Environmental Specialist II at State of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska

Job Description:

The work we do matters!




Hiring Agency:

Natural Resources - Agency 29



Location:

Lincoln, NE



Hiring Rate:

$25.120



Job Posting:

JR2025-00013521 Environmental Specialist II (Open)



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



Job Description:

Description:
Do you have a passion for protecting Nebraska's (NE's) 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 answered 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 supplies and uses, and we're looking for the next great addition to the Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR/Department) 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!


Before we dive into what we need, let us show off what you get as a state employee:


• Workplace flexibility
• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in NE
• 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


At the state and at NeDNR, 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!


The Water Planning Division at NeDNR works with local, regional, state, and federal partners and stakeholders on integrated 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. Our vision is advancing collaborative water management across the State of Nebraska based on sound science, and our mission is to sustain and protect Nebraska's water supplies and water users for both the near and long term. The Division's work blends hydrogeological modeling and analyses with water policy and planning in support of sustainability of Nebraska's water resources in support of upholding Nebraska's values regarding water resources.
Under general supervision, the successful candidate will assist in the development of integrated groundwater and surface water management planning activities; key aspects include groundwater modeling and other hydrologic analyses, public outreach, meeting coordination, records management, ensuring relevant Integrated Management Plan and Basin-wide Plan compliance, and conveying complex scientific concepts to a variety of audiences. This position also performs related work as assigned.



Job duties:



Assist NeDNR and the Water Planning Division with the development and implementation of integrated surface water/groundwater management plans and with interstate compacts, decrees, and agreements:

• Organize data and required information for integrated water management planning, implementation, and compliance, and for compliance with interstate compacts, decrees, and agreements


• Assist with stakeholder input processes, public participation, and community outreach


• Determine and take action on required actions and deadlines related to integrated management plans, compacts, decrees, and interstate agreements; and obtain official documents as necessary


• Write, review, and edit water management plans and reports and other documents that originate both internally and externally


• Provide meeting support and coordination for the Division and other Department related activity with outside agency partners

Assist with development and maintenance of the Division and Department data and official documents and records:

• Acquire and organize pertinent data such as surface water diversions and use, water rights information, statues of Nebraska law relevant to water management, and changes in irrigated acres and land use/land cover


• Develop and maintain databases and information management systems to ensure reliable storage and efficient retrieval of the Division's data and records


• When applicable, employ and uphold Division standards for GIS figures to create visuals for internal and external consumption


• Review spatial data and associated tabular data, perform and/or analyze spatial analyses, image analyses, map layout design, web mapping, and/or image classification that support land and water data development in Nebraska


• Interpret and synthesize reports regarding technical data needed to support and implement integrated surface water/groundwater management plans

Communicate with a variety of audiences:

• Explain planning-related laws and scientific concepts to a variety of audiences using strong communication skills and multiple communication platforms


• Prepare and edit educational and public relations materials such as maps, graphics, newsletter articles, technical reports, and handouts to disseminate information about the Division's activities


• Assist with maintaining and managing content on the Department's or Division's website


• Represent the Department and Water Planning Division at public education and outreach events and assist in coordination of such events

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, hydrology, community and regional planning, or a related field. Experience may substitute for education or a year-for-year basis.



Preferred Qualifications: Experience in writing and editing reports and other documentation; records and data organization and management; creating meeting materials such as agendas, handouts and minutes; stakeholder input or public participation processes; creating figures to explain a complex concept; quantitative or qualitative data collection and analysis; natural resources or environmental planning; and/or education and outreach. Using GIS to create map graphics or solve a problem not a must but is a plus.



Other:

• A valid driver's license


• The ability to work overtime and weekends if the need arises


• Some travel is required for this position, including occasional overnight travel.

NeDNR will not sponsor non-immigrant work visas for this position.



Desired knowledge, skills and abilities (it is not expected that applicants possess all the desired knowledge, skills and abilities):



Knowledge of:

• Hydrogeology, hydrology, natural resource sciences, agricultural sciences, and/or natural resources planning

• Methods for collection, maintenance, and analysis of large, multidisciplinary scientific and technical datasets


• Water management planning statutes, processes, policies, rules, and regulations


• Public participation methods and community outreach


• Basic field-scale irrigation and agricultural practices used across the state


• Basic subsurface geology and characteristics of primary/secondary aquifers in Nebraska


• Basic remote sensing techniques and its application of land use/land cover delineation

Skill in:

• 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


• Using software such as Excel and/or ArcGIS (ArcPro, ArcMap, Arc Catalog) to distill information, perform analyses, and present results from technical datasets


• 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:

• Learn and apply Nebraska's surface and groundwater 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


• Independently compile, and analyze information as necessary to identify, substantiate, and solve a scientific or technical problem and prepare reports based on that analysis


• Effectively use personal and team time management skills. This may include developing workplans, ensuring adherence to project deadlines


• Adapt to last-minute priority changes and adaptive management needs


• Quickly learn and adapt behavior to a professional office environment


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

Benefits



We 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: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits



Equal 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.



Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. Apply Now