Environmental Data Specialist

FLSA Status: Exempt Grade: 11 Position Summary The Environmental Data Scientist supports interdisciplinary projects across water research, land stewardship, water planning and policy, and sustainable communities. This position combines environmental science, quantitative analysis, modeling, coding, and data management to help Oka’ staff and project partners better understand complex environmental systems and support science-based decision-making. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in environmental sciences and the technical ability to analyze, model, and interpret environmental data using tools such as Python, R, SQL, GIS, and related analytical platforms. This position will work across Oka’s focus areas to develop models, automate analytical processes, evaluate environmental datasets, support research and field activities, and translate technical results into useful information for researchers, communities, resource managers, and decisionmakers. Essential Job Duties • Conduct quantitative analysis of environmental datasets related to water resources, watershed conditions, land management, climate, infrastructure, and other Oka’ research and community projects. • Develop, apply, and evaluate environmental models to better understand environmental processes, assess conditions, evaluate scenarios, and support project management decisions. • Develop scripts, analytical tools, and automated workflows using Python, R, SQL, or similar programming languages to process, analyze, model, and visualize environmental data. • Assist project teams with the selection, application, interpretation, and refinement of environmental and statistical modeling approaches. • Integrate environmental datasets from multiple sources, including field observations, laboratory results, GIS and remote sensing products, monitoring networks, databases, and publicly available datasets. • Apply GIS and spatial analysis techniques to evaluate environmental conditions, identify spatial patterns, develop project tools, and support environmental modeling. • Develop maps, figures, dashboards, reports, and other visualization products that clearly communicate environmental conditions, analytical findings, model outputs, and project results. • Maintain organized and reproducible datasets, analytical workflows, code, model documentation, and metadata so that technical work can be understood and used by other project staff. • Other duties as assigned by Supervisor or designee. Omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Qualifications REQUIRED: • Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Hydrology, Natural Resources, Ecology, Geography, Geospatial Science, or a closely related field. • Strong understanding of environmental science principles and the ability to interpret environmental and natural resource data within the context of physical and ecological systems. • Experience analyzing environmental, water resource, natural resource, or related scientific datasets. • Experience using GIS for spatial analysis, environmental assessment, mapping, or development of map-based project tools. • Experience with quantitative analysis, statistical analysis, environmental modeling, or other computational approaches used to evaluate environmental systems. • Experience working with structured datasets and applying appropriate data organization, documentation, and quality-control practices. • Proficiency with Python, R, SQL, or similar programming languages for environmental analysis, modeling, scripting, and workflow automation. • Experience developing, calibrating, validating, or applying environmental, hydrologic, watershed, ecological, statistical, or geospatial models. PREFERRED: • Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Hydrology, Natural Resources, Ecology, Geography, Geospatial Science, or a closely related field. • Familiarity with tools i.e. SQL, Python, or R for scripting and automation. • Experience applying artificial intelligence or machine learning tools to environmental or scientific applications, including data analysis, predictive modeling, pattern identification, classification, automation, or decision support tools. • Familiarity with integrating AI-assisted tools into scientific workflows while maintaining appropriate data quality, documentation, validation, and human review. Licenses/Certifications • Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or must obtain certification within 90 days of employment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously • Advanced communication skills with ability to effectively coordinate outreach initiatives • Evidence of field-based work and data collection. • Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example • Must be a professional, credible and respected representative of the institution internally and in the community • Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsible • Ability to communicate in a courteous manner Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Regularly required to walk and traverse uneven terrain, stand, bend, or climb over natural features Ability to tolerate exposure to heat, smoke, dust, insects, and variable weather conditions for extended periods Frequently required to sit, speak, and operate field instruments or computers Frequently required to communicate effectively with diverse populations Regularly performs tasks that involve repetitive wrist and finger movement Regularly operates a computer and other standard office equipment Ability to perform fieldwork, including walking over uneven terrain and working in heat, cold, smoke, dust, insects, and variable weather conditions. Ability to lift and carry moderate loads; operate basic field equipment and vehicles as needed for site visits, monitoring, and prescribed fire activities; and use appropriate personal protective equipment. Mix of office work and frequent field visits to farms, ranches, burn sites, and partner locations in southern Oklahoma, with regular regional travel. Occasional evening or weekend work to accommodate producer schedules, field conditions, and community events. Constantly required to remain in a seated position for extended periods Frequently required to communicate effectively with diverse populations Regularly performs tasks that involve repetitive wrist and finger movement Regularly operates a computer and other standard office equipment Occasionally required to move about the office and similar spaces Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is a mix of office work and frequent field visits to farms, ranches, burn sites, and partner locations in southern Oklahoma, with regular regional trave. The position requires occasional travel, including overnight stays, with potential exposure to various outdoor weather conditions during field activities. Supervisory Responsibility None East Central University, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, marital status, genetic information, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Employment Services Director, 1100 E. 14th St., Danley Hall 111, Ada, OK 74820, (580) 559-5260. Please ensure you have completed the Equal Opportunity Data Form with your application.