Environmental Specialist III

Department of Environmental Protection•Portland, OR

5d•$25 - $36

About The Position

This position supports the implementation of the Maine Healthy Beaches (MHB) program’s monitoring, assessment, and public notification activities for approximately 65 coastal, saltwater beaches (Kittery to Mount Desert Island). Duties of the position include conducting annual field and database trainings for program participants; providing ongoing support and technical assistance on sampling procedures; updating protocols and supplemental materials; supporting data management and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) objectives; compiling, analyzing, and interpreting data to support annual reporting requirements; assisting with developing and distributing education/outreach materials and reports; and inventorying, distributing, and maintaining equipment and supplies. Additional tasks may include delivering presentations to diverse audiences; engaging in applied research partnerships; and working with program partners to design and implement monitoring projects to aid in source tracking efforts. Work is performed under limited supervision within the Division’s strong team and collaborative work environment. For more information, please contact Alex Laddyer at [email protected]

Requirements

A six (6) year combination of education and/or experience in environmental, biological, physical science, or engineering which includes two (2) years of environmental experience.
Qualifying education must include at least 15 credit hours of science or engineering coursework from an accredited educational institution.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of water quality issues (bacteria focus) and biological, ecological, and environmental science principles.
Experience with water quality sampling and analysis methods and equipment as well as knowledge of standard laboratory practices and procedures.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience writing technical reports, facilitating meetings with diverse audiences, and leading trainings.
Proficient command of standard Microsoft Office software and basic knowledge of GIS software.
Ability to compile, analyze, and manage environmental data, including knowledge of data QA/QC protocols.
Ability to design and direct technical projects and work cooperatively with program partners to address bacterial contamination issues.
Ability to prepare and deliver reports and presentations to a wide range of audiences.
Strong organizational and time management abilities with great attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Conducting annual field and database trainings for program participants
Providing ongoing support and technical assistance on sampling procedures
Updating protocols and supplemental materials
Supporting data management and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) objectives
Compiling, analyzing, and interpreting data to support annual reporting requirements
Assisting with developing and distributing education/outreach materials and reports
Inventorying, distributing, and maintaining equipment and supplies
Delivering presentations to diverse audiences
Engaging in applied research partnerships
Working with program partners to design and implement monitoring projects to aid in source tracking efforts

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act .
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.