Senior Wetlands Specialist

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

3d•$59,800•Onsite

About The Position

This position exists within the Wetlands Section of the Office of Water Quality of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. This position is responsible for administering the 401 Water Quality Certification (401 WQC) & the State Regulated Wetland Program. Staff in this job use applicable laws, regulations, and technical expertise to administer state regulatory programs, including Section 401 Water Quality Certification Program (401 WQC) and the State Regulated Wetlands (i.e. Isolated Wetlands) Program and communicate with the public. They apply knowledge of biology, hydrology, plants, soils, stream characterization, and related wetland sciences and administrative expertise to assist in the development and implementation of wetland laws, regulations, and policies. This role coordinates wetland program activities with stormwater program staff and investigates/documents stormwater issues in the field to achieve efficient administration of both programs with an overall goal of compliance. It also coordinates activities with other IDEM program areas and local, state, and federal agencies. The position reviews applications for federal permits or licenses to ensure that permitted activities comply with state water quality standards. It reviews applications related to 401 WQC and state regulated wetlands to ensure that permitted activities, in aggregate, promote a net gain in high quality wetland and assure that compensatory mitigation will offset the loss of wetlands allowed by the permitting program. The role provides internal and external consultation and training on permit requirements and technical wetland principles and theories. It prepares presentation materials and conducts outreach in response to public requests and program priorities, and participates on local, regional, and state committees related to program goals and objectives. This position requires a valid IN driver's license.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of theories, practices and principles of Environmental Management and related areas
Thorough knowledge of theories, practices, and principals 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 with at least 6 years of work experience in an environmental or environmental public health field required.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Related certifications and coursework may be considered for education or experience.

Responsibilities

Interprets laws, regulations and guidelines for assigned environmental program areas.
Develops and modifies existing state programs to adapt to changes in federal or state legislation-mandated policy changes.
Coordinates review of environmental projects and/or program area to meet program needs and objectives.
Maintains a tracking system to ensure that projects are currently working through the appropriate program processes in acceptable timeframes.
Prepares and provides a variety of written communications including responses to letters of inquiry from concerned citizens, elected representatives, government officials, and regulated entities.
Chairs or facilitates a variety of work-related committees as needed.
Utilizes programs and electronic database systems to meet program area needs.
Serves as a subject matter expert on applicable systems in program area.
Researches, analyzes, and reports on priority projects and their progress.
May perform audits on environmental programs or facilities and make recommendations for corrective action or improvements.
Provides technical assistance and/or evaluates compliance to environmental regulations and programs.
Coordinates review of requests for variance and exemptions from environmental program regulations.
Reviews program plans for completeness, economic and technical feasibility, and environmental impact.
Designs and directs projects regarding specific and complex environmental issues, providing technical expertise for analysis, interpretation, and logistics of projects.
Prepares progress reports for management and senior leadership and provides consultation to management and staff.
Reviews and evaluates technical work reports and supporting data for acceptability and conformance with federal requirements, laws and regulations, conclusions, and recommendations.
Assigns and reviews 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