Environmental Specialist II Water Quality Planning

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Water Energy and Environment - Agency 84

Location:

Lincoln NE

Hiring Rate:

$25.686

Job Posting:

JR2026- Environmental Specialist II - Water Quality Planning (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed job is posted as open until closed):

0

Job Description:

Do you have a passion for protecting Nebraskas (NEs) natural resources Do you love knowing your work makes a difference in your community and state Are you looking for a work environment that supports developing and applying new skills and technologies to water resource management If you answer yes to these questions then we might be the team for you!
The State of Nebraska is a global leader in the sustainable management of surface water and groundwater resources and were looking for the next great addition to the Department of Water Energy and Environment (DWEE/Department) Integrated Water Planning Division (Division). Our small and enthusiastic group of dedicated planners and technical experts provides a supportive and collaborative work environment that offers many opportunities to learn and grow professionally!
The Integrated Water Planning Division at DWEE works with local regional state and federal partners and stakeholders on management of surface water and groundwater within Nebraska. This important work includes collaboration with municipalities Natural Resource Districts Counties Public Power Districts and many other jurisdictions/entities. The Division also works with other states and federal agencies regarding interstate water agreements and a variety of federal programs. Our mission is to protect and enhance Nebraskas water energy and environmental resources using science-based decision-making and strong partnerships.
The Divisions work integrates the management of water quality and quantity. This is achieved through cross-program coordination state and federal programs resources and policy decisions. The successful candidate will under general supervision plan manage and monitor Section 319 nonpoint source pollution prevention grants from project initiation through close out ensuring alignment with state water quality priorities and federal requirements. A more detailed list of job duties can be found below.
Benefits for you!
13 paid holidays
Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year accruing immediately
Military leave
156% state-matched retirement
Tuition reimbursement
Employee assistance program
79% employer paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20000 life insurance policy
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the state
Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
Training and development based on your career aspirations
Fun inviting teammates
A safe and secure environment
A new modern building in Fallbrook with free onsite parking
Easily accessible from I-80
Respected as a valued team member
Business Casual Dress Code
Monday Friday After a 6-month Original Probation Period - Flexible schedules and 10-hour workdays may be allowed with management approval

At the State we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect acting ethically in all situations and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

Location: 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 with management approval.

Job Duties:

• Plan manage andmonitorSection 319 nonpoint source pollution prevention grants from project initiation through closeout ensuring alignment with state water quality priorities and federal requirements.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement
• Coordinate with federal and state agencies the public and additional project stakeholders for meaningful successful project outcomes.
• Assist with stakeholder input processes public participation and community outreach
• Develop and track project work plans schedules milestones and deliverables
• Ensure project activities comply with approved EPA guidelines and grant conditions
• Review project invoices reimbursement requests and financial requirements
• Maintain organized project records
• Review watershed-based plans for consistency with EPA requirements
• Follow through on commitments and hold self and partners accountable for agreed-upon outcomes.
• Uphold agency policies procedures and public stewardship responsibilities while fostering trust with internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct all work with a high standard of integrity transparency and professionalism.
• Exercise sound judgment to makeappropriate decisionswithin delegated authority while recognizing when issues require escalation to leadership.
• Apply analytical thinking and professional judgment to evaluate data project proposals and program outcomes.

Planning & Program Development

• Ensuretimelyaccuratedocumentation reporting and financial oversight in compliance with Clean Water Act Section 319 requirements and agency policies.
• Balance multiple projects and deadlines whilemaintainingfocus on outcomes that protect and improve Nebraskas water resources.
• Support and contribute to the development of statewide NPS management plans and priorities.
• Evaluate proposed projects for technical merit and watershed benefit.
• Assist with the development of program guidance and SOPs.
• Identify opportunities to integrate Section 319 funds with other state federal and local funding sources.
• Understand how individual projects connect to broader watershed basin-scale and statewide water quality strategies.
• Navigate complex regulatory technical and stakeholder environments; identifyinginterdependencies and risks whilemaintainingforward progress.
• Adapt approaches based on changing conditionsnew information or stakeholder dynamics whileremainingaligned with programobjectives.
• Apply systemsthinkingto evaluate environmental data project performance and emerging issues affecting nonpoint source pollution.

