Job Posting Title: Water Permitting Specialist
Agency: 835 WATER RESOURCES BOARD
Supervisory Organization: OK Water Resources Board
Job Posting End Date:
Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)
Full/Part-Time: Full time
Job Type: Regular
Compensation: R20A Water Permitting Specialist – Annual Salary $49,300
R20B Water Permitting Specialist – Annual Salary $52,900
Job Description
**Upload college transcript and resume**
The Oklahoma Water Resources Board is a state agency responsible for overseeing the complex mission of managing, monitoring, planning for and financing the state’s water resources and infrastructure towards reliable future supplies that support strong communities, commerce, and the environment. The agency is seeking a full-time Water Permitting Specialist to join our family of professionals in delivering exceptional services and expertise to Oklahomans.
Division: Water Rights Administration
Section: Water Rights Permitting
Location of Work: 3800 Classen Boulevard; Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Trial Period: 12 months in accordance with (OAC) 260:130-19-30
Travel: Some travel is required for training & conference attendance as required.
We proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, financial security, and work-life balance of eligible employees and their families:
- Generous Benefit Allowance:
Up to $21,942 annually to help cover insurance premiums for employees and their families. - Comprehensive Insurance Plans:
A variety of options with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions. - Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses. - Retirement Savings Plans:
- Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan: Employer matches 6% of a minimum 4.5% employee contribution (up to 7% if the employee contributes 7%).
- OPERS Defined Benefit Plan: Available for reenrollment to employees enrolled prior to November 1, 2015.
- Paid Leave:
- 15 days annually during the first 1–5 years of service.
- 18 days annually for 5–10 years of service.
- 20 days annually for 10–20 years of service.
- 25 days annually for over 20 years of service.
- Sick leave: Accrued at 15 days per year.
- Holidays:
Eleven paid holidays annually. - Employee Discounts:
Special rates with various vendors and companies. - Longevity Payment:
Monetary rewards beginning at two years of service to recognize dedicated tenure. - Thrive:
Empower Oklahoma State employees to improve & enhance their well-being.
This robust benefits package reflects our commitment to the well-being, financial security, and work-life harmony of our team members.
This position plays a key role in evaluating water rights, managing permit application workflows and providing data-driven information to applicants, stakeholders, and the public. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with databases, GIS tools, and regulatory processes while delivering responsive customer service.
Typical Job Functions:
- Extensively utilize database, ArcGIS, and workflow software to manage portfolio of water permit applications, research water issues, generate maps and update GIS shape files.
- Evaluate and process water rights applications for water users in the state.
- Analyze data and documentation, work with applicants, and prepare correspondence to process permit applications.
- Verify annual water use reports, assist permit holders with questions, prepare statistical summaries, and educate the public regarding water use and availability.
- Assist in conducting hydrologic field investigations, report preparation, and resolution of water use interference situations in times of drought.
- Assist in responding to records requests and preparing for and presenting educational training sessions.
- Conduct technical site investigations and collect data to verify water rights applications, well construction, completion of works, dam maintenance, etc.
- Occasional, onsite compliance and enforcement investigations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies: Strong communications skills and knowledge, skills and abilities required at this level include knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental quality and sanitation; of biological, microbiological, radiological and chemical analysis; of environmental problems; of sample collection; of laboratory methodologies; of complaint investigations; of the survey and inspection of environmental and sanitary conditions; of consumer protection; of epidemiology; of water and air quality regulations; of hydrological and geological survey methods; and of the principles of ground and surface water geology and hydrology. Ability is required to operate and maintain monitoring and detection equipment; to establish and maintain professional working relationships with others; to write technical reports; to collect samples; to apply research methodologies; to read and interpret plans and specifications of proposed facilities; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Experience with GPS equipment and ArcGIS is preferred but not required. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
Education and Experience:
Level I: Requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in a physical, natural, or biological science, chemistry, geology, hydrology, physical geography, epidemiology, environmental science, environmental health or civil, agricultural, environmental, geological, or chemical engineering.
Level II: Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in a physical, natural, or biological science, chemistry, geology, hydrology, physical geography, epidemiology, environmental science, environmental health or civil, agricultural, environmental, geological or chemical engineering plus one (1) year of professional experience in one of the areas listed; or a master’s degree in a qualifying area
Agency Awards
THE OKLAHOMAN TOP WORKPLACES – 2025
CERTIFIED HEALTHY OKLAHOMA – 2025
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.
If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:
