Environmental Specialist II - NPDES & State Permits

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Water, Energy, and Environment - Agency 84

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$26.263

Job Posting:

JR2026-00029185 Environmental Specialist II - NPDES & State Permits (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

09-29-2026

Job Description:

This position will draft permits and review facilities following the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Under general supervision, draft or assist in the drafting of wastewater, stormwater, pretreatment or other discharge permits that protect water quality in receiving water bodies in Nebraska. This position is responsible for calculating waste load allocations (WLAs) for pollutants being discharged from municipal wastewater treatment facilities (WTFs) and industries across the state. The individual will assist in reviewing and approving general wastewater permits. They will also help with site inspections and reviews.

Please let us tell you what you will get as a State employee! • 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!

Location and address of position: 245 Fallbrook Blvd – Suite 100 – Lincoln, NE

Work schedule: Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Flexible schedule may be allowed with management approval.

Job Duties:

• Determines the need for, reviews applications for and writes permits as required by discharge regulations for wastewater treatment. Reviews permit applications and prepare draft permits for regulatory compliance, including water quality-based permit limitations and engineering review under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
• Performs water quality modeling using mass balance, steady state, CORMIX, or other methods to calculate waste load allocations to be used to create permit limits or determine the reasonable potential of discharged pollutants.
• Communicates with programs, agencies, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), permittees and the public.
• Meets with federal, State, and local government representatives and the general public to explain environmental quality program policies and programs. Communicates technical program information and conducts presentations at conferences and meetings.
• Testifies at hearings as an expert witness to verify observations and conclusions from data collection and interpretation as required in legal actions. Presents facts and general information about the permit development process and permit requirements at public hearings.
• Develops strategies, modeling techniques, methods, protocol, and standards to implement environmental protection plans and programs for use within the State. Utilizes and interprets hydrological models to evaluate and determine appropriate permit limits for facilities. Uses advanced statistical and computer modeling techniques to interpret environmental quality data and writes reports to identify problems and pollution abatement alternatives.

• Write, edit, and review routine correspondence to/with animal feeding operations, consultants, and the public.
• Develop guidance documents for use by the public explaining the applicable rules and regulations governing animal feeding operations. Assist in the writing, review and revision of technical guidelines, regulations and Agency policies, procedures, and protocols to implement environmental plans and programs.
• Prepare and present seminars, workshops, and public information sessions that aid in the education of the public regarding environmental regulations and policies that affect permitted facilities.
• Attend recommended regulatory, management and other professional development training courses.
• Review EPA guidance documents, memorandum, Federal Register notices, Federal and State regulations, professional journals, and trade magazines to keep abreast of emerging issues.
• Reviews and makes recommendations for approval or denial of permits, certifications, facility plans, environmental impact statements, etc.; conducts compliance evaluations of permitted facilities to ensure continued conformance with permit provisions.

Requirements/ Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: 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.

Other (Required for this position):

• Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent transportation.
• Ability to travel overnight, approximately 10%.
• Ability to lift to 30 pounds.
• Ability to climb, bend and stoop.
• Ability to work in outdoor weather extremes during all seasons.
• Ability to walk on muddy, icy, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to walk long distances.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Submit a resume with relevant information with your experience clearly listed as it pertains to this position
• Submit a current list of at least three professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone numbers and email

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of: the principles of hydrology, ecology, geology, and agronomy; biological, physical, and chemical sciences; statistical and analytical methods; word processing, spreadsheet and database management computer software.

Skills in: communicating with individuals and groups with varying technical backgrounds to collect and relay information; listening to and understanding others; prioritizing workloads; using analytical judgment to make decisions; public speaking and providing presentations.

Ability to: learn and apply local, State, and federal environmental laws, regulations, and standards; learn, apply, and uphold agency policies and procedures; establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private officials and with the public; read and interpret topographic and geologic maps; organize, analyze, and interpret data to draw conclusions and prepare reports and technical papers; use computers and other tools for data storage and analysis.

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Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.