Environmental Specialist II

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Water, Energy, and Environment - Agency 84

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$25.686

Job Posting:

JR2025-00018604 Environmental Specialist II - Drinking Water Field Services (Open)

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

08-26-2025

Job Description:

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.

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.
  

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

For a complete listing of job duties, requirements, and to apply, go to statejobs.nebraska.gov

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.

“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.â€

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. NOTE: 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.

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.

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.

Instructions for Applying

Important points to remember when applying:* The employment application is required and is the primary source of information used to determine if you meet the minimum requirements of the job.

• Make sure your application is complete. Incomplete applications are rejected.
  
• You will not be allowed to change your application after you have applied for a position and you cannot re-apply for the the same position unless it is posted again.
  
• You have the opportunity to attach a resume; however, it should not be used to replace any information asked for on the official application.
  
• When you have successfully applied for a job, you will receive a confirmation on the screen and your application will be available on your Candidate Home page.
  

We encourage you to use the Search for Jobs feature to find jobs that are available in a particular location or a job that matches your work experience.

Applicants who need accommodation in the selection process should request this in advance. Requests can be made by contacting the Nebraska State Personnel Office 1526 K Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE. (402)471-2075.

These positions are subject to application of Veterans' Preference.