Senior Environmental Manager

About Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)

Our mission is to implement federal and state regulations to protect human health and the environment while allowing the environmentally sound operations of industrial, agricultural, commercial, and governmental activities vital to a prosperous economy. We issue air, water, and solid and hazardous waste permits that restrict discharges to environmentally safe levels. Staff members inspect and monitor regulated entities; provide compliance and technical assistance; monitor and assess air, land, and water quality; use enforcement actions as necessary to ensure compliance; and respond to incidents involving spills to soil or waters of the state.

Role Overview

The Senior Environmental Manager provides expertise in the areas of developing, coordinating and implementing the various inspection programs within the Industrial Waste Compliance section; these programs include auto salvage, waste tire, and Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR). This position also reviews and approves/denies all low-level PCB disposal approval requests and, with EPA authorization, conducts assigned PCB inspections. They provide technical support to public, state and federal offices and industries; research complex issues and provide guidance to staff and regulated communities; and provide administrative support within the section. They also facilitate or conduct complex inspections or site investigation. This position requires a valid IN driver's license.

A Day In The Life

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Interprets laws, regulations and guidelines for assigned environmental program areas.
• Develops and modifies existing state programs to adapt to changes in federal or state legislation-mandated policy changes.
• Coordinates review of environmental projects and/or program area to meet program needs and objectives.
• Maintains a tracking system to ensure that projects are currently working through the appropriate program processes in acceptable timeframes.
• Prepares and provides a variety of written communications including responses to letters of inquiry from concerned citizens, elected representatives, government officials, and regulated entities.
• Chairs or facilitates a variety of work-related committees as needed.
• Utilizes programs and electronic database systems to meet program area needs. Serves as a subject matter expert on applicable systems in program area.
• Researches, analyzes, and reports on priority projects and their progress.
• May perform audits on environmental programs or facilities and make recommendations for corrective action or improvements.
• Provides technical assistance and/or evaluates compliance to environmental regulations and programs.
• Coordinates review of requests for variance and exemptions from environmental program regulations.
• Reviews program plans for completeness, economic and technical feasibility, and environmental impact.
• Designs and directs projects regarding specific and complex environmental issues, providing technical expertise for analysis, interpretation, and logistics of projects.
• Prepares progress reports for management and senior leadership and provides consultation to management and staff.
• Reviews and evaluates technical work reports and supporting data for acceptability and conformance with federal requirements, laws and regulations, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Assigns and reviews work of lower-level staff members.

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.

What You'll Need For Success

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

• Extensive knowledge of theories, practices and principles of Environmental Management and related areas
• Thorough knowledge of theories, practices, and principals of physical sciences (chemistry, biology, physics) as they relate to program area
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations as they apply to program area and the ability to apply these in a variety of conditions and situations
• Ability to conduct surveys, inspections and investigations of facilities and sites, review projects/situations, read plans, interpret findings, and make recommendations
• Ability to establish long- and short-term project management goals and objectives
• Ability to prepare documents for administrative and regulatory action
• Ability to effectively interact with local, state, and federal groups and government representatives orally and in writing
• Ability to prepare accurate and thorough reports
• Ability to develop and define procedures and accomplish objectives within the appropriate and established deadlines
• Ability to interpret and implement public policy as it relates to program specific environmental rules or laws

A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, or a related field with at least 6 years of work experience in an environmental or environmental public health field required. Related certifications and coursework may be considered for education or experience. Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

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
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• 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
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access