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.
Salary Statement: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
Role Overview:
This position exists within the Office of Water Quality, Drinking Water Branch, Drinking Water Compliance Inspections Section. The incumbent performs professional and comprehensive compliance inspections of a variety of Public Water Systems throughout north central and northeastern Indiana. The position is critical to IDEM’s mission of ensuring a safe water supply to the citizens of Indiana. The incumbent will perform 75 to 100+ inspections per year. The inspection process includes the preparation of comprehensive inspection reports and effective communications with the clients served by IDEM.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Project Management: You will perform project management duties to ensure effective and timely management of programs, attending meetings, and responding to telephone calls, e-mails, etc., as required. You will be a technical point-of-contact for assigned programs conducting environmental assessments including, but not limited to, environmental media sampling, data analysis, technical writing, work plan and report preparation, technical reviews, etc.
Permits: You will research state and federal guidance, laws and regulations related to permits. As a permit writer you will be required to contact applicants to request additional information to process applications, when necessary. You will be required to respond to comments from applicants, defend permit terms and conditions, and interact with permittees to resolve permitting issues. In this position you will also attend and participate in public meetings and hearings regarding permit actions throughout Indiana and/or appear in legal appeals of permit actions.
Inspection: You will conduct surveys, inspections and investigations of facilities and sites, review projects/situations, read plans, interpret findings, and cite appropriate violations of state and federal regulations. You will provide technical and regulatory guidance to the regulated community in their assigned geographic area.
Enforcement & Compliance: You will use all compliance and enforcement tools and resources available to ensure that regulated sources return to compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and standards in a timely manner.
Support Services: In this role you will work to support the various programs in your agency in multiple capacities such as performing technical analysis, testing, risk assessment, and GIS Analysis:
Sampling: Assist with the preparation of sampling and analysis work plans. Conduct field work as necessary following agency/section Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for assigned sites; provide oversight of key events as necessary to ensure accurate technical decisions are made.
Technical Analysis & Testing: You will conduct technical analysis using modeling techniques and tools to assess the impacts of sources to meet state and national regulations. You may need to perform repair and maintenance of the monitoring equipment. Calibrate and audit field monitoring equipment and assist in implementing monitoring changes.
Outreach Coordination: You will have to communicate 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.
What You’ll Need for Success:
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, or a related field.
At least two (2) years of experience in an environmental or environmental public health field.
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.
