Environmental Specialist IV - 1802 - Augusta

State of Maine • Augusta, GA

9d

About The Position

The Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Resource Administration, is hiring an Environmental Specialist IV in Augusta to supervise the Department-wide Collections & Cost Recovery Unit. The unit manages billing, collections, and resolution of environmental damage claims across Department program areas.

The position reviews the unit’s recommendations and final work products for clarity and consistency with statutes, rules, and established policies. It represents the Department at public hearings and meetings as needed, negotiates resolutions to complex situations, and oversees case tracking and record-keeping. The role also assists the Division Director with policy and guidance development and with identifying and implementing efficiencies in cost recovery and billing.

The position oversees third-party damage claims and eligible cleanup costs resulting from oil discharges, and provides guidance and training to Department staff on the Maine Ground and Surface Waters Clean-up and Response Fund Program. Work involves interaction with the public and regulated industry and may include stressful, time-sensitive situations.

Requirements

• An eight-year combination of education and/or experience in environmental science or a related area.
• At least two years of supervisory or program management/administration experience.
• Qualifying education must include at least 15 credit hours of science or engineering coursework.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing guidance and assistance to potential applicants to federal, state, or local programs.
• Experience applying federal and state laws and rules concerning management of petroleum products or hazardous substances.
• Experience interviewing potential responsible parties and investigating releases of petroleum or other hazardous substances.
• Experience working with interested parties such as other state agencies, the public, municipalities, the regulated community, and legal counsel.
• Experience in collections or account management.
• Excellent judgment and independent management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize cases.
• Documented ability to stay organized and maintain official records in accordance with Department record-keeping practices.
• Experience communicating technical information orally and in writing to a wide variety of audiences.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the Department-wide Collections & Cost Recovery Unit.
• Review unit recommendations and final work products for clarity and consistency with statutes, rules, and established policies.
• Represent the Department at public hearings and meetings as needed.
• Negotiate resolutions of complex situations.
• Oversee tracking and proper record-keeping of cases.
• Assist the Division Director in developing policies and guidance for unit staff.
• Identify and implement efficiencies in the Department’s cost recovery and billing efforts.
• Oversee third-party damage claims and eligible cleanup costs resulting from oil discharges.
• Provide guidance and training to Department staff regarding the Maine Ground and Surface Waters Clean-up and Response Fund Program.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and three or more weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• The State pays 85%–100% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; dependent coverage is also available.
• A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit is available for participation in the applicable program.
• The State pays 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
• The State contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System on behalf of the employee.
• Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
• Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness through the State’s qualified-employer status.
• Employee assistance program through the Living Resources Program.
• Forty-two consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary pre-tax deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.
• Additional wellness benefits for State employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed