Environmental Specialist II - Drinking Water Field Services

Environmental Specialist Ii - Drinking Water Field Services

Under limited supervision, this position provides assistance and oversight to public water systems, to ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations. The position is responsible for the inspection of public water systems, provision of on-site technical assistance to water systems, and the training and licensure of water system operators.

Are you passionate about preserving, enhancing, and protecting Nebraska's environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Nebraska at the Department of Water, Energy & Environment (DWEE). At DWEE, employees have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the quality of Nebraska's air, land, water, and efficient renewable energy use.

Some of the things you can look forward to as an employee of DWEE:

• A modern new building in Fallbrook with free onsite parking
• Easily accessible from I-80
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as one of the largest and most diverse employers in the State
• Flexible work schedules
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Opportunity to work in a productive and creative environment where no two days are ever the same!
• Training and development based on your career aspirations
• Respected as a valued team member

What you will do! As part of the Field Services and Operator Training Section, of the Public Drinking Water Program, you will be playing a key role in ensuring that citizens of Nebraska have access to safe, reliable sources of drinking water. This section is responsible for the inspection of public water systems, provision of on-site technical assistance, and the training and licensure of water system operators. While you will have the opportunity to interact with water system personnel, and water professionals throughout the State, your primary responsibilities will be providing assistance and oversight to public water systems within a seven-county region of Southeastern Nebraska. You will be doing work that impacts virtually every resident, and visitor, of the State of Nebraska.

Competitive Benefits The State offers a competitive benefits package, including 12 days of vacation during first year of service (accruals increase with years of service), 12 days of sick leave during first year of service (accruals increase with years of service), and 13 paid holidays per year. Permanent teammate benefits include:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• WellNebraska Health Plan
• Direct Primary Care (DPC)
• Mail order Rx (3 month supply) and Specialty Pharmacy program
• Virtual Visits and FREE Nurse line 24 hours a day 7 days a week
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement/Investment Plan
• Early Retirement Insurance Program (55 and older)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Tuition Assistance*
• LinkedIn Learning Access to 16,000+ On-Demand Courses
• Direct Deposit of Payroll
• Nebraska State Employees Credit Union
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation, Sick, Civil, and Injury Leave
• Military Training or Emergency Duty Leave
• Teammate Discount Program
• Charitable Giving through Payroll Deduction

*Coverage is effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

Location and address of position: 245 Fallbrook Blvd – Suite 100 – Lincoln, NE

Work schedule: Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Flexible schedule, 10-hour workdays allowed after six-month probation and/or with management approval.

Job Duties:

• Conduct surveys and inspections of public water systems to ensure compliance with State and Federal safe drinking water regulations.
• Provide on-site enforcement and guidance on violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to public water system operators and owners.
• Provide technical assistance to water system operators and owners on modifications necessary for water system compliance.
• Investigates complaints of potential health risks associated with a public water system.
• Attend public meetings to explain SDWA regulations and compliance requirements to public water system owners, local officials, and water consumers.
• Conduct inspections of new public water well sites to assist in determining suitability for both water quality and quantity.
• Oversee portions of the construction process of public water wells, storage facilities, distribution systems and water system facilities and assist with final inspections.
• Prepare technical reports of findings following water system surveys and inspections.
• Participate in developing coursework and provide instruction for water operators at conferences and in the classroom.
• Attend public functions to promote safe drinking water and education of the public relating to public water systems.
• Participate in diverse projects within the scope of the Department's mission.
• Work independently.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in the physical sciences, natural sciences, environmental science, geology, biology, agronomy, civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or a related field. Experience may substitute for education or a year-for-year basis. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience operating a public water system, including work with water production, distribution, storage, and treatment facilities, with current licensure as a water operator desired.

Other:

• Must have the qualifications necessary to obtain a Grade I Water Operator license as listed in Title 179 NAC 10-005,01(3)(a, b, c, d) within four years of hire.
• Valid driver's license or ability to provide independent transportation.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrains and steep slopes
• Ability to bend and stoop
• Ability to work Independently in the Southeast area of the State (Lancaster, Otoe, Nemaha, Richardson, Johnson, Pawnee, and Gage Counties).
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.

• Submit a resume or list on the application specific detailed experience relevant to the position in years and months
• Submit a current list of at least professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone numbers

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of: General principles of hydrology, geology, engineering, mechanics, electricity, chemistry, and biology as they apply to the operation and evaluation of public water supply systems to include source water, treatment, storage, delivery, and protection of drinking water.

Skill in: Communicating with individuals and groups with varying technical backgrounds to collect and relay information; prioritizing workloads: working independently.

Ability to: Learn, interpret, and apply applicable Federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to safe drinking water; read and understand water system plans and specifications; understand necessary operation and maintenance procedures, assess potential public health risks; provide guidance and technical assistance to operators and local officials; and prepare written reports of findings.