Environmental Specialist II
State of Nebraska

Job Info

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Description
Do you have a passion for protecting one of Nebraska's most precious 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? If you answered yes, then we might be the team for you!

We are looking for the next great addition to the Water Planning Division (Division) at the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR). Our small but enthusiastic group of dedicated planners and technical experts provides a supportive and collaborative work environment that offers many opportunities to learn and grow professionally. We are looking for an individual with strong communication skills; problem solving abilities; and the ability to work productively in a team environment, understand and implement state statutes, and maintain a high level of understanding of the Division's hydrologic models and analyses.

Before we dive into what we need, let us show off what you get!

• 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
• 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

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!

The Water Planning Division at NeDNR works with local, regional, state, and interstate partners and stakeholders on integrated management of surface water and groundwater and on 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.

Under limited supervision, an Environmental Specialist II (ESII) is responsible for performing technical work for the analysis of hydrologically connected groundwater and surface water supplies and for the implementation of state statutes and integrated management plans within Nebraska. An ESII is expected to develop their knowledge of the complex integrated modeling tools the Department currently uses: MODFLOW groundwater models (including the latest version MODFLOW 6), CROPSIM and/or other watershed models, STELLA surface water operations models, and other models as needed. This position has the option to supervise temporary staff.

Some travel is required for this position, including occasional overnight travel. When not traveling, the employee's work time can include a mixture of teleworking and in-office work.

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

Schedule: M-F, 8-5, Flexible

Location: 245 Fallbrook Blvd., Lincoln, NE
Examples of Work

• Working as an integral part of the technical and planning team at the Department, the ESII is responsible for development of large and high-level hydrogeological technical data and analyses required for the integrated surface water/groundwater management planning process.

• Perform groundwater modeling with MODFLOW, complete hydrogeological analysis of groundwater/surface water interactions, and conduct other hydrologic analyses.

• The duties also include working with Department team members and the Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) on the following projects:
  • Implement Integrated Water Management Plans (IMPs);
  • Provide the needed technical support to complete projects needed to meet the integrated water management obligations of the Department concerning the Groundwater Management and Protection Act;
  • Retain proper documentation and maintain archives of completed hydrogeological analyses;
  • Participate in the preparation and delivery of professional presentations that explain surface water/groundwater interactions and the associated impacts on the integrated management planning process to a wide range of technical audiences; and
  • Provide support for integrated management plans and interstate compacts, decrees, and agreements.

Qualifications / Requirements
REQUIREMENTS: 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: Master's degree in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, engineering, natural sciences or related field; familiarity in groundwater modeling in MODFLOW (MODFLOW 6 preferred); familiarity with computer programming with preference for python, MATLAB, or Fortran; proficiency in ArcGIS with knowledge of database creation and management using Microsoft Access or other programs; and proficiency in technical writing and communicating complex hydrological data with the public and technical audiences concerning integrated management issues.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• The interconnection of agricultural practices, land use, and the hydrological cycle;
• hydrogeological processes;
• Water use measurements and assessment technologies;
• Water planning processes; and
• Analytical and numerical modeling as applied to the analysis and interpretation of hydrogeological data.

Ability to:

• Learn various modeling and programming techniques as well as application of analytical tools;
• Interpret data obtained from instruments and equipment;
• Organize and analyze surface and groundwater systems and other available hydrogeological information and reach sound conclusions;
• Read, interpret, and apply Nebraska's surface and groundwater laws, rules and regulations, and integrated management plans;
• Apply critical thinking skills and logic;
• Select, compile, and analyze information as necessary to identify, substantiate, and solve a scientific or technical problem; and
• Communicate technical information including results of hydrogeological analyses to other technical experts and the general public through presentations and technical reports.

Preferred Skills:

• Groundwater modeling in MODFLOW;
• Computer programming to automate modeling processes;
• Developing and analyzing groundwater models;
• Database creation and management;
• Synthesizing alternative or creative solutions to solve problems; and
• Interpreting models and hydrogeological data using analytical techniques.

This job has expired.