Environmental Specialist III - Water Planning

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

1d•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? 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. The Water Planning Division at DWEE works with local, regional, state, and interstate partners and stakeholders on integrated management of surface water and groundwater, on interstate water agreements, and on administering, monitoring, advising, and funding different water quality programs, initiatives, opportunities, and efforts in conjunction with partners on a local to federal level. Our vision is advancing collaborative water quality and quantity management across the state of Nebraska based on sound science, and our mission is to sustain and protect Nebraska’s water supplies and water users for both the near and long term. The Division’s work blends hydrogeological modeling, GIS mapping, analysis and GIS data driven public-facing dashboards using ESRI products, and water quality and quantity analyses with water policy and planning. The Division’s work increasingly relies on integrated GIS, databases, and public-facing dashboards to track progress toward statewide water quality and quantity goals and to support transparent, data-driven decision-making. As public-facing dashboards and data systems mature and require less day-to-day maintenance, this position is expected to take on additional technical responsibilities. These may include increased involvement in groundwater and surface water quality and quantity data analysis and modeling efforts in support of integrated water planning and management. This ESIII is a senior technical position that provides technical guidance and subject-matter expertise for data, GIS, and analytical work. Under limited supervision, the successful ESIII candidate will function as a senior technical contributor who coordinates complex work through planning, prioritization, and follow-through, rather than through formal supervisory authority. The ESIII will be responsible for coordinating and managing Division projects, creating, assembling, formatting, and curating both Division and Department data in multiple formats for public dashboards while maintaining, establishing, and implementing data preservation and documentation protocols. An ESIII is expected to develop their knowledge of multiple facets of water quality and quantity data produced by the Department, build on their knowledge of different database types and file formats that water quality and quantity data are produced in, and develop expertise in creating and streamlining processes that allow internal data to be shown externally in a concise, meaningful way. This position plays a key role in developing and maintaining long-term, GIS-enabled data systems that support statewide water quality and quantity tracking, performance metrics, and public transparency. The position supports policy-driven reporting needs, including annual updates, trend analysis, and standardized metrics aligned with state and local water planning goals.

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 AND 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 ability to provide independent transportation
Ability to travel with occasional overnight stays.
The ability to work overtime and weekends if the need arises
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 3 professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone number and email.
Knowledge Of: Principles and applications of hydrogeology, hydrology, natural resource sciences, agricultural sciences, and natural resources planning processes, policies, rules, and regulations.
Analytical and critical thinking frameworks used to evaluate scientific data, assess uncertainty, and support defensible conclusions in natural resource and water management.
Relational database concepts, including schema design, time-series data, and data normalization.
Principles of environmental and water resources data management, including data structures, common file types, QA/QC standards, and long-term data stewardship.
The interconnection of agricultural practices, land use, and the hydrologic cycle.
Methods for aggregating, anonymizing, and summarizing data for public reporting while maintaining data privacy.
Remote sensing principles and applications for land use and land cover delineation.
Basic field-scale irrigation and agricultural practices used across Nebraska.
Water quality and quantity measurements, monitoring approaches, and assessment technologies.
Water chemistry, nutrient cycling, and nutrient management concepts.
‘ Principles of performance measurement, indicator development, and metrics used in natural resource and water planning programs.
Best practices for public-facing data visualization, accessibility, and usability.
Principles and applications of groundwater and surface water modeling used in integrated water management.
Basic subsurface geology and characteristics of primary and secondary aquifers in Nebraska.
Skill In: Using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and related GIS tools to create, edit, analyze, store, and publish spatial and tabular data.
Designing, maintaining, and documenting GIS-enabled relational databases that support dashboards, data clearinghouses, and policy or planning reporting.
Developing interactive, public-facing dashboards and data products that clearly communicate trends, metrics, and program progress.
Managing, integrating, and maintaining large datasets from multiple organizations and formats.
Developing standardized metrics, indicators, and scoring frameworks to support project prioritization, benchmarking, and performance tracking.
Using computer programming languages and tools (e.g., Python, ArcPy, or similar) to automate data processing, QA/QC, metric calculations, and recurring reporting or dashboard updates.
Implementing and automating QA/QC procedures for spatial and tabular datasets used in analysis, reporting, and public-facing applications.
Identifying opportunities to proactively improve data workflows, analyses, or reporting processes through automation, standardization, or improved documentation.
Preparing clear, repeatable technical documentation, user guidance, and training materials for dashboards, data systems, and recurring workflows.
Communicating technical information, project status, and timelines clearly to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
Creating figures, maps, presentations, and publications using software such as Microsoft Office applications, Adobe InDesign, ArcGIS, and similar tools.
Coordinating and supporting meetings, workshops, and events in both in-person and virtual formats.
Organizing and maintaining records, files, and project information using records management systems and intuitive digital filing structures.
Conducting hydrogeologic and data-driven analyses and synthesizing results into clear findings and conclusions.
Ability To: Independently identify, analyze, and solve scientific or technical problems using sound judgment, available data, and established methods.
Apply critical thinking, logic, and professional judgment to evolving technical and policy-related challenges.
Interpret and evaluate data obtained from monitoring instruments, models, and other technical sources.
Read, interpret, and apply Nebraska surface water and groundwater laws, rules, regulations, and integrated management plans.
Clearly convey complex technical information to the public, colleagues, decision-makers, and technical experts through presentations, reports, and other communication products.
Organize, write, review, and edit technical reports, memorandums, outreach materials, meeting agendas, and meeting summaries.
Develop and manage workplans, prioritize tasks, and meet project deadlines with minimal supervision.
Work independently while effectively coordinating across teams, divisions, agencies, and external partners.
Understand, and incorporate input from stakeholder and partner input related to data needs, reporting requirements, and analytical use cases.
Organize and analyze water quality, water quantity, and hydrogeologic information to reach defensible conclusions.
Adapt to changing program needs and assume new technical responsibilities as projects transition from development to long-term operation.
Maintain professional growth by identifying skill gaps and engaging in on-the-job learning and training opportunities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in natural resources or environmental planning
Expertise in data organization and data management
Proficiency in ArcGIS
Experience with both spatial and tabular data
Experience with water quality and quantity data
Experience with quantitative or qualitative data collection and analysis and database creation and management
Experience in technical writing and communicating complex with the public and technical audiences
Experience with creating figures to explain complex concepts
Experience developing dashboards
Project management experience involving multiple stakeholders and high priority projects
Experience supporting public-facing data systems used for policy decision-making, regulatory reporting, or performance tracking.

