Environmental Specialist I - Water Administration Cambridge Field Office

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and positive team member as an addition to the Cambridge Field Office of the Water Administration Division. 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.

Responsibilities

• Works with irrigators, Irrigation Districts, Natural Resources Districts, and others in the performance of field office responsibilities. Field office responsibilities include, streamgaging streamgage maintenance, streamgage construction, irrigation meter reading, and surveying gage datum.
• Cconducts field investigations, CREP investigations, and dam inspections for maintaining rules and regulations set by Nebraska State Law.
• Preparation of Dam inspection notification and Water Administration letters.
• Participates in hearings for agency regulatory purposes

Requirements/Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Associates 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 OR two years of work experience in a related area
• Other (Required for the position): Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent transportation; 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; Be able to identify crops and irrigation equipment; Ability to lift 50 pounds; Ability to climb a 10 ft ladder; Ability to climb, bend & stoop; Ability to work in outdoor temperature extremes; Ability to walk on uneven terrains and steep slopes to accomplish tasks; Ability to wade in or around streams and lakes

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of: hydrology and water principles; Nebraska water laws and related State statutes; agriculture and irrigation; stream gaging procedures including the operation and maintenance of stream gaging and sampling equipment; mathematics for computing stream discharge and surface and ground water records; physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water for water quality sampling; mathematics for computing discharge measurements and stream flow records.
• Skill in: basic surveying techniques; maintaining and repairing scientific equipment; reading maps and utilizing Geographical Information Systems (GIS); communicating with the public on sensitive issues concerning water rights.
• Ability to: operate, maintain, and repair field data collection equipment; interpret and explain relevant water laws; accurately collect data; measure streams; write accurate and concise investigative reports; use good judgment in all field situations, in adverse weather.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% 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