Natural Resources Technician

About the role

This position is responsible for the field implementation of the goals and objectives prescribed by the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan. This entails developing, overseeing and executing natural resources management projects on the landscape that meet the needs of military training and environmental management. Project areas include invasive species control, timber/forest stand improvement, grassland establishment, habitat improvement, prescribed fire and other field projects to support a multi-media environmental program.

Responsibilities

• Serves as an environmental expert and provides guidance to regulated communities, government officials, attorneys and staff responsible for a variety of programs and program elements.
• Performs project management duties to ensure effective and timely management of program area needs, attends meetings, and responds to telephone calls, e-mails, etc., as required.
• Acts as a technical point-of-contact for assigned programs administering environmental programs which may include, but not limited to, environmental media sampling, data analysis, technical writing, work plan and report preparation, technical reviews, etc.
• Researches state and federal guidance, laws, and regulations related to permits. Contacts applicants to request additional information to process applications, when necessary. Responds to comments from applicants, defends permit terms and conditions, and interacts with permittees to resolve permitting issues. Attends and participates in public meetings and hearings regarding permit actions throughout Indiana and/or appears in legal appeals of permit actions.
• Counsels and advises clients, customers, and the regulated community on environmental issues and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Conducts surveys, inspections and investigations of facilities and sites, review projects/situations, reads plans, interprets findings, and cites appropriate violations of state and federal regulations.
• Provides technical and regulatory guidance to the regulated community in their assigned geographic area.
• Enforces and complies with state and federal laws, regulations, and standards in a timely manner.
• Supports the various programs in assigned agency in multiple capacities.
• Assists with the preparation of sampling and analysis work plans. Conducts field work as necessary following agency/section Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for assigned sites.
• Conducts technical analysis and/or provides technical insights to assess environmental impacts with goals to meet state and national regulations.
• Communicates effectively with responsible parties, consultants, and/or their representatives, affected stakeholders, and interested parties such as citizens, public officials, and interest groups in a courteous and professional manner regarding permits, laws, questions, and program-related inquiries.

Requirements

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Broad knowledge of theories, environmental protection principles and practices, specialty area, and program area.
• Thorough knowledge of chemistry, biology, hydrology, mathematics, engineering, and other environmental sciences as they relate to program area.
• Thorough knowledge of soil, water, air sampling, laboratory analysis and interpretation as it relates to program area.
• Ability to conduct surveys, inspections and investigations of facilities and sites, review projects/situations, read plans, interpret findings, and make recommendations.
• Ability to prepare documents for administrative and regulatory action.
• Excellent research and writing skills for preparing accurate, precise, clear, and thorough reports.
• Ability to effectively interact and orally communicate with parties with diverse levels of environmental expertise particularly for purposes of meetings, hearings, and negotiating critically sensitive issues.
• Ability to interpret and apply legal terminology and practices, and the ability to apply these in a variety of conditions and situations.

Qualifications

For this role, candidates should have at least five (5) years of environmental or environmental public health experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role. A degree is not required.

Skills

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• A wellness rewards program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• A health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• A deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education reimbursement program
• Group life insurance
• Free parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.