Environmental Program Specialist 1/2/3 (PCN 187181) Salary $27.46
34 Hourly Location Wasilla, AK Job Type Full Time Job Number 54822 Department Environmental Conservation Division Water Opening Date 08/03/2026 Closing Date 8/24/2026 5:00 PM Alaska Division Water Position Open To Alaska Residents Only Bargaining Unit General Government Range 14/16/18 Description Benefits Questions Job Description 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 Wasilla. Pay will be determined based on level of selected individual. Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Range 14) salary: $27.46 Environmental Program Specialist 2 (Range 16) salary: $31.54 Environmental Program Specialist 3 (Range 18) salary: $36.34 What you will be doing: This permanent, full-time position with the Division of Water's Engineering Support and Plan Review Section team reviews wastewater system documentation to verify systems installed are protective of public health and the environment across Alaska, with a focus on the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. The position includes working with homeowners, businesses, contractors, certified installers, and engineers on the installation, modification, and maintenance of onsite wastewater disposal systems (septic systems). We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate who wants to make a difference in their community and across Alaska by ensuring wastewater disposal systems are properly constructed, maintained, and operated to improve or protect waters from contaminants found in wastewater. The position has hiring freeze waiver approval. Our organization, mission, and culture: The Division of Water, Water Quality team is a unique program within the Department of Environmental Conservation in the variety of approaches used to improve and protect Alaska's waters from pollution. The Water Quality team develops water quality regulations, addresses nonpoint source pollution, restores waterbody health, assesses surface water quality, and reviews onsite wastewater systems. We are a small, tight-knit group of scientists and engineers who are passionate about what we do. This position will be in the Engineering Support and Plan Review section in the Water Quality program working to protect and restore water quality through a variety of mechanisms. You will help fulfill our mission by: working with qualified people on the installation of onsite wastewater disposal systems; working with owners/operators on how to maintain said systems; working with communities to address concerns regarding wastewater disposal, and; managing the registration paperwork with these systems. The benefits of joining our team: As a valued member of the team, you will work alongside dedicated staff to improve and protect Alaska's water quality by managing installation of onsite wastewater disposal systems, developing technical guidance documents and public outreach materials, conducting ongoing program development, and interacting with community organizations, stakeholders, and the public. Telework options and formal and informal training opportunities are provided. The working environment you can expect: This position is being recruited to work in the Wasilla DEC office to become the regional onsite wastewater disposal system expert and point of contact. The position includes working in an office environment, participating in partner organization meetings locally, and performing inspections of onsite wastewater systems throughout the region. The position may also participate in training sessions or outreach events locally or in other regions of Alaska. We are looking for a candidate that has experience in the following areas:
Adaptability:
Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.
Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving:
Uses a logical, systematic, 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.
Compliance:
Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
Interpersonal Skills:
Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
Written Communication:
Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
Special Notice:
Valid driver's license is required Department inspector credentials (obtain within 2 years of hire) Occasional travel is required; Working on a Saturday or Sunday may occur infrequently for community outreach events or event traveling. Minimum Qualifications Competency Based Minimum Qualifications Instructions This 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 Description The 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 1 (Range 14): Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with the following competencies Problem 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 2 (Range 16): Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with the following competencies Environmental 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. AND Professional 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 3 (Range 18): Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with the following competencies 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. 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. AND Professional 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. Additional Required Information
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF THE INTERVIEW
One professional writing example such as a technical report or outreach material; Unofficial copies of college transcripts; Three (3) professional references and current contact numbers, including at least one (1) from a current or former supervisor or professor
FLEXIBLY STAFFED
This position is flexibly staffed. The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate's credibly possessed and proven competencies. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher level after completing the training plan and demonstrating competency in the work.
LEGAL EMPLOYMENT
The State's online recruitment system, Workplace Alaska, requires applicants to certify that they have a legal right to accept employment in the United States. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the appropriate documentation to accept or continue legal employment. The State of Alaska does not function in the role as an employer sponsor.
THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY
Please be sure to check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.
EDUCATION
To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competencies, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview; if not, transcripts will be required before employment.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Omission of required documentation listed will result in an incomplete application and you will not receive further consideration.
NOTE:
The State of Alaska does not provide VISA Employer sponsorships.
WORK EXPERIENCE
When using work experience not already documented in your application, please provide the employer's name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported, and minimum qualifications are clearly met. Work experience needed to meet the minimum qualifications must be documented in the application. If the application does not support minimum qualifications, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment. A resume will not be used to determine that minimum qualifications have been met for the position in which you are applying. If you are currently or previously been appointed to a flexibly staffed position, please ensure your work experience within a flexibly staffed position indicates the actual dates employed at each level. Ensure your time and any subsequent flex promotion(s) are documented as a separate position. This is required as there are minimum qualifications that require experience at a particular level in which the lower level may not be considered. If this information is not accurately reflected in your application this may cause the processing of your application for consideration to be delayed.
NOTE:
Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
MULTIPLE VACANCIES
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.
APPLICATION NOTICE
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or via hardcopy application. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal such as AlaskaJobs or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska online or hardcopy application to successfully apply. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska "How to Apply" webpage, found here: http://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/help/ NOTICE Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095. If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in
Juneau or TTY:
Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov. For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword Contact Information For specific information about the position please contact the hiring manager: Ryan Peterson Environmental Program Specialist 4 907-262-3402 ryan.peterson@alaska.gov Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work. For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits . (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.) Insurance Benefits Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the
State:
See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information. AVTEC Confidential Correctional Officers Marine Engineers Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers Supervisory Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining) The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information. General Government Labor, Trades and Crafts Public Safety Employees Association Masters, Mates & Pilots Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit) Optional Insurance Benefits Group-based insurance premiums for Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents) Long-term and short-term disability Accidental Death and Dismemberment Long-term care (self and eligible family members) Supplemental Survivor Benefits Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses Retirement Benefits Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees) Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees) Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security Option to enroll in the
Alaska Deferred Compensation Program Note:
The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information Paid Leave & Other Benefits Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served Twelve (12) paid holidays a year 01 Please select how many years of experience you have working with wastewater disposal systems, interpreting and or implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, 18 AAC 70, 18 AAC 72, 18 AAC 80 and/or 18 AAC 83. Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years 02 Please select how many years of experience you have managing environmental projects. Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years 03 How many years of experience do you have conducting outreach and education such as giving presentations and developing public outreach materials? Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years 04 What is your level of experience reading, interpreting, and applying statutes/regulations? None. No prior exposure; unfamiliar with structure or intent of such documents.
Basic:
Limited exposure to statutes or regulations through coursework or entry-level tasks; can follow and apply straightforward guidelines with supervision to help clarify complex content.
Intermediate:
Regularly works independently, interpreting statutes or regulations; familiar with cross-referencing related documents and seeking authoritative guidance when needed; may collaborate with colleagues on more common regulatory questions.
Advanced:
Extensive experience applying statutes or regulations across diverse and complex contexts; independently ensures compliance by analyzing, interpreting, and cross-referencing statutes and regulations; often serves as a resource or subject matter expert for others, providing authoritative guidance and best practices. 05 This position is flexibly staffed please indicate which level(s) you wish to be considered for. Check all that apply. Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Range 14) Environmental Program Specialist 2 (Range 16) Environmental Program Specialist 3 (Range 18) All Levels Required Question Employer State of Alaska Address PO Box 110201 Juneau, Alaska, 99811 Phone (800) 587-0430 (Statewide toll-free number) (907) 465-4095 (Juneau and out-of-state callers) Website http://workplace.alaska.gov/
