The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is hiring one Environmental Specialist II/ Groundwater Geologist to work as Project Manager for contaminated sites in Nebraska. Your job as a Project Manager will allow you to work with a multi-disciplinary team consisting of experienced geologists and engineers throughout the site assessment and cleanup process. You will complete technical reviews of investigations and remedial actions related to various environmental cleanup programs such as the Integrated Waste Management Program, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Program, Superfund Program, and Nebraska Voluntary Cleanup Program and perform contractor oversight on site assessment projects in the Superfund Pre-Remedial and Brownfields Programs. In this position, you will need strong written and verbal communication skills to discuss environmental issues with local and federal counterparts, communities, regulated facilities, consultants, the public, and other stakeholders. You’ll gain valuable experience in the investigation, evaluation, and remediation of contaminated sites, and know that you’re making a positive impact in communities by ensuring that everyone is living, working, and enjoying a healthy Nebraska environment. 

Perform detailed technical reviews of contaminant investigation and remedial action work plans and reports at sites regulated under the following programs: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Subtitle C (hazardous waste) and D (solid waste); Federal Facilities; Superfund Remedial, Pre-Remedial, and Brownfields programs; the Nebraska Voluntary Cleanup Program; and the Title 118 state cleanup program. Based on the investigation results from any of the above programs, one of the primary duties of this position will be to inform the public about existing or potential contaminant impacts to groundwater, soil, or soil vapor, and make recommendations concerning future remedial actions to address contaminated sites.

• Review permit-required geological/hydrogeological characterizations and groundwater monitoring plans and conduct groundwater monitoring inspections and evaluations for RCRA Subtitle C (hazardous waste) and D (solid waste) sites.
• Perform project management and contractor oversight on site assessment work conducted in the Superfund Pre-Remedial and Brownfields assessment programs. Review site assessment reports to ensure reports are prepared in accordance with EPA and NDEE guidance. Prepare task assignments, review work plans and cost estimates, conduct field oversight, and review invoices.
• Write, edit, and review standard operating procedures, checklists and guidance related to Section programs.

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. NOTE: Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Submit a resume with specific experience relevant to the position in years and months.

Provide a current list of professional references contact information of current and past supervisors.

Completion of a Nebraska Water Well Monitoring Technician license and Occupational Safety and Health Administration 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response certification is required within six months of employment.

A valid driver’s license or ability to provide independent transportation.

Overnight travel (approximately 10%).

Participation in the Agency’s Medical Monitoring Program.

Ability to lift 20 pounds; ability to climb 8-foot ladders.

Ability to climb steep slopes and over fences.

Ability to bend and stoop.

Ability to work in outdoor weather extremes.

Ability to walk on muddy, icy, uneven terrains.

Ability to work in an industrial setting.

Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.

PREFERRED:

Ability to focus on significant technical and regulatory issues, propose creative solutions to technical problems, manage multiple projects/priorities, complete detailed and accurate reviews of plans/reports, and write succinct review comments. Work experience pertaining to one or more of the programs listed above is preferred, particularly as it relates to interacting with regulatory agencies.

Knowledge of: State of Nebraska geology and groundwater resources; Federal and State environmental laws and regulations; and principles of geology, hydrogeology, chemistry, risk assessments, and statistics.

Skill in: Communicating technical and regulatory issues orally and in writing; managing multiple projects and priorities; and maintaining computer skills with Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, Google Earth, and ArcGIS Pro.

Ability to: Apply environmental experience and knowledge consistent with standard environmental industry practice and maintain good working relationships with teammates and the regulated community.