Environmental Specialist IV - Anticipated Vacancy

Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry•Augusta, ME

About The Position

This is a professional services position that works directly with the Permitting and Compliance Manager and the Environmental Licensing Supervisors (ELS) as part of the division’s management team to administer the Commission’s permitting, compliance, and enforcement programs. Specifically, this position leads the LUPC Enforcement Unit, including implementing enforcement policy and setting enforcement priorities.

Requirements

An eight (8) year combination of education and/or experience in environmental science or related area which includes at least two (2) 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

Familiarity with the Commission’s Land Use Districts and Standards and knowledge of state and federal agency regulations that intersect with them.
Ability to analyze complex submittals and on-the-ground situations to assess compliance with the Commission’s standards.
Experience working constructively with the public, explaining rules, resolving enforcement matters, using de-escalation tactics, and defusing tense situations.
Understanding of best management practices for construction and environmental protection.
Experience in creating and implementing ordinances, regulations, and legislation.
Experience creating and implementing training and resource tools.
Analytical, detail-oriented thinker with strong written and oral communication skills.
Experience in personnel management, inter-agency coordination, and the creation and maintenance of effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

Assists the Manager and other supervisors in administering the Commission’s complia nce program
Develops, in coordination with the Manager and Director, procedural and policy changes to improve the implementation of applicable laws and rules and to improve the service provided to the public
Manages complex enforcement cases
Supervises the Enforcement staff who will be responsible for resolving complex enforcement cases
Oversees enforcement activities carried out by the regional staff who will be responsible for resolving less complex enforcement cases
Ensures consistent and equitable enforcement of the Commission’s standards across regional offices by setting enforcement priorities, working with and training regional staff
Conduct public meetings and assist with rule-making proceedings. This may involve travel and evening meetings
Responds to public inquiries and resolves problems
Presents enforcement material to the Commission at public meetings and hearings
Maintains regular contact with other State agencies to ensure consistency in policy, rules, and statutes

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.
Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .