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!
We are looking for an enthusiastic and positive team member as an addition to the Monitoring Section at DWEE. Our small but enthusiastic group of biologists and technical experts provides a supportive and collaborative work environment that offers many opportunities to learn and grow professionally.
This position conducts biological water monitoring and provides statewide assessments of the biological conditions of Nebraska’s streams. Coordinates the activities of staff involved in the field collection of biological and physical habitat data. Coordinates the data entry, analysis, and interpretation of biological information collected.

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.

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 AND two years of professional experience in a related field. Experience may substitute for education or a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in biology, ecology, limnology, fisheries science, life sciences, environmental sciences, or related field. Experience as a program coordinator, a team leader, technical expert or as mentor to other technical staff. Experience leading meetings, giving presentations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of: the principles of aquatic ecology and hydrology; biological, physical and chemical sciences; statistical and analytical methods; word processing, spreadsheet, geographic information system, statistical and database management computer software.
Skill in: fish and aquatic macroinvertebrate identification, 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; organize, analyze and interpret data to draw conclusions and write and prepare technical papers and reports; use computer programs for data storage and analysis.

JOB DUTIES:

• Assess biological, chemical, and physical habitat data for stream/river evaluations using statistical software including writing statistical programs for new data evaluations when needed.
• Develop and refine biological procedures to assess water quality.
• Assist in the coordination and planning of other surface water monitoring and assessment activities.
• Supervise the activities of up to eight temporary employees and other Department staff involved in biological and physical habitat field data collection, including training as required.
• Write quality assurance project plans and standard operating procedures around program objectives.
• Prepare appropriate reports by assigned schedule.
• Respond to questions and data requests from the public and other state and federal agencies.Represent DWEE through outreach activities, including attending and presenting at regional meetings, seminars, and workshops.

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.”