Environmental Manager

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The State of Indiana Department of Natural Resources is hiring for a role described in the posting as responsible for applying professional environmental and biological knowledge to state programs. The work includes reviewing aquatic vegetation control permit applications and helping develop aquatic vegetation management plans for public waters in Indiana, as well as reviewing fish stocking permits and scientific research permits for fish surveys. The role requires understanding lake ecology and the laws governing these permits, independently determining whether permits should be issued in compliance with applicable laws and policies, issuing approved permits, and balancing ecological and social needs. The employee manages aquatic vegetation control and fish stocking databases, reviews treatment reports for compliance, helps customers obtain permits, and answers public and staff questions about aquatic vegetation treatments, their effects on fish and wildlife, fish stocking, and fisheries surveys. The employee must have or be capable of obtaining a Category 5 Pesticide Applicator’s license from the Indiana State Chemist’s Office. The position also provides environmental technical and regulatory guidance, conducts technical analyses, supports environmental programs, and performs project management. Duties include researching laws and guidance related to permits; communicating with applicants and permittees; participating in public meetings and hearings and potentially legal appeals; conducting site surveys, inspections, investigations, and field work; interpreting plans and findings; and supporting compliance with state and federal requirements. Routine travel to regulated sites is required. Work hours may vary with operational demands, with occasional meetings or events at the agency office. This position is exempt from overtime compensation; additional work hours may be required to complete assignments, and employees must report at least 75 hours per pay period of work and/or paid leave to receive their base biweekly salary. A degree is not required. At least five years of environmental or environmental public health experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered. The role may be used in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs. The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees.

Requirements

Broad knowledge of environmental protection theories, principles, practices, specialty area, and program area.
Thorough knowledge of chemistry, biology, hydrology, mathematics, engineering, and other environmental sciences as they relate to the program area.
Thorough knowledge of soil, water, and air sampling, laboratory analysis, and interpretation as they relate to the program area.
Ability to conduct surveys, inspections, and investigations; review projects and situations; read plans; interpret findings; and make recommendations.
Ability to prepare documents for administrative and regulatory action.
Excellent research and writing skills to prepare accurate, precise, clear, and thorough reports.
Ability to interact effectively and communicate orally with people who have varying levels of environmental expertise, including in meetings, hearings, and negotiations on sensitive issues.
Ability to interpret and apply legal terminology and practices in varied conditions and situations.
Must have or be capable of obtaining a Category 5 Pesticide Applicator’s license from the Indiana State Chemist’s Office.
A degree is not required; at least five years of environmental or environmental public health experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Review aquatic vegetation control permit applications and help develop aquatic vegetation management plans for public waters in Indiana.
Review fish stocking permits and scientific research permits for fish surveys.
Independently assess permit applications for compliance with applicable laws and policies and issue approved permits, balancing ecological and social needs.
Manage aquatic vegetation control and fish stocking databases and review treatment reports for compliance.
Assist customers with obtaining permits and respond to questions from the public and agency staff about aquatic vegetation control, effects on fish and wildlife, fish stocking, and fisheries surveys.
Provide environmental technical and regulatory guidance to regulated communities, government officials, attorneys, staff, and other stakeholders.
Conduct technical analyses and provide insights to assess environmental impacts and meet state and national regulations.
Perform project management duties, attend meetings, and respond to communications as required.
Research state and federal guidance, laws, and regulations related to permits; contact applicants for additional information; respond to applicant comments; defend permit terms and conditions; and work with permittees to resolve issues.
Attend and participate in public meetings and hearings regarding permit actions and appear in legal appeals of permit actions when required.
Conduct surveys, inspections, and investigations of facilities and sites; review projects and situations; read plans; interpret findings; and identify applicable regulatory violations.
Use available compliance and enforcement tools to help regulated sources return to compliance with state and federal requirements.
Assist with sampling and analysis work plans and conduct field work under agency or section standard operating procedures.
Communicate professionally with responsible parties, consultants, stakeholders, citizens, public officials, and interest groups about permits, laws, and program matters.
Travel routinely to regulated sites for inspections, investigations, and field reporting.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities
Health savings account with bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match
Two fully funded pension plan options
Leave policies including 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave for eligible employees, up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers, up to 15 hours of paid community service leave, and 180 combined hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave
12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits
Eligibility as a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free parking for most positions
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