Environmental Licensing Specialist II - Two (2) Positions - 2181 and 1822 - Portland

State of Maine•Portland, ME

15d•$27 - $38•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Land Resources, is hiring two Environmental Licensing Specialist II positions in Portland, Maine. Guided by environmental policy and protection, the successful candidate reviews development proposals and evaluates compliance with Maine environmental protection laws and regulations. The specialist drafts permitting decisions and recommends approval or denial of permit applications, identifying changes that may be needed for projects to meet approval criteria. The role involves working with applicants and their consulting teams, and sometimes the public; participating in pre-application and pre-submission meetings to provide regulatory guidance; coordinating with State natural resource agencies to identify and assess potential environmental impacts; meeting with federal and municipal officials reviewing the same projects; and conducting site visits. The specialist works with decreasing oversight as experience grows and may participate in public meetings, public hearings, and administrative appeals before the Board of Environmental Protection. Some remote work may be available with management approval and in accordance with the DEP Telework Policy.

Requirements

Intermediate education, training, and/or experience in environmental science or a related scientific field demonstrating a seasoned ability to analyze and process permits, applications, licenses, and technical information; or directly related experience working with environmental laws, rules, regulations, and complex technical evaluations in a scientific and/or legal field.
Submit a Direct Hire Application, cover letter, and detailed resume.
Include month and year for relevant experience on the resume, describe the duties and responsibilities for each position, and identify any experience that was not full-time employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with caseload oversight.
Education emphasizing concepts and techniques involved in natural resources protection and/or management.
Strong analytical and writing skills.
Experience with or knowledge of environmental regulatory programs at the federal, state, and local level, particularly Maine's Site Location of Development Law, Natural Resources Protection Act, and Stormwater Management Law.
Demonstrated interest in implementing environmental policy.
GIS, database management, and other computer skills.
Experience in interpersonal relationships and/or customer service in a fast-paced work environment.

Responsibilities

Review development proposals and evaluate whether projects comply with Maine environmental protection laws and regulations.
Draft permitting decisions and recommend approval or denial of permit applications.
Determine what changes may be needed for projects to meet approval criteria.
Work directly with applicants and their consulting teams, and occasionally with the general public.
Participate in pre-application and pre-submission meetings and provide regulatory guidance.
Coordinate with State natural resource agencies to identify and assess potential environmental impacts of proposed developments.
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

13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and at least three weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with years of service.
Personal leave for overtime-exempt employees.
State payment of 85%-100% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary.
A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit for participating in the applicable program.
State payment of 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State contribution of 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.
Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness through the State's qualified-employer status.
Employee assistance through the Living Resources Program.
Forty-two consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child; additional unpaid leave may also be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.