Outreach and Education

• Work collaboratively with Natural Resource Districts U.S. EPA other state and federal agencies local partners and the public to advance shared water quality goals.
• Build and sustain productive working relationships across organizations with varying missions priorities and technicalexpertise.
• Communicate complex technical regulatory and programmatic information clearly and effectively to audiences with diverse backgrounds.
• Represent the agency professionally and credibly in meetings presentations and public forums advocating for water quality solutions grounded in science and partnership.

Program Support

• Support other water quality programs as needed which may include water quality standards monitoring impaired waters TMDL development water quality certifications and drinking water protection initiatives.
• Contributeexpertiseand capacity across the Water Planning Section to support evolving program needs and priorities.

Requirements/ Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors Degree in the physical sciences natural sciences environmental science geology biology agronomy civil engineering environmental engineering mechanical engineering chemical engineering hydrology community and regional planning or a related field. Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in writing and editing reports and other documentation; records and data organization and management; stakeholder input and public participation processes; creating figures to explain a complex concept; natural resources or environmental planning; education and outreach; and experience in GIS.

Other (Required For The Position):

• Some travel is required for this position including occasional overnight travel. When not on approved work-related travel the employees work time will be completed at the DWEE Fallbrook office.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance
• The ability to work overtime and weekends if the need arises
• Submit a resume or list on the application specific detailed experience relevant to the position in years and months
• Submit a cover letter outlining why you would be a good candidate for the position
• Submit a current list of at least three professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone numbers and email
• Valid drivers license or the ability to provide independent transportation
• DWEE will not sponsor non-immigrant work visas for this position

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge Of:

• Ecology hydrogeology hydrology natural resource sciences agricultural sciences and/or natural resources planning

• Applicable federal and state laws and regulations (e.g. Clean Water Act Endangered Species Act National Environmental Policy Act Nebraska Environmental Protection Act and State Water Quality Standards) permitting processes
• Public participation methods and community outreach

• Basic subsurface geology and characteristics of primary/secondary aquifers in Nebraska
• Project management of the areas above

Skill In:

• Communicating effectively with technical and non-technical audiences
• Building collaborative partnerships and navigating stakeholder relationships
• Prioritizing work and managing competing demands
• Using sound judgment to make decisions and advance work
• Writing and editing publications for a general audience
• Meeting or event planning (in-person and via virtual platforms (Webex Zoom Google Meet Microsoft Teams etc.)
• Creation of figures and presentations using computer software such as Microsoft Word Microsoft Publisher Microsoft PowerPoint Adobe InDesign CorelDraw Prezi ArcGIS and/or Geocortex
• Organizing information and records using tools such as records management systems (e.g. OnBase) Microsoft Excel Microsoft Access OneNote and intuitive filing structures
• Constructing documentation files that accurately reflects methods used to complete projects such that utilized methods can be easily repeated and evaluated in the future

Ability To:

• Plan and align work to strategic goals

• Manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders

• Adapt to changing conditions and program needs

• Build trust through professionalism follow-through and transparency
• Learn and apply state and federal water laws
• Think logically and understand surface and groundwater systems
• Communicate effectively and appropriately with diverse constituents
• Clearly convey technical information to the public and colleagues
• Organize write review and edit technical reports and memorandums meeting agendas meeting minutes outreach materials and other documents
• Effectively use personal and team time management skills. This may include developing workplans ensuring adherence to project deadlines
• Quickly learn and adapt behavior to a professional office environment

• Improve skill deficiencies/interest in developing said skills with on-the-job training

If youre currently employed by the State of Nebraska please dont apply through this external career site. Instead log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: offer a comprehensive package of pay benefits paid time off retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position agency and employment status. For more information on benefits please visit: Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity inclusion and belonging. We recruit hire train and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race color religion sex. age national origin disability marital status or genetics.