Wetlands Specialist

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

5d•Hybrid

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 coordinate wetland program activities with stormwater program staff and as necessary investigate/document stormwater issues in the field to achieve efficient administration of both programs with an overall goal of compliance. They coordinate activities with other IDEM program areas and local, state, and federal agencies. They review applications for federal permits or licenses to ensure that permitted activities comply with state water quality standards. They review applications related to 401 WQC and state regulated wetlands to ensure that permitted activities, in aggregate, promote a net gain in high quality isolated wetland and assure that compensatory mitigation will offset the loss of wetlands allowed by the permitting program. They provide internal and external consultation and training on permit requirements and technical wetland principles and theories. They prepare presentation materials and conduct outreach in response to public requests and program priorities. This position requires a valid IN driver's license.

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

A degree is not required.

Responsibilities

Administering the 401 Water Quality Certification (401 WQC) & the State Regulated Wetland Program.
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.
Coordinate wetland program activities with stormwater program staff and as necessary investigate/document stormwater issues in the field to achieve efficient administration of both programs with an overall goal of compliance.
Coordinate activities with other IDEM program areas and local, state, and federal agencies.
Review applications for federal permits or licenses to ensure that permitted activities comply with state water quality standards.
Review applications related to 401 WQC and state regulated wetlands to ensure that permitted activities, in aggregate, promote a net gain in high quality isolated wetland and assure that compensatory mitigation will offset the loss of wetlands allowed by the permitting program.
Provide internal and external consultation and training on permit requirements and technical wetland principles and theories.
Prepare presentation materials and conduct outreach in response to public requests and program priorities.
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.
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.
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.
Provides technical and regulatory guidance to the regulated community in their assigned geographic area.
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.
Works to support the various programs in assigned agency in multiple capacities.
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.
Conducts technical analysis and/or provides technical insights to assess environmental impacts with goals to meet state and national regulations.
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.

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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