Environmental Specialist III - Groundwater Geologist - Superfund/VCP Section
State of Nebraska

Job Info

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Description
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is hiring an Environmental Specialist III (Groundwater Geologist) to work on contaminant investigations and remedial actions related to various environmental cleanup programs in Nebraska.

This position will primarily be responsible for peer reviewing technical comments and reports prepared by other Environmental Specialists in the Monitoring and Remediation Division. This position will also mentor new teammates, assist with onboarding and training, develop subject matter expertise in areas of emerging concern, track cooperative agreement status, and manage projects in the Superfund/Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)/Federal Facilities Sections.

This position will work with a multi-disciplinary team consisting of experienced geologists and engineers both at NDEE and with counterparts at several external agencies. A successful candidate will be detail-oriented, have strong written and verbal communication skills, and be able to provide constructive feedback to other teammates during peer reviewing and mentoring sessions.

Examples of Work
• Peer review data gap letters, comment letters, and technical reviews of geologic/hydrogeologic characterizations, groundwater monitoring plans, contamination assessments, vapor intrusion evaluations, remedial action plans and reports, inspections, and evaluations prepared by other teammates related to projects in the Superfund program and VCP to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations.
• Assist teammates with project development and scoping related to projects in the Superfund Pre-Remedial program to ensure quality work and consistent application of regulations, policies, and contract agreements.
• Assist with deciding on course of action, plan, or strategies to address complex and/or controversial issues pertaining to contaminant investigations and remedial actions, compliance groundwater monitoring reports, and other technical or regulatory issues.
• Mentor and provide guidance to teammates by assisting with onboarding and training, including developing, updating, and/or peer reviewing standard operating procedures, technical guidance documents, fact sheets, template letters, checklists, forms, and project tracking spreadsheets.
• Develop subject matter expertise in areas of emerging concern and maintain awareness of emerging environmental issues by reviewing Federal, State, and local guidance documents, memorandums, regulations, and professional journals.
• Assist with developing cooperative agreement work plans and budgets, planning and tracking cooperative agreement status, and assisting with prioritizing new projects based on historical data, depth to groundwater, potential aquifer impact, and potential receptors.
• Perform advanced technical reviews as a project manager for sites in the Superfund Pre-Remedial and Remedial, Brownfields, VCP, RCRA Subtitle C and D, Federal Facilities, and Nebraska Title 118 cleanup programs to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations.
• Clearly and succinctly communicate project decisions both verbally and in writing to internal and external customers. This task requires a clear understanding of the technical issues and the concerns of the other party(s), as well as experience in communicating with an individual or group which may a different perspective or different goals, and who may not share the same technical background.
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 AND two years of professional experience in a related field. Experience may substitute for education or a year-for-year basis.

PREFERRED: Degree in geology, hydrogeology, or earth 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.

OTHER: Completion of a Department of Health and Human Services 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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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 Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Earth; and ArcGIS Pro.

Ability to: Apply environmental experience and knowledge consistent with standard environmental industry practice; provide training, mentoring, and feedback to teammates in a positive and constructive manner; and maintain good working relationships with teammates and the regulated community.

This job has expired.