Environmental Specialist II - OnSite

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about preserving, enhancing, and protecting Nebraska’s environment? Are you interested in a flexible schedule and healthy work/life balance? If so, we have a great opportunity for you! We’re looking for the next great addition to the Onsite Wastewater Program at the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment. The successful candidate will conduct inspections and compliance activities for decentralized/onsite wastewater treatment systems, as well as assist in training and certification of onsite wastewater professionals. Don’t have direct experience? No problem, we’ll teach you! All you need is a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a passion for serving Nebraskans. Our small but enthusiastic group of dedicated team members provides a supportive and collaborative work environment that offers many opportunities to learn and grow professionally.

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.
• Have a valid driver’s license or ability to provide independent transportation.
• Ability to travel overnight (approximately 10%)
• Ability to climb, bend, stoop, and walk on uneven terrain or steep slopes
• Ability to work outdoors in temperature extremes
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Submit a resume or list on the application specific detailed experience relevant to the position in years and months
• Submit a current list of at least professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone numbers
• Knowledge of: the principles of ecology, geology and hydrology; biological, physical and chemical sciences; statistical and analytical methods; word processing, spreadsheet and database management computer software.
• Skill in: communicating with individuals and groups with varying technical backgrounds to collect and relay information; listening to and understanding others; prioritizing workloads; using analytical judgment to make decisions; public speaking and providing presentations.
• Ability to: learn and apply local, State and federal environmental laws, regulations and standards; learn, apply and uphold agency policies and procedures; establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private officials and with the general public; read and interpret topographic and geologic maps; organize, analyze and interpret data to draw conclusions and prepare reports and technical papers; use computers and other tools for data storage and analysis; Relate well to people having various technical and non-technical backgrounds

Nice To Haves

• Don’t have direct experience? No problem, we’ll teach you! All you need is a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a passion for serving Nebraskans.

Responsibilities

• Conducts inspections of decentralized/onsite wastewater treatment systems and determines compliance with State and federal regulations and permit conditions.
• Answer all phone and other communications regarding policies, procedures and regulations pertinent to the program.
• Develop, maintain or modify manual and computerized tracking/monitoring systems for assigned program such as violations and status of projects.
• Prepare and present educational programs regarding environmental regulations and policies at meetings, seminars, events, workshops and public information sessions that aid in the education of the regulated community and general public.
• Issues technical papers and/or reports to provide data required or requested by federal, State, local agencies, the professional community, or the general public.
• Writes, reviews and revises regulations, technical guidelines, and proposed legislation to establish State standards in response to new standards recognized in the professional community and/or required by federal standards.
• Reviews EPA guidance documents, memorandums, Federal Register notices, federal and State regulations, professional journals and trade magazines to keep abreast of emerging issues.
• Testifies at hearings as an expert witness to verify observations and conclusions from data collection and interpretation as required in legal actions.
• Resolve conflicts and maintain program objectives in emotionally charged situations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that's not a typo!) 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

What This Job Offers

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