Industrial Waste Compliance Inspector

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Work for Indiana Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. About Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM): Our mission is to implement federal and state regulations to protect human health and the environment while allowing the environmentally sound operations of industrial, agricultural, commercial, and governmental activities vital to a prosperous economy. We issue air, water, and solid and hazardous waste permits that restrict discharges to environmentally safe levels. Staff members inspect and monitor regulated entities; provide compliance and technical assistance; monitor and assess air, land, and water quality; use enforcement actions as necessary to ensure compliance; and respond to incidents involving spills to soil or waters of the state. Role Overview: The EM2 position functions as an industrial waste compliance inspector, responsible for delivering technical and regulatory guidance to IDEM staff, the section supervisor, and external stakeholders. This role involves frequent interaction with the public and the regulated community and is essential to ensuring that industrial waste is accurately identified and properly managed. Industrial waste compliance inspectors evaluate adherence to regulatory requirements across a broad spectrum of industrial operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, the management of Coal Combustion Residuals, operation of non‑MSW landfills, industrial composting facilities, waste tire storage and processing sites, and auto salvage facilities. Inspectors also contribute to public outreach by educating facilities on programs such as the Compliance and Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Indiana Clean Yard program, and by offering guidance on best management practices. EM2 staff perform the majority of the section’s inspection duties and provide timely responses to public concerns received through the complaint clearinghouse. This position is vital to supporting Indiana’s Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) program. The ideal candidate is a proactive professional who is comfortable asking questions, building constructive relationships with the regulated community, demonstrating strong report‑writing skills, independently managing their workload, and adapting effectively to evolving program needs.

Requirements

Broad knowledge of theories, environmental protection principles and practices, specialty area, and program area.
Thorough knowledge of chemistry, biology, hydrology, mathematics, engineering, and other environmental sciences as they relate to program area.
Thorough knowledge of soil, water, air sampling, laboratory analysis and interpretation as it relates to program area.
Ability to conduct surveys, inspections and investigations of facilities and sites, review projects/situations, read plans, interpret findings, and make recommendations.
Ability to prepare documents for administrative and regulatory action.
Excellent research and writing skills for preparing accurate, precise, clear, and thorough reports.
Ability to effectively interact and orally communicate with parties with diverse levels of environmental expertise particularly for purposes of meetings, hearings, and negotiating critically sensitive issues.
Ability to interpret and apply legal terminology and practices, and the ability to apply these in a variety of conditions and situations.
A degree is not required. However, at least five (5) years of environmental or environmental public health experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Serves as an environmental expert and provides guidance to regulated communities, government officials, attorneys and staff responsible for a variety of programs and program elements.
Conducts technical analysis and/or provides technical insights to assess environmental impacts with goals to meet state and national regulations.
Provides technical and regulatory guidance to the regulated community in their assigned geographic area.
Performs project management duties to ensure effective and timely management of program area needs, attends meetings, and responds to telephone calls, e-mails, etc., as required.
Acts as a technical point-of-contact for assigned programs administering environmental programs which may include, but not limited to, environmental media sampling, data analysis, technical writing, work plan and report preparation, technical reviews, etc.
Works to support the various programs in assigned agency in multiple capacities.
Researches state and federal guidance, laws, and regulations related to permits.
Contacts applicants to request additional information to process applications, when necessary.
Responds to comments from applicants, defends permit terms and conditions, and interacts with permittees to resolve permitting issues.
Attends and participates in public meetings and hearings regarding permit actions throughout Indiana and/or appears in legal appeals of permit actions.
Conducts surveys, inspections and investigations of facilities and sites, review projects/situations, reads plans, interprets findings, and cites appropriate violations of state and federal regulations.
Uses all compliance, enforcement tools, and resources available to ensure that regulated sources return to compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and standards in a timely manner.
Assists with the preparation of sampling and analysis work plans.
Conducts field work as necessary following agency/section Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for assigned sites.
Communicates effectively with responsible parties, consultants, and/or their representatives, affected stakeholders, and interested parties such as citizens, public officials, and interest groups in a courteous and professional manner regarding permits, laws, questions, and program-related inquiries.
The position involves routine travel to conduct inspections, investigations, and field reporting at regulated sites.
Work hours may vary to meet operational demands and ensure efficient completion of assignments.
The employee attends occasional meetings or events at the agency office.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work.
Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

Benefits

Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
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