Environmental Specialist II - Integrated Water Planning

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Integrated Water Planning Division at the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) is seeking an Environmental Specialist II to support water quality and quantity programs. This role involves scientific analysis, program planning, data management, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific foundation, technical capability, sound scientific judgment, and excellent planning and communication skills to develop and implement the Division’s core programs. The Division works collaboratively with local, regional, state, and federal stakeholders on water quality and quantity projects throughout Nebraska, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth. The position is responsible for planning and implementation efforts for programs such as Integrated Water Management, Interstate Water Compacts, Section 319 Nonpoint Source, Section 401 Certifications, Source Water Protection, Wellhead Protection, Water Quality Standards, and Water Quality Integrated Report.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in the physical sciences, natural sciences, environmental science, geology, biology, agronomy, civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, hydrology, community and regional planning, or a related field.
Experience may substitute for education or a year-for-year basis.
Some travel is required for this position, including occasional overnight travel.
Valid driver’s license or ability to provide independent transportation.
Ability to sit for long periods of time.
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance; ability to work overtime or weekends if needed.
Submit a resume with detailed experience relevant to the position (in years and months) and a current list of at least three professional references with phone numbers and email.
A strong foundation in hydrology, hydrogeology, and water quality science, with demonstrated ability to apply technical analytical tools — including GIS, groundwater modeling, and data management — to real-world water planning challenges.
Can work independently to collect, analyze, and interpret complex environmental datasets; evaluate uncertainty; and develop well-supported findings that inform planning, regulatory, and resource management decisions.
Able to translate that technical work into clear communication — whether through written reports, public presentations, or stakeholder coordination — across audiences ranging from technical colleagues to the general public.

Nice To Haves

Hydrogeological analysis, including groundwater and surface water interaction studies
Groundwater modeling (MODFLOW, particularly MODFLOW 6)
Computer programming (Python, ArcPy, MATLAB, R, or Fortran) for data processing and automation
GIS proficiency (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online) including spatial analysis and database management
Writing and editing reports and other documentation
Records and data organization and management
Creating meeting materials such as agendas, handouts, and minutes
Stakeholder input or public participation processes
Creating figures to explain a complex concept
Quantitative or qualitative data collection and analysis
Natural resources or environmental planning
Education and outreach
Familiarity with Nebraska’s water laws, integrated management plans, and the agricultural systems that shape water quality and quantity across the state.

Responsibilities

Perform hydrogeological and water quality analyses, apply groundwater and watershed models, and interpret monitoring data to develop scientifically supported findings that inform planning, regulatory, and resource management decisions.
Collect, organize, and review water quality and quantity datasets from multiple sources; integrate data, spatial analyses, and modeling results to evaluate trends, uncertainty, and program effectiveness.
Use GIS tools to spatially analyze environmental conditions, trends and potential risks, review technical reports and data submittits for QA/QC and regulatory compliance, and develop figures to communicate scientific results.
Perform technical components of water quality and quantity plan and program development, evaluation, and implementation across the Division’s core programs.
Coordinate with project sponsors, NRDs, municipalities, utilities, and other partners to support plan development, track implementation, and ensure deliverable compliance.
Review and evaluate grant applications, track deliverables, and prepare program outcome reports; contribute to operational workplans supporting statewide policy and Water Quality and Quantity Task Force goals.
Maintain and manage large multi-source datasets, GIS-enabled databases and other data products; apply established metrics and benchmarking tools; and use programming tools (e.g., Python, ArcPy) to automate data processing and reporting workflows.
Prepare and deliver presentations and written products — including technical reports, fact sheets, and outreach materials — for audiences ranging from technical colleagues to the general public.
Represent DWEE at public meetings and outreach events; coordinate stakeholder engagement processes; manage workplans; and prepare meeting agendas, materials, and notes.

Benefits

13 paid holidays
Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
Military leave
156% state-matched retirement
Tuition reimbursement
Employee assistance program
79% employer paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the state
Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
Training and development based on your career aspirations
Fun, inviting teammates
A safe and secure environment