Responsibilities

Assist the Water Planning Division of the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment in planning, coordinating, and developing public facing, data driven dashboards and a statewide clearinghouse that communicate key water quality and quantity information across Nebraska.
Assist in planning, coordinating, developing, and maintaining public-facing, data-driven dashboards and a statewide GIS-enabled clearinghouse, including the design of repeatable data workflows, performance metrics, and annual reporting processes.
Design, implement, document, and maintain data pipelines that support recurring metric calculations, dashboard updates, and longitudinal tracking of water quality and quantity indicators.
Apply critical thinking and independent judgment to identify data gaps, evaluate analytical approaches, and proactively recommend improvements to data workflows, dashboards, and performance metrics.
Ensure dashboards and clearinghouse data products comply with data privacy requirements, including aggregation, anonymization, and appropriate public data disclosure standards.
Develop and design public-facing dashboards that conform to DWEE standards and effectively communicate water quality and quantity information to a variety of audiences.
Identify, acquire, evaluate, and interpret water quality and quantity data from multiple internal and external sources and in multiple formats, ensuring alignment with DWEE objectives and goals.
Integrate and harmonize data from NRDs, state agencies, federal partners, and external technology platforms, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and thorough documentation.
Implement and document data quality assurance and validation procedures to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of datasets used for analysis, reporting, and public display.
Create and manage projects to consolidate, process, and store data in formats suitable for public-facing dashboards, reporting needs, and long-term analytical use.
Develop, document, and maintain relational databases, GIS data structures, and information management systems that support spatial analysis, time-series tracking, project prioritization, compliance tracking, statutory reporting, efficient retrieval of departmental data and evaluation of water quality and quantity data.
Perform geospatial processing using ArcGIS Pro or similar platforms, including spatial and tabular data editing, spatial analysis, image analysis, map layout design, web mapping, dashboard management, and image classification.
Maintain and follow established procedures, standards, and best practices for GIS data management, version control, metadata development, and archival.
Work with DWEE IT and GIS teams to develop, maintain, and enhance a statewide clearinghouse that compiles, organizes, and tracks information on water project needs and opportunities across Nebraska.
Assist in the development and application of standardized criteria for prioritizing projects based on environmental impact, public health, regional needs, cost-benefit, urgency, and alignment with state and local water goals.
Create and implement an annual review process to update clearinghouse data, reassess project priorities, track project progress, and ensure ongoing data accuracy and relevance.
Develop, manage, and analyze hydrogeological and other technical datasets required to support integrated surface water and groundwater management planning.
Determine technical data needs necessary to support Department goals and objectives, including data related to surface water diversions and use, water rights information, irrigated acres, and land use/land cover.
Prepare and maintain technical documentation describing data sources, methodologies, workflows, assumptions, and limitations, and retain proper documentation and archives of completed hydrogeological analyses.
Adapt responsibilities over time to support emerging analytical needs, including groundwater and surface water modeling, study design and analysis, as departmental priorities and data systems evolve.
As a project manager (in an execution and coordination capacity), subject matter expert, and technical team leader, coordinate work with teammates to complete projects as assigned by Division Managers and Supervisors, , including organizing tasks, timelines and deliverables, and providing technical guidance on data selection, analytical approaches, and data visualization decisions.
May provide technical mentoring and task guidanceto interns, temporary staff, or graduate assistants, as appropriate.
Coordinate with internal staff, consultants, and state or federal agency partners to review technical data, analytical methods, and deliverables for consistency with program objectives, regulatory standards, and scientific best practices.
Prepare and deliver professional presentations explaining integrated management planning and water quality and nutrient management processes to technical and non-technical audiences.
Prepare and edit maps, graphics, newsletter articles, technical reports, and other educational or public information materials to communicate Division activities and analytical findings.
Assist with maintaining and managing data-driven and GIS-related content on the Division’s website.
Represent the Department and Water Planning Division at public education and outreach events.

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
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