Environmental Program Specialist 1/2/3 (PCN 187818)

JOB
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: $26.66 / $30.62 / $35.28Fairbanks salary: $27.46 / $31.54 / $36.34Juneau salary: $27.99 / $32.15 / $37.04What you will be doing: This is NOT a regulatory or enforcement position; it does not involve scientific fieldwork, sample collection or direct regulatory enforcement. This is an office-based job where you work closely with water operators, engineers, public agencies, and community members, to communicate technical and financial concepts in an accessible and engaging way.The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Water is seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to flexibly fill one Environmental Program Specialist 1/2/3 position within our Capacity Development Program. This is an exciting opportunity to support public water and wastewater systems across Alaska in building the technical, managerial, and financial capacity needed to operate sustainably and protect public health.About the RoleThis position plays a key role in implementing the State Capacity Development Strategy, which aims to ensure that water and wastewater utilities—especially in rural and underserved communities—are equipped to provide safe and effective services.We value continuous learning and professional growth, and encourage staff to stay current with industry trends through trainings, webinars, and collaboration with partners.A typical day at the office may include: Preparing, organizing, and delivering training coursesUpdating community profiles and utility dataUsing graphic design tools to create outreach and educational materialsCoordinating initiatives with partner agenciesAssessing the financial and managerial capacity of water utilitiesContributing to other program initiatives as neededWe are looking for a candidate that has experience in the following areas: Strong communication skills, ideally with experience developing and delivering training or presenting complex topics to diverse audiencesAbility to work collaboratively with a geographically dispersed team using tools to stay connected (MS Teams, SharePoint, etc.)Work experience providing services to rural or underserved Alaskan communities, including roles involving administration, accounting, program coordination, training or education delivery, and direct engagement with diverse populations, including individuals with varying levels of technical knowledge.Familiarity with financial documents such community budgets, audit reports, as annual comprehensive financial reports (ACFRs).Background in water and sanitation, public health, infrastructure development or a proven commitment to continuous learning and professional development.APPLICATION NOTESOnly the content entered in the online application will be used to determine minimum qualifications for interview screening purposes. Complete education and work history must be entered in the template generated by Workplace Alaska. Attached résumés or cover letters will not be read.Responses to supplemental questions must be supported by information in your application materials. Unsupported responses may be scored accordingly.Our organization, mission, and culture: The Capacity Development Program helps Alaska’s communities build strong, sustainable water and wastewater systems by supporting their technical, managerial, and financial capacity. We work closely with operators, community leaders, and partner agencies to protect public health and ensure long-term utility success. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential in our culture, as we engage diverse stakeholders and tailor complex information for both technical and non-technical audiences..The benefits of joining our team: As a member of the Capacity Development Program, you’ll join a collaborative and innovative team that values creative problem-solving and continuous improvement. This position offers opportunities for both independent initiative and teamwork, with the flexibility to support a healthy work-life balance. You’ll have access to professional development through trainings, conferences, and mentorship. Most importantly, your work will directly support the health and resilience of Alaskan communities by helping ensure access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation services. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact while growing your career, we’d love to work with you.The working environment you can expect: You will work from one of the DEC offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau. There is potential for partial teleworking after an in-person probationary period. We rely on Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for daily collaboration with staff across DEC office locations. This role is primarily office-based.We are looking for a candidate that has experience in the following areas: Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: Uses a logical, systematic, and sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.Financial Analysis: Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of financial analysis, forecasting, and modeling to interpret quantitative and qualitative data; includes data modeling, earned value management, and evaluating key financial indicators, trends, and historical data.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.Special Notice: Occasional travel is required within the State by small plane, boat, or other.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Competency Based Minimum Qualifications InstructionsThis job class uses competency based minimum qualifications. Please ensure your application (through work history, volunteer experience (duties summary), training, education, licenses, certifications, etc.) supports how you have gained the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors (competencies) and that you possess the minimum required competencies for the job class.Competency DescriptionThe competency description(s) listed below have been designed to promote a common understanding of the essential elements of the job class. They highlight the more general and customary knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), tasks, and behaviors used to describe the competency. They typically list expectations, as opposed to specific tasks, and are to be used only as parameters and guidelines. A competency’s description is not intended to exclusively define every KSA, task, and behavior needed to successfully meet the competency, but rather to provide the manager/agency with a broad reference of options as to how an applicant can meet the job expectation.Environmental Program Specialist (Range 14): Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with the following competenciesProblem 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 (Range 16): Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with the following competenciesEnvironmental 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.ANDProfessional 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 (Range 18): Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with the following competenciesScientific 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.ANDProfessional 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.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
For specific information about the position please contact the hiring manager: Fatima OchanteEnvironmental Program Manager907-451-2106fatima.ochante@alaska.gov