Environmental Specialist I (new)

The State of Nebraska is hiring an Environmental Specialist I for the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources in Lincoln, NE. This role involves providing technical assistance in floodplain management, educating the public, and preparing outreach materials. Candidates should have relevant educational or work experience, strong communication, and technical writing skills. The position is grant-funded, requires occasional travel, and offers a structured work schedule with benefits.
About the position

Join our team at the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR). You will see that our mission of “managing Nebraska's most precious natural resource through sound partnerships, cooperation and science-based decision making” will guide you as you succeed with the Floodplain Management Section of the Engineering Programs and Services Division. You will experience an excellent working environment, positive actions, and growth opportunities. The successful candidate will provide specialized professional work in floodplain management and flood mitigation planning, as well as technical assistance to communities and other state agencies. This position is customer-focused, detail-oriented, and requires strong technical writing skills. Strong time management, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for this position. Please be advised that this position is grant-funded and is contingent upon continued funding. The position has been grant-funded since 1999, however it will cease to exist if the funding is discontinued. The work hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, with occasional flexible scheduling required for technical assistance and trainings during evenings and weekends. Overnight travel is required less than 10% of the time, depending on workload needs.

Responsibilities
• Providing technical assistance related to floodplain management to communities, counties, and other state agencies.
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• Educating the general public about floodplain management.
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• Preparing best practices and procedures for individual communities to help respond during and after disasters.
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• Helping communities plan for the next disaster by identifying mitigation projects.
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• Preparing outreach materials to help communities communicate flood risk to the general public.
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• Maintaining the floodplain management databases and repositories.
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• Assisting with outreach and training efforts, including demonstration of the section's 3D flood model.
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• Participating in and conducting meetings related to grant activities.
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• Assisting co-workers and supervisors in the performance of duties and maintaining working relationships with cooperating agencies and the public.

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.
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• Knowledge of flood mitigation planning and project development, floodplain management, technical writing principles, effective communication, public speaking and outreach, hydrology and hydraulics, FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Studies.
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• Skilled in using ESRI GIS software and the Microsoft Office Suite.
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• Ability to prioritize tasks, be detail-oriented, solve complex problems, interpret regulations, work with local, state, and federal agencies, and work independently.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in public service or government roles.
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• Familiarity with grant-funded projects and their management.

Benefits
• 13 paid holidays
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• Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
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• Military leave
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• 156% state-matched retirement
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Employee assistance program
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• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
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• Dental and vision insurance plans
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• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
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• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PLSF) through the Federal government
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• Wide variety and availability of career advancement opportunities
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• Training and Development based on career aspirations
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• Fun, inviting teammates
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• A safe and secure environment