Community Programs Specialist (Environmental Program Specialist 1/2/3, PCN 187135)

NOTE: The recruitment period for this vacancy has been broadened and extended to allow for a larger applicant pool. 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 and level of selected individual.

Anchorage, Soldotna, Wasilla salary: $27.46 / $31.54 / $36.34 Fairbanks salary: $28.28 / $32.49 / $37.43 Juneau salary: $28.83 / $33.12 / $38.16

What you will be doing: Do you enjoy working on a variety of projects, connecting with people, and finding creative solutions to challenges? The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Water is seeking a resourceful, organized, and collaborative professional to join our Capacity Development Program. This position offers the opportunity to apply your skills across a diverse range of projects involving training and education, community engagement, program coordination, research, and technical assistance. Our program works with communities throughout Alaska to strengthen the management and long-term sustainability of their water and wastewater services. We are looking for someone who enjoys learning new things, takes initiative, communicates effectively, and can adapt to changing priorities. You do not need to be an environmental scientist or have prior experience in the water and wastewater industry to be successful in this role. This is primarily an office-based position focused on program development and implementation, rather than environmental fieldwork or regulatory enforcement. About the role As a member of our team, you will contribute to projects that strengthen the technical, managerial, and financial capacity of Alaska's water and wastewater utilities, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Your work may include:

• Training and education: Help develop, coordinate, and deliver training courses, workshops, online learning opportunities, and educational materials tailored to different audiences.
• Community engagement: Communicate with community representatives, local and Tribal governments, utility personnel, and partner organizations to understand needs, share information, and coordinate assistance.
• Project and program coordination: Organize activities, manage project timelines, track deliverables, coordinate with partners, and support the implementation of statewide initiatives.
• Research and analysis: Collect and evaluate information, maintain community and utility data, review program outcomes, and contribute to assessments and reports.
• Outreach and communication: Develop informational resources, presentations, written reports, and other materials that make complex information accessible to nontechnical audiences.
• Program improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline processes, develop practical solutions, and improve the effectiveness of program services.

No two projects are exactly alike. The position offers an opportunity to build expertise in several areas while making meaningful contributions to Alaska communities.

Our organization, mission, and culture: The Capacity Development Program supports sustainable water and wastewater services by helping Alaska communities strengthen the technical, managerial, and financial capabilities needed to operate their utilities successfully. We work collaboratively with utility operators, community leaders, local governments, and technical assistance organizations throughout the state. Our team values curiosity, initiative, creative problem-solving, and continuous learning. We encourage staff to share ideas, take ownership of assignments, and approach challenges with flexibility and resourcefulness.

The benefits of joining our team: You'll be part of a collaborative team working on projects with meaningful statewide impact. This position offers opportunities to develop expertise in community development, public administration, training and education, program evaluation, and infrastructure sustainability. We support professional growth through training, conferences, mentorship, and opportunities to work with diverse partners and subject-matter experts.

The working environment you can expect: This is primarily an office-based position, with occasional travel to Alaska communities and regional meetings. Our team works collaboratively across multiple office locations using Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and other digital tools. Partial telework may be available following the required in-person probationary period, subject to departmental policies.

We are looking for a candidate that has experience in the following areas:

• Organization and project coordination: Experience managing competing priorities, organizing activities, tracking deliverables, and completing assignments with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Communication and interpersonal skills: Ability to build productive relationships, provide responsive customer service, communicate clearly, and adapt information for audiences with different backgrounds and levels of technical knowledge.
• Training, education, and outreach: Experience developing educational materials, organizing learning opportunities, facilitating meetings, delivering presentations, or supporting public outreach initiatives.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving: Ability to research unfamiliar topics, interpret information, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical recommendations.
• Community engagement and collaboration: Experience working with community organizations, rural or Tribal governments, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, or diverse stakeholder groups.

We value diverse professional experiences and transferable skills in program coordination, training and education, community engagement, research, and public service. While familiarity with water and wastewater utilities is beneficial, we also welcome applicants who have developed relevant skills in other professional settings and meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Above all, we seek individuals who demonstrate initiative, adaptability, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Special Notice: Occasional travel is required within the State by small plane, boat, or other.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. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Only information entered directly into the Workplace Alaska application will be used to evaluate minimum qualifications and determine eligibility for an interview. Applicants must fully complete the education, work experience and reference sections, including relevant dates and duties. Do not rely on attached résumés, cover letters, or other supplemental documents to demonstrate your qualifications. These attachments will not be reviewed for application screening purposes. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification from consideration. SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: Please ensure your responses to questions 1-6 are supported by information included in your application materials. Responses will be evaluated against your work history and education. Please indicate which DEC office location(s) you are willing to work from: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Soldotna, Wasilla. This position is flexibly staffed at the Environmental Program Specialist 1, 2, and 3 levels. Applicants are encouraged to apply for all levels for which they believe they may qualify. If you are unsure which level best matches your qualifications, we recommend selecting multiple levels to ensure you receive consideration at each level. Minimum qualifications will be evaluated separately for each level.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED PRIOR TO THE INTERVIEW Applicants selected for an interview must submit the following documents upon scheduling their interview, to allow sufficient time for review before the interview date:

• Professional work sample: One example of outreach material or technical writing demonstrating the applicant's ability to analyze financial information, preferably related to utility operations, infrastructure funding, or public finance. Examples include excerpts from reports, memoranda, or assessments involving budgets, audits, or financial planning.
• Professional references: Contact information for three professional references, including current email addresses and phone numbers. At least one reference must be a recent direct supervisor.
• College transcripts: Unofficial copies of college transcripts.

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 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION EMPLOYEES ONLY Candidates must currently work in the Department of Environmental Conservation and hold permanent employment status, or have transfer rights, or, if separated, have rehire rights to this job classification.

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 [email protected].

For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword For specific information about the position please contact the hiring manager: Fatima Ochante Environmental Program Manager 907-451-2106 [email protected]