The work we do matters!
Hiring Agency:
Water, Energy, and Environment - Agency 84
Location:
Lincoln, NE
Hiring Rate:
$25.686
Job Posting:
JR2025-00019083 Environmental Specialist II - Waste Compliance (Open)
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
09-16-2025
Job Description:
Are you passionate about preserving, enhancing, and protecting Nebraska’s environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Nebraska at the Department of Water, Energy & Environment (DWEE). At DWEE, employees have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the quality of Nebraska’s air, land, water, and energy resources. If you answer yes, then we might be the team for you!
The primary duties of this position include evaluation through on-site inspections of hazardous waste generator and permitted facilities and permitted solid waste facilities; conduct complaint investigations; assist the Waste Permit Section in the review and issuance of permits and provide input to the Inspection and Compliance Division on issues related to all aspects of hazardous waste and solid waste regulations. In addition, the position represents the Waste Compliance Section in matters related to industry groups and regulatory agencies.

Benefits for you!

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that’s not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the state
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment
• A new modern building in Fallbrook with free onsite parking
• Easily accessible from I-80
• Respected as a valued team member
• Business Casual Dress Code
• Monday – Friday – After a 6-month Original Probation Period - Flexible schedules and 10-hour workdays may be allowed with management approval

At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!
Location: 245 Fallbrook Blvd – Suite #100 – Lincoln, NE
Work schedule: Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Flexible schedule, 10-hour workdays allowed after six-month probation and/or with management approval.

Job Duties:

• Assess compliance with hazardous waste and solid waste regulations at industrial, commercial, and municipal facilities through inspections.
• Coordinate related enforcement activities as assigned.
• Conduct complaint investigations and respond to actual or potential sources of environmental pollution. Maintain hazardous waste facility database to measure program objectives Resolve issues concerning facility information discrepancies.
• Organize / interpret data for program reports and decision making. RCRAINFO, IIS, BRS, etc.
• Testifies at hearings as an expert witness to verify observations and conclusions form data collection and interpretation as required in legal actions.
• Conducts pre-inspection file reviews, documents inspection results, and maintains facility database. Provide technical assistance to the public, the regulated community, and other governmental agencies concerning solid waste and hazardous waste management and the corresponding regulations.
• Documents violations and supports Department enforcement process.
• Reviews draft permits and provides feedback on compliance issues.
• Review special waste classification and alternative disposal requests.
• Prepare correspondence and detailed reports concerning program activities using word processing, spreadsheet and specialized agency databases.
• Writes, edits and reviews technical papers and reports to respond to inquiries and complaints and to provide data required or requested by federal, State and local agencies, the professional community or the general public.
• Analyzes data, statistics, charts and tables to prepare reports, technical papers or correspondence for presentation to the general public and/or the regulated community.
• Meets with federal, State and local government representatives, and the general public to explain environmental quality program policies and programs.
• Collects environmental quality data as necessary to meet program objectives.
• Reviews EPA guidance documents, memorandums, Federal Register notices, Federal and State regulations, professional journals and trade magazines to keep abreast of emerging issues.
• Participates as part of a team to prepare and present environmental seminars, events, workshops and public information sessions that aid in the education of the public regarding environmental regulations and policies.

Requirements/ Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s 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. Experience may substitute for education or a year-for-year basis.

Other (Required For The Position):

• Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent transportation.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds
• Ability to climb a 10-foot ladder
• Ability to climb, bend & stoop
• Ability to be around water or in water at various times
• Ability to work in an industrial setting
• Ability to sit at a computer for long periods of time
• Submit a resume or list on the application specific detailed experience relevant to the position in years and months
• Submit a current list of at least professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone numbers

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge of: The principles of ecology, geology and hydrology; biological, physical and chemical sciences; statistical and analytical methods; word processing, spreadsheet and database management computer software.
Skills in: Communicating with individuals and groups with varying technical backgrounds to collect and relay information; listening to and understanding others; prioritizing workloads; using analytical judgment to make decisions; public speaking and providing presentations.
Ability to: Learn and apply local, State and Federal environmental laws, regulations and standards; learn, apply and uphold agency policies and procedures; establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private officials and with the general public; read and interpret topographic and geologic maps; organize, analyze and interpret data to draw conclusions and prepare reports and technical papers; use computers and other tools for data storage and analysis
For a complete listing of job duties, requirements and to apply go to statejobs.nebraska.gov
“The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or genetics.”
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.
Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.
Instructions for Applying

Important points to remember when applying:

• The employment application is required and is the primary source of information used to determine if you meet the minimum requirements of the job.
• Make sure your application is complete. Incomplete applications are rejected.
• You will not be allowed to change your application after you have applied for a position and you cannot re-apply for the the same position unless it is posted again.
• You have the opportunity to attach a resume; however, it should not be used to replace any information asked for on the official application.
• When you have successfully applied for a job, you will receive a confirmation on the screen and your application will be available on your Candidate Home page.

We encourage you to use the Search for Jobs feature to find jobs that are available in a particular location or a job that matches your work experience.
Applicants who need accommodation in the selection process should request this in advance. Requests can be made by contacting the Nebraska State Personnel Office 1526 K Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE. (402)471-2075.
These positions are subject to application of Veterans’ Preference.

• Assess compliance with hazardous waste and solid waste regulations at industrial, commercial, and municipal facilities through inspections.
• Coordinate related enforcement activities as assigned.
• Conduct complaint investigations and respond to actual or potential sources of environmental pollution. Maintain hazardous waste facility database to measure program objectives Resolve issues concerning facility information discrepancies.
• Organize / interpret data for program reports and decision making. RCRAINFO, IIS, BRS, etc.
• Testifies at hearings as an expert witness to verify observations and conclusions form data collection and interpretation as required in legal actions.
• Conducts pre-inspection file reviews, documents inspection results, and maintains facility database. Provide technical assistance to the public, the regulated community, and other governmental agencies concerning solid waste and hazardous waste management and the corresponding regulations.
• Documents violations and supports Department enforcement process.
• Reviews draft permits and provides feedback on compliance issues.
• Review special waste classification and alternative disposal requests.
• Prepare correspondence and detailed reports concerning program activities using word processing, spreadsheet and specialized agency databases.
• Writes, edits and reviews technical papers and reports to respond to inquiries and complaints and to provide data required or requested by federal, State and local agencies, the professional community or the general public.
• Analyzes data, statistics, charts and tables to prepare reports, technical papers or correspondence for presentation to the general public and/or the regulated community.
• Meets with federal, State and local government representatives, and the general public to explain environmental quality program policies and programs.
• Collects environmental quality data as necessary to meet program objectives.
• Reviews EPA guidance documents, memorandums, Federal Register notices, Federal and State regulations, professional journals and trade magazines to keep abreast of emerging issues.
• Participates as part of a team to prepare and present environmental seminars, events, workshops and public information sessions that aid in the education of the public regarding environmental regulations and policies