The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is hiring an Environmental Specialist II/ Groundwater Geologist to work on contaminated sites in Nebraska. As part of the Monitoring and Remediation Division, your job as a project manager will allow you to work with a multi-disciplinary team consisting of experienced geologists and engineers both at NDEE and with your counterparts at several external agencies. Working closely with experienced teammates and supervisors, you will complete detailed, well-written technical reviews of investigations and remedial actions related to many state and federal environmental cleanup programs, perform contractor oversight, and perform on-site observations and inspections. 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 ground water 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 NDEQ 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 - Educate, interact with, and respond to the regulated community, consultants, and public about program statutes, regulations, and written guidance procedures. Represent the Agency at meetings and in daily contacts with the public.

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.  Consideration will be given to applicants who will receive a bachelor's degree within 90 days of application date.  Start date would be determined after receiving bachelor’s degree.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 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; and regular and reliable attendance.

PREFERRED: Degree in geology, hydrogeology or environmental science. Work experience pertaining to one or more of the programs listed above, particularly as it relates to interacting with regulatory agencies. 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.

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.