Natural Resource Inspector

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Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. The Division of Water collects, maintains, and provides water resource information. This includes administering surface and groundwater resource assessments, alleviating flood disaster damages, regulating floodplain areas, reviewing dam and levee projects, and educating the community about water efforts and conservation.

Role Overview:

This position will cover the northern region (1/4) of the state, therefore the candidate should be stationed in the northern part of the state. The location of this position may be flexible and decided upon hiring. Work will consist of a mix of office, field, and remote work with required check-ins to the Division of Water's Indianapolis office at least monthly.

In this position, you will be in charge of inspections and management of compliance issues, along with various public assistance issues, within your assigned region of the state. This may entail at least one or two days of field work a week, or as necessary. You will need to be able to interpret laws, regulations, and policies, especially those related to the Flood Control Act, Lake Preservation Act, and other statutes administered by the Division of Water.

The Division of Water does not specifically handle water quality issues or water sampling, but deals with flooding/floodplain related construction and issues. You will utilize various mapping tools and interpret plans and maps while researching compliance of projects and determining possible enforcement actions. Regular communication and coordination with various local, state, and federal agencies is extremely important in this position.

Strong communication skills and database file management skills are necessary.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Perform field inspections, document findings, and prepare accurate inspection reports to determine compliance with contract documents and the environmental protection performance standards of state and federal laws.
• Conduct inspections to ensure compliance with relevant contacts and permit requirements.
• Conduct technical reviews of permit applications and permit revisions.
• Communicate issues found in the field with contractors and agency personnel, clearly and objectively.
• Gather evidence for investigations, initiate violation investigation files while cooperating with appropriate personnel, and prepare notices of violation.
• Assess the impacts of violations and make recommendations needed to mitigate a violation.
• Maintain and update investigation, compliance, and enforcement information databases.
• Conduct field sampling, analyze data, and make recommendations for remediation strategies.
• Aid in the development, design, and management of construction projects.
• Prepare data and information on technical and administrative operations.
• Seek coordination and cooperation on projects and programs.
• Provide compliance assistance by reviewing proposed construction projects and explaining the applicable permitting requirements to property owners, consultants, and various government officials.
• Interpret and enforce laws, regulations, and policies.
• Assist in the review, revision, and development of standards, regulations, and procedures.
• Attend meetings, seminars, and workshops to disseminate information, review procedures, and learn new methods and techniques.
• Conduct liaison activities providing technical assistance, public outreach, and coordination.
• Testify as an expert witness at administrative hearings and court proceedings.
• Respond to requests from other agencies, industry, and the general public regarding compliance and technical objectives of the division.
• Respond to emergency situations (i.e. spills, fires, blowouts) and coordinate actions with other local, state, and federal agencies and communicate orally and in writing with the central office.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

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