Environmental Specialist III - NPDES Compliance

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under limited supervision, this position serves as a lead inspector for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Nebraska Pretreatment Program (NPP) facilities. The role includes oversight of the pretreatment and stormwater programs within the section, acting as a subject matter expert and primary trainer. Responsibilities involve presenting at conferences, attending meetings on NPDES permitting and compliance, preparing reports, documenting inspection observations, evaluating potential violations, reviewing draft permits, conducting file reviews, and responding to complaints.

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.
Two years of professional experience in a related field.
Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent transportation.
Ability to lift 30 pounds.
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 maintain regular and reliable attendance.
A cover letter and resume with relevant information with your experience clearly listed as it pertains to this position.
A current list of at least three professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone numbers and email.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and administrative regulation, policies, and standards of the agency of the programs relevant to the assigned duties.
Knowledge of the principles of ecology, geology, hydrology, biological, physical or chemical sciences.
Knowledge of statistical and analytical methods.
Knowledge of statistical and mathematical models as applied to the analysis and interpretation of technical data.
Knowledge of spreadsheet and database management computer software.
Knowledge of the techniques of research, planning, implementation, and evaluation applicable to programs within the hiring agency.
Knowledge of Office suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
Knowledge of equipment used for measuring, testing, and recording scientific data.
Knowledge of rules and regulations of other pertinent resource/regulatory agencies.
Skill in applying several natural sciences to your work.
Skill in understanding and performing scientific analysis techniques.
Skill in explaining the results of these analyses to decision makers.
Skill in understanding and comprehending written documents.
Skill in coordinating Agency activities with individuals, other state agencies, and the federal government.
Skill in communicating with individuals and groups with varying technical backgrounds to collect and relay information.
Skill in listening to and understanding others.
Skill in conflict resolution.
Skill in prioritizing workloads.
Skill in using analytical judgment to make decisions.
Skill in using specific software and databases such as Geographic Information System and Global Positioning System.
Skill in public speaking and providing presentations.
Skill in using logic to identify alternative solutions or conclusions.
Ability to learn, comprehend, and apply local, state, and federal environmental laws, regulations and standards.
Ability to learn, apply and uphold agency policies and procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private officials and with the general public.
Ability to organize, analyze, and interpret data to draw conclusions and write reports.
Ability to write and prepare technical papers and reports.
Ability to use computers and other tools for data storage and analysis.
Ability to work outside in varying elements and terrains.

Responsibilities

Serve as a lead inspector of DWEE permitted National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Nebraska Pretreatment Program (NPP) facilities.
Provide oversight for the pretreatment and stormwater programs in the section.
Act as a subject matter expert and the primary trainer in the section.
Present at conferences and attend regular meetings regarding ongoing permitting and compliance with NPDES topics.
Prepare reports and document inspection observations, including evaluating potential violations.
Review draft permits.
Conduct file reviews.
Respond to complaints.
Research professional standards and publications, governmental regulations, criteria, and proposals pertinent to environmental topics to assist in development of agency programs, plans, guidance, procedures, and policies.
Develop, review, coordinate, and communicate environmental policies, programs, and guidance to internal employees, consultants, and public agencies.
Develop and present training materials on environmental topics for internal employees, contractors, consultants, and public entities.
Use databases and analysis techniques to interpret and summarize environmental data to identify problems, develop solutions, and make recommendations.
Interpret and generate plans, maps, reports, and GIS database resources to identify and locate environmental features and conditions.
Attend professional scientific conferences and programs and utilize professional research literature to stay current and maintain expertise.
Investigate data, research historical, administrative, and legal documents, evaluate geological, hydrological, economic, social environmental, legal, and structural data and models to make recommendations concerning compliance with State and federal regulations and permit conditions.
Coordinate with Federal and State agency representatives during environmental reviews.
Coordinate and attend agency meetings to participate in the identification and assessment of environmental issues associated with programs, projects, and facilities.
Attend meetings, preparing responses to comments on reports, proposals, or other statements.
Confer with landowners and representatives of Federal, State, and Local agencies to share project/program impact information, to negotiate courses of action, and to achieve mutual objectives.
Prepare reports necessary to communicate with agency staff the environmental issues associated with the assigned program, project, and/or facility.
Use Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) for data collection and interpretation.
Provide oversight, auditing, policy, and enforcement at the program level.
Identify, classify, and permit Significant Industrial Users (SIUs).
Help complete annual reports required for the state and EPA.
Train new inspectors on the NDPES Program.
Conduct inspections of NPDES and NPP permitted facilities.
Be the go-to for high profile and unique NPDES situations.
Receive and respond to complaints regarding water quality concerns.
Conduct pre-inspection file reviews, document inspection results, and maintain facility database.
Review draft permits and provide feedback on compliance issues.
Document violations and support the Department enforcement process.
Write, edit, and review technical papers and reports to respond to inquiries and complaints and to provide data required or requested by federal, State, and local agencies, the professional community, or the general public.
Analyze data, statistics, charts, and tables to prepare reports, technical papers, or correspondence for presentation to the general public and/or the regulated community.
Meet with federal, State, and local government representatives and the general public to explain environmental quality program policies and programs.
Testify at hearings as an expert witness to verify observations and conclusions from data collection and interpretation as required in legal actions.
Review EPA guidance documents, memorandums, Federal Register notices, federal and State regulations, professional journals, and trade magazines to keep abreast of emerging issues.
Participate to prepare and present environmental seminars, events, workshops, and public information sessions that aid in the education of the public regarding environmental regulations and policies.

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