Environmental Licensing Specialist I - Two (2) Positions - Portland

State of Maine•Portland, ME

About The Position

This is a junior level project management position, working at the intersection of environmental policy and environmental protection by reviewing development proposals and evaluating whether they comply with Maine’s environmental protection laws and regulations. You will draft permitting decisions and recommend approval or denial of permit applications or recommend changes needed to meet approval criteria. As part of this evaluation process, you will work directly with applicants, their consultants and attorneys and participate in pre-application and pre-submission meetings to provide regulatory guidance; you will lead coordination with other State resource agencies to identify and assess potential environmental impacts of proposed development; meet with federal and municipal officials reviewing the same projects; and conduct site visits. You will work with limited oversight as you gain experience. You also will have the opportunity to participate in public meetings, public hearings, and administrative appeals before the Board of Environmental Protection. For information specific to the positions, please contact Alison Sirois (207) 699-7028 or [email protected]

Requirements

Education, training and/or experience in environmental science or another applicable scientific field
Demonstrated experience analyzing and processing permits, applications, licenses, and technical information, or demonstrated directly related experience working with environmental laws, rules, regulations, and complex technical evaluations in a scientific and/or legal field

Nice To Haves

Education that emphasizes concepts and techniques involved in natural resources protection and/or management.
Strong analytical and writing skills.
Demonstrated interested in the implementation of environmental policy.
GIS/database management/other computer skills.
Experience in interpersonal relationships and/or customer service in a fast-paced work environment.

Responsibilities

Review development proposals
Evaluate compliance with Maine’s environmental protection laws and regulations
Draft permitting decisions
Recommend approval or denial of permit applications
Recommend changes needed to meet approval criteria
Work directly with applicants, their consultants and attorneys
Participate in pre-application and pre-submission meetings to provide regulatory guidance
Lead coordination with other State resource agencies to identify and assess potential environmental impacts of proposed development
Meet with federal and municipal officials reviewing the same projects
Conduct site visits
Participate in public meetings, public hearings, and administrative appeals before the Board of Environmental Protection

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes at least 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness