Environmental Specialist I
State of Nebraska

Description
Do you have a passion for protecting Nebraska's natural resources? Do you love knowing your work makes a difference in your community and state? Are you looking for a work environment that supports developing and applying new skills and technologies? If you answered yes, then we might be the team for you!

We're looking for the next great addition to the Water Planning Division (Division) at the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR). Our small but enthusiastic team provides a supportive and collaborative work environment that offers many opportunities to learn and grow professionally. You will work with a group of dedicated water planners and a flexible work schedule.

The Water Planning Division at NeDNR works with local, regional, state, and interstate partners and stakeholders on integrated management of surface water and groundwater and on interstate water agreements. Our vision is advancing collaborative water management across the State of Nebraska based on sound science, and our mission is to sustain and protect Nebraska's water supplies and water users for both the near and long term. The Division's work blends hydrogeological modeling and analyses with water policy and planning.

Location: 245 Fallbrook Blvd., Suite 201, Lincoln

Schedule: M-F, 8-5 Flexible schedules

Three vacancies available.
Examples of Work
Assist the Water Planning Division (Division) of NeDNR with the development and implementation of integrated surface water/groundwater management plans and with interstate compacts, decrees, and agreements:
• Organize data and required information for integrated water management planning, implementation, and compliance, and for compliance with interstate compacts, decrees, and agreements
• Assist with stakeholder input processes, public participation, and community outreach
• Determine required actions and deadlines related to integrated management plans, compacts, decrees, and interstate agreements; and obtain official documents as necessary
• Write, review, and edit water management plans and reports
• Provide meeting support and coordination for the Division and outside agency partners

Assist with development and maintenance of the Division's data and official documents and records:
• Acquire and organize pertinent data such as surface water diversions and use, water rights information, and changes in irrigated acres
• Develop and maintain databases and information management systems to ensure reliable storage and efficient retrieval of the Division's data and records
• Use and create content for Division GIS-related education and outreach materials. This includes ESRI experience builder content, ESRI Story Map content, general ArcGIS Online data/content, brochures, and other publications. This will include using the web as a medium for communication
• Use datasets and create visualizations with python scripts

Communicate with a variety of audiences:
• Explain scientific and planning-related laws and concepts to a variety of audiences using robust communication skills and numerous communication platforms
• Prepare and edit educational and public relations materials such as maps, graphics, newsletter articles, technical reports, and handouts to disseminate information about the Division's activities
• Assist with improving, and maintaining content on the Division's website
• Be the helpful, approachable, and professional public face of NeDNR and the Water Planning Division at public education and outreach events and assist in coordination of such events.
Qualifications / Requirements
REQUIREMENTS:
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.

PREFERRED: Bachelor's degree in Geology, Engineering, Natural Resources or related field and experience with natural resources planning and database organization. Experience: writing and editing reports and other documentation; records and data organization and management; creating meeting materials such as agendas, handouts and minutes; creating maps, charts, or other graphics to present data or explain complex concepts; stakeholder input or public participation processes; quantitative or qualitative data collection and analysis; natural resources or environmental planning; and/or education and outreach.

NeDNR will not sponsor non-immigrant work visas for this position.

Job requirements include:
• A valid driver's license
• The ability to work overtime and weekends if the need arises

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:
• Hydrogeology, hydrology, natural resource sciences, agricultural sciences, and/or natural resources planning
• Methods for collection and analysis of scientific and technical data
• Water management planning processes, policies, rules, and regulations
• Public participation methods and community outreach
• ArcGIS to disseminate information to stakeholders and the public
• Cloud computing/ Docker/ Azure

Skill in:
• Writing and editing publications for a general audience
• Meeting or event planning
• Creation of figures and presentations using computer software such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, Prezi, ArcGIS, and/or Geocortex
• Using software such as Microsoft Word to create and edit documents, Microsoft Outlook for scheduling meetings and attaching documents, and Excel to perform analyses, and present results from technical datasets
• Organizing information and records using tools such as records management systems (e.g., OnBase), Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and intuitive filing structures

Ability to:
• Learn and apply Nebraska's surface and groundwater laws
• Think logically and understand surface and groundwater systems
• Communicate effectively, clearly, and appropriately with diverse constituents
• Clearly convey technical information to the public and colleagues
• Organize, write, review, and edit technical reports and memorandums, meeting agendas, meeting minutes, outreach materials, and other documents
• Select, compile, and analyze information as necessary to identify, substantiate, and solve a scientific or technical problem and prepare reports based on that analysis
• Travel, including occasionally overnight
• Telework and work in the office when not traveling