Environmental Specialist II

Job Details

Hiring Agency:
Water, Energy, and Environment - Agency 84

Location:

Lincoln, NE
Hiring Rate: $25.686
Job Posting: JR Environmental Specialist II (new) (Open)
Applications No Longer Accepted On: 02-26-2026

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.

As part of the Field Services and Operator Training Section of the Public Drinking Water Program, you will play a key role in ensuring that citizens of Nebraska have access to safe, reliable sources of drinking water. You will provide assistance and oversight to public water systems within a seven-county region of southeastern Nebraska, interact with water system personnel, and carry out inspections, enforcement, and training activities.

• 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.
• Investigate 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.

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.

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.

• 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 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.

• 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)
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Well Nebraska Health Plan, Direct Primary Care (DPC)
• Mail order Rx (3 month supply) and Specialty Pharmacy program
• Virtual Visits and FREE Nurse line 24/7
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement/Investment Plan, Early…