Job Description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Environmental Management:

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 : 

This Environmental Manager exists within the Targeted Monitoring Section, Watershed Assessment and Planning Branch, Office of Water Quality, Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). This Environmental Manager, a specialist in the algae program, oversees and participates in all activities associated with the collection, processing and data analysis of cyanobacteria and diatom samples from Indiana lakes, rivers and streams. These duties include serving as a crew leader responsible for coordinating and conducting chemical, physical and biological data, analysis and interpretation of data, participation in committees, workshops and training, and equipment maintenance. This role requires communication of data and information to a wide variety of internal and external customers using verbal, electronic and writing techniques. 

This Environmental Manager serves a key function as an algae expert for IDEM staff and the public when harmful algal blooms (HABs) are reported or unknown blooms need to be identified. Microscope identification, understanding algae taxa characteristics, and testing the toxins algae produce are crucial to supporting IDEM programs, and is central to IDEM’s interagency partnership with the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in issuing public health advisories. 

Work is performed in the office, in the laboratory, and in the field. During the field season, the work may involve physical exertion for moving and carrying light to heavy equipment and sampling gear. This position may have to work in inclement weather conditions, and occasionally be exposed to fumes, acids, or other unknown toxins in water. This job requires overnight travel 25% of the year and field work 50% of the year. Schedule adjusting is also required during field work activities up to 12 hours a day; however, not more than 75 hours per biweekly period. A valid Indiana Driver's License is required. 

Salary Statement : 

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows: 

• 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.
• Project Management: 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.
• Permits: Research 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.
• Inspection: 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.
• Enforcement & Compliance: Uses all compliance, 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: Works to support the various programs in assigned agency in multiple capacities. 
• Sampling: 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.
• Technical Analysis & Testing: Conducts technical analysis and/or provides technical insights to assess environmental impacts with goals to meet state and national regulations. 
• Outreach Coordination: 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.

The job description 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:

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

• a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Public Health or a related field. 
• at least two (2) years of experience in an environmental or environmental public health field. 

Related certifications and coursework may be considered for education or experience.

• 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. 
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

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

   

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. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov .

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