Environmental Specialist II - Water Quality Planning

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

15d • Onsite

About The Position

Do you have a passion for protecting Nebraska’s (NE’s) natural resources? Do you love knowing your work makes a difference in your community and state? Are you looking for a work environment that supports developing and applying new skills and technologies to water resource management? If you answer yes to these questions, then we might be the team for you! The State of Nebraska is a global leader in the sustainable management of surface water and groundwater resources, and we’re looking for the next great addition to the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE/Department) Integrated Water Planning Division (Division). Our small and enthusiastic group of dedicated planners and technical experts provides a supportive and collaborative work environment that offers many opportunities to learn and grow professionally! The Integrated Water Planning Division at DWEE works with local, regional, state, and federal partners and stakeholders on management of surface water and groundwater within Nebraska. This important work includes collaboration with municipalities, Natural Resource Districts, Counties, Public Power Districts, and many other jurisdictions/entities. The Division also works with other states and federal agencies regarding interstate water agreements, and a variety of federal programs. Our mission is to protect and enhance Nebraska's water, energy, and environmental resources using science-based decision-making and strong partnerships. The Division’s work integrates the management of water quality and quantity. This is achieved through cross-program coordination state and federal programs, resources, and policy decisions. The successful candidate will, under general supervision, plan, manage, and monitor Section 319 nonpoint source pollution prevention grants from project initiation through close out, ensuring alignment with state water quality priorities and federal requirements. A more detailed list of job duties can be found below. Benefits for you! 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 A new modern building in Fallbrook with free onsite parking Easily accessible from I-80 Respected as a valued team member Business Casual Dress Code Monday – Friday – After a 6-month Original Probation Period - Flexible schedules and 10-hour workdays may be allowed with management approval At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

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 on a year-for-year basis.
• Some travel is required for this position, including occasional overnight travel. When not on approved, work-related travel, the employee’s work time will be completed at the DWEE Fallbrook office.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance
• The ability to work overtime and weekends if the need arises
• Submit a resume or list on the application specific detailed experience relevant to the position in years and months
• Submit a cover letter outlining why you would be a good candidate for the position
• Submit a current list of at least three professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone numbers and email
• Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent transportation
• DWEE will not sponsor non-immigrant work visas for this position
• Knowledge Of: Ecology, hydrogeology, hydrology, natural resource sciences, agricultural sciences, and/or natural resources planning
• Applicable federal and state laws and regulations, (e.g., Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Nebraska Environmental Protection Act, and State Water Quality Standards), permitting processes
• Public participation methods and community outreach
• Basic subsurface geology and characteristics of primary/secondary aquifers in Nebraska
• Project management of the areas above
• Skill In: Communicating effectively with technical and non-technical audiences
• Building collaborative partnerships and navigating stakeholder relationships
• Prioritizing work and managing competing demands
• Using sound judgment to make decisions and advance work
• Writing and editing publications for a general audience
• Meeting or event planning (in-person and via virtual platforms (Webex, Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
• Creation of figures and presentations using computer software such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, CorelDraw, Prezi, ArcGIS, and/or Geocortex
• Organizing information and records using tools such as records management systems (e.g., OnBase), Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, OneNote, and intuitive filing structures
• Constructing documentation files that accurately reflects methods used to complete projects, such that utilized methods can be easily repeated and evaluated in the future
• Ability To: Plan and align work to strategic goals
• Manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders
• Adapt to changing conditions and program needs
• Build trust through professionalism, follow-through, and transparency
• Learn and apply state and federal water laws
• Think logically and understand surface and groundwater systems
• Communicate effectively and appropriately with diverse constituents
• Clearly convey technical information to the public and colleagues
• Organize, write, review, and edit technical reports and memorandums, meeting agendas, meeting minutes, outreach materials, and other documents
• Effectively use personal and team time management skills. This may include developing workplans, ensuring adherence to project deadlines
• Quickly learn and adapt behavior to a professional office environment
• Improve skill deficiencies/interest in developing said skills with on-the-job training

Nice To Haves

• Experience in writing and editing reports and other documentation; records and data organization and management; stakeholder input and public participation processes; creating figures to explain a complex concept; natural resources or environmental planning; education and outreach; and experience in GIS.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and monitor Section 319 nonpoint source pollution prevention grants from project initiation through closeout, ensuring alignment with state water quality priorities and federal requirements.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement
• Coordinate with federal and state agencies, the public, and additional project stakeholders for meaningful successful project outcomes.
• Assist with stakeholder input processes, public participation, and community outreach
• Develop and track project work plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables
• Ensure project activities comply with approved EPA guidelines and grant conditions
• Review project invoices, reimbursement requests, and financial requirements
• Maintain organized project records
• Review watershed-based plans for consistency with EPA requirements
• Follow through on commitments and hold self and partners accountable for agreed-upon outcomes.
• Uphold agency policies, procedures, and public stewardship responsibilities while fostering trust with internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct all work with a high standard of integrity, transparency, and professionalism.
• Exercise sound judgment to make appropriate decisions within delegated authority while recognizing when issues require escalation to leadership.
• Apply analytical thinking and professional judgment to evaluate data, project proposals, and program outcomes.
• Ensure timely, accurate documentation, reporting, and financial oversight in compliance with Clean Water Act Section 319 requirements and agency policies.
• Balance multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining focus on outcomes that protect and improve Nebraska’s water resources.
• Support, and contribute to the development of statewide NPS management plans and priorities.
• Evaluate proposed projects for technical merit and watershed benefit.
• Assist with the development of program guidance and SOPs.
• Identify opportunities to integrate Section 319 funds with other state, federal, and local funding sources.
• Understand how individual projects connect to broader watershed, basin-scale, and statewide water quality strategies.
• Navigate complex regulatory, technical, and stakeholder environments; identifying interdependencies and risks while maintaining forward progress.
• Adapt approaches based on changing conditions, new information, or stakeholder dynamics while remaining aligned with program objectives.
• Apply systems thinking to evaluate environmental data, project performance, and emerging issues affecting nonpoint source pollution.
• Work collaboratively with Natural Resource Districts, U.S. EPA, other state and federal agencies, local partners, and the public to advance shared water quality goals.
• Build and sustain productive working relationships across organizations with varying missions, priorities, and technical expertise.
• Communicate complex technical, regulatory, and programmatic information clearly and effectively to audiences with diverse backgrounds.
• Represent the agency professionally and credibly in meetings, presentations, and public forums, advocating for water quality solutions grounded in science and partnership.
• Support other water quality programs as needed, which may include water quality standards, monitoring, impaired waters, TMDL development, water quality certifications, and drinking water protection initiatives.
• Contribute expertise and capacity across the Water Planning Section to support evolving program needs and priorities.

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
• A new modern building in Fallbrook with free onsite parking
• Easily accessible from I-80
• Respected as a valued team member
• Business Casual Dress Code
• Monday – Friday – After a 6-month Original Probation Period - Flexible schedules and 10-hour workdays may be allowed with management approval

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level