team building, collaboration; (5) instills trust; (6) recognizes contributions and celebrates accomplishments; (7) promotes the advancement of all employees including those of marginalized identities (e.g., coaching, mentoring, providing personal and professional development opportunities); (8) actively participates in and encourages others to participate in diversity and inclusion programming and/or training; (9) strategically integrates inclusion into business practices and decisions; (10) demonstrates respect, inclusiveness, understanding, tact, diplomacy, and professionalism in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with others; (11) effectively manages one's own feelings and emotions; (12) builds diverse teams, promotes advancement of marginalized employees, participates and encourages participation of I&D initiatives. Note: This competency is not applicable for employees who are not supervisors.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily outside, exposed to heat, cold, humidity, rain, etc.
• Subject to working near moving machinery, power tools, and vehicles in motion.
• Subject to working in confined and cramped spaces.
• Subject to working in or near waterways, sanitary sewers, and storm sewers.
• Occasionally exposed to intermittent or continued loud and insistent noises.
• Occasionally exposed to large amounts of dust.
• May be exposed to varying amounts of noxious odors.
• Subject to local daily travel.

Note: Typical City employee working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, working hours vary (may require work to begin before 8:00 a.m. and/or end beyond 5:00 p.m., and/or may require work on weekends and holidays), and are subject to change, based on the duties and location of the position and the business needs of the assigned work unit/department.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Flexibility, mobility, and body coordination enough to continuously move oneself from place to place to perform task such as walking over rough terrain, climbing fences, conducting field inspections, driving vehicle, etc.
• Stamina enough to exert oneself physically throughout the working day.
• Strength enough to lift, push, pull, or carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs. such as pieces of equipment, containers of hazardous material, safety apparel, etc.
• Hearing and speech enough to communicate by telephone, two-way radio and in person.
• Near vision enough to read the fine print found in specification books, on reduced copies of maps and plans, computer generated reports, etc.
• Manual and finger dexterity enough to operate standard office equipment, computer keyboards, field inspection equipment, etc.

OTHER DETAILS

Pay Method: City employees are required to receive pay electronically, either via direct deposit or pay card.

Former Employees: If this position is open to external applicants and you are a former employee, you must be eligible for rehire to participate in any selection process. If you are unsure of your rehire status, please contact the Human Resources Department at (405) 297-2530. If your rehire status has been coded “Not Eligible,” “Eligible 3,” or “Conditional,” you will need to request a review of your rehire status through the Human Resources Department’s Employee and Labor Relations Division.

Background Investigation, Drug Testing, Physical Examination: Upon a conditional offer of employment/acceptance of position, the City of Oklahoma City will conduct a criminal history background check for external applicants. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment.

If the position accepted includes a driver license (commercial or non-commercial) Job Requirement, the City of Oklahoma City will obtain a Motor Vehicle Report for internal and external applicants.

If the position accepted is safety sensitive and/or a driving position, internal and external applicants will be provided a copy of the City of Oklahoma City's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy prior to being directed for a drug test.

If the position accepted includes a lift/push/pull/carry Physical Requirement of 25 pounds and greater, internal and external applicants will be directed for a physical examination.

Note: Completion of the supplemental questions is required. Applicant responses to supplemental questions must specifically answer the questions asked. Responses to supplemental questions must be supported by work history/information listed on the application/resume. Applications may not be reviewed if specific responses to supplemental questions have not been provided.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

If you require reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process, please notify one of the Human Resources Department Representatives by calling 405-297-2530. The City of Oklahoma City is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion. The City of Oklahoma City will not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (to include sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression), age, genetic information, disability or political affiliation.

Oklahoma City is one of the fastest-growing metros in the United States and is the 20th largest city in the nation. For nearly two decades our residents have continually invested in our community to make it a place people can find belonging, visit and call home. Our employees are at the heart of those investments–delivering essential services our residents expect and creating a strong and thriving city for all people.

Join our team and build a fulfilling career of public service in a diverse and inclusive workplace, alongside talented, hardworking, and dedicated coworkers who provide essential services to thousands of residents and visitors every day. As a City of Oklahoma City employee, you will earn competitive pay, have job stability, grow personally and professionally, and make a difference in your community. To learn more about our departments and the services they provide, go to okc.gov.