Local recruitment: Water Quality Monitoring Specialist

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

Abingdon, VA, USA 🇺🇸

Title: SWRO – P1070 – Water Quality Monitoring Specialist

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $45,000 – $70,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Environmental Quality

Location: Southwest Regional Office

Agency Website: www.deq.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public – G

Job Duties

The Department of Environmental Quality, Southwest Regional Office (SWRO) is seeking a qualified applicant to conduct Ambient Water Quality Monitoring (AWQM), Biological Monitoring, Probabilistic Monitoring, Lake Monitoring, and Special Water Quality Studies in SWRO streams to ascertain compliance with DEQ’s Water Quality Standards and to detect, identify, and define the extent of water quality problems in the SWRO coverage area. Perform data entry to support DEQ water programs. May respond to pollution concerns as assigned such as fish kills, oil spills, or harmful algal blooms and perform equipment maintenance to support regional water quality monitoring activities.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Knowledge of environmental field sampling and field safety.
  • Knowledge of general laboratory safety procedures.
  • Knowledge of general laboratory analytical procedures/protocols.
  • Experience in the QA/QC of water quality data and procedures.
  • Ability to work independently and work collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Experience in the operations and maintenance of small to mid-sized water craft.
  • Computer skills to include word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and GIS.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to follow oral and written directions with precision and accuracy.
  • Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds and to work outside in a variable temperatures or other adverse weather conditions, ability ambulating mountainous terrain and uneven flowing stream bottoms, and working on boats may be required for some positions.
  • Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license in order to operate a state-owned or -leased vehicle.

Additional Considerations

  • Combination of education and/or training with major coursework in biology, chemistry, ecology, engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology or related science or field.
  • Demonstrated boat experience to include safe trailering and operation.
  • Demonstrated experience in ambient water quality and/or sediment sampling experience. Experience in pollution response.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Please Read Carefully:

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Excluding current DEQ Employees, selected candidates for employment MUST pass a criminal background check. A valid driver’s license is required of all DEQ employees in order to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

The Application Process: Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. Applications submitted via postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

DEQ Values Veterans: DEQ is a proud member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, authorized under the Code of Virginia (§2.2-2001.2). We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible for additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard or Reserve. For more information please visit: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

Our Commitment: DEQ is an equal opportunity employer by both policy and practice. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive work environment with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. It is DEQ’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. DEQ will provide if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. If any assistance is needed, please contact DEQ Human Resources Office at 804-698-4000.

Contact Information

Name: Chantel Vereen

Phone: 804-698-4268

Email: hrocommunications@deq.viriginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer


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IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development