Industrial Wastewater Permit Writer

State of Indiana • Indianapolis, IN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is seeking an Industrial Wastewater Permit Writer to join the Industrial NPDES Permits Section of the Office of Water Quality. This role serves as a technical expert responsible for drafting and reviewing complex industrial NPDES permits, conducting wasteload allocation analyses using stream modeling techniques, and evaluating specialized submittals. The position involves participating in policy and rule development, reviewing the work of junior staff, providing training, and potentially acting as Section Chief. Responsibilities also include preparing preliminary effluent limits, representing the agency in workgroups, participating in public meetings and hearings, and engaging with permittees, consultants, operators, attorneys, and the public to resolve permitting issues. The mission of IDEM is to implement federal and state regulations to protect human health and the environment while supporting environmentally sound industrial, agricultural, commercial, and governmental activities.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of theories, practices, and principles of Environmental Management and related areas.
• Thorough knowledge of theories, practices, and principles of physical sciences (chemistry, biology, physics) as they relate to program area.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations as they apply to program area and the ability to apply these in a variety of conditions and situations.
• Ability to conduct surveys, inspections and investigations of facilities and sites, review projects/situations, read plans, interpret findings, and make recommendations.
• Ability to establish long- and short-term project management goals and objectives.
• Ability to prepare documents for administrative and regulatory action.
• Ability to effectively interact with local, state, and federal groups and government representatives orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare accurate and thorough reports.
• Ability to develop and define procedures and accomplish objectives within the appropriate and established deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and implement public policy as it relates to program specific environmental rules or laws.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, or a related field.
• At least 6 years of work experience in an environmental or environmental public health field required.

Nice To Haves

• Related certifications and coursework may be considered for education or experience.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and reviewing complex industrial NPDES permits.
• Conducting wasteload allocation analyses using stream modeling techniques.
• Evaluating specialized submittals such as Section 316(a)/(b) demonstrations, water treatment additive reviews, variances, and antidegradation applications.
• Participating in policy and rule development.
• Reviewing work produced by junior staff and providing training.
• Preparing preliminary effluent limits.
• Representing the agency in internal/external workgroups.
• Participating in public meetings and hearings.
• Engaging with permittees, consultants, operators, attorneys, and the public to resolve permitting issues.
• Interpreting laws, regulations, and guidelines for assigned environmental program areas.
• Developing and modifying existing state programs to adapt to changes in federal or state legislation-mandated policy changes.
• Coordinating review of environmental projects and/or program areas to meet program needs and objectives.
• Maintaining a tracking system to ensure projects are currently working through the appropriate program processes in acceptable timeframes.
• Preparing and providing a variety of written communications including responses to letters of inquiry from concerned citizens, elected representatives, government officials, and regulated entities.
• Charing or facilitating a variety of work-related committees as needed.
• Utilizing programs and electronic database systems to meet program area needs.
• Serving as a subject matter expert on applicable systems in program area.
• Researching, analyzing, and reporting on priority projects and their progress.
• Performing audits on environmental programs or facilities and making recommendations for corrective action or improvements.
• Providing technical assistance and/or evaluating compliance to environmental regulations and programs.
• Coordinating review of requests for variance and exemptions from environmental program regulations.
• Reviewing program plans for completeness, economic and technical feasibility, and environmental impact.
• Designing and directing projects regarding specific and complex environmental issues, providing technical expertise for analysis, interpretation, and logistics of projects.
• Preparing progress reports for management and senior leadership and providing consultation to management and staff.
• Reviewing and evaluating technical work reports and supporting data for acceptability and conformance with federal requirements, laws and regulations, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Assigning and reviewing work of lower-level staff members.

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
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior