Environmental Specialist II - Lower Platte & Missouri Tributory Basins

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

23h•$26•Onsite

About The Position

Do you have a passion for protecting Nebraska’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? Do you want to help implement Nebraska’s Water Quality and Quantity Task Force Goals in meaningful, measurable ways? Are you motivated by work that integrates water science, agricultural practices, planning, and stakeholder collaboration into real-world solutions? If you answered yes, then we might be the team for you! We’re looking for the next great addition to the Water Planning Division (Division) at the Nebraska Department Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE). Our Division’s crucial work includes water quality and water quantity projects throughout the state and also includes collaboration with local, regional, statewide and federal stakeholders and partners. Our Division, which consists of an enthusiastic group of dedicated water quality and water quantity planning and technical experts, provides a supportive and collaborative work environment that offers many opportunities to learn and grow professionally while carrying out our essential work. Before we dive into what we need, let us show off what you get! • 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 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! The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) is seeking an Environmental Specialist II to support the Department’s Water Planning Program through activities including water resource planning, stakeholder coordination, data development, and implementation of integrated water management strategies. This position will also assist with advancing Nebraska’s Water Quality and Quantity Task Force Goals through coordinated work across both the Water Planning (WP) Program and the ONE RED (Opportunity for Nebraska: Reducing Emissions & Decarbonization) Program.

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.
Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent transportation
Some travel is required for this position, including occasional overnight travel. When not on approved, work-related travel, the employees’ work time will be completed at the DWEE’s Fallbrook office.
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance
The ability to work overtime and weekends if the need arises
Ability to lift 35 pounds
Ability to climb a 6 ft ladder
Ability to climb, bend, and stoop
Ability to work in outdoor temperature extremes
Ability to walk on uneven terrains and steep slopes to accomplish tasks
Ability to work in an industrial setting
Ability to sit for long periods of time
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 three professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone numbers and email

Nice To Haves

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
Using GIS to create map graphics or solve a problem

Responsibilities

Supports regulatory planning, program evaluation, and statewide coordination activities.
Coordinate nitrogen management education and implementation efforts in partnership with NRDs, UNL, and other stakeholders.
Support alignment of DWEE and NRD water planning efforts related to water quality and quantity.
Evaluate planning frameworks and assist with adaptive management adjustments.
Develop and maintain data systems, inventories, dashboards, and benchmarking tools related to water measurement, nitrogen use efficiency, recharge, and water availability.
Compile and analyze technical data to inform strategic planning, economic development discussions, and project prioritization.
Support preparation of reports, technical summaries, and materials for Management and stakeholder review
Supports development and implementation of voluntary, incentive-based programs aligned with Task Force goals.
Contribute to development of benchmarking tools and performance metrics.
Support preparation of reports, technical summaries, and materials for Management and stakeholder review
Supports coordination between regulatory and voluntary frameworks to ensure consistent statewide implementation.
Develop and support statewide education, outreach, and communication materials related to water quality, water quantity, and public health.
Assists in coordination with NRDs and partners to assess implementation capacity and identify opportunities to expand technical and engagement resources.
Compile, analyze, and interpret performance data to evaluate progress toward Task Force goals.
Identify implementation gaps and recommend program improvements.
Support cross-agency coordination and stakeholder engagement to maintain alignment across planning and incentive efforts.

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