Under limited supervision conducts, coordinates, and supervises technical work of a complex nature to administer statewide environmental work in the area of Air Quality Management, which includes air quality permitting. The work includes supervision of the Air Quality Construction Permits Section professional and technical employees, and development of procedures, methods and programs. Consultation with the Permitting & Engineering Division Administrator occurs on a periodic basis to establish general guidelines for the programs assigned; performs related work as assigned. 

Hiring rate of position:     Hourly $29.475 – $42.107

*Hiring classification dependent upon selected applicant's qualifications and experience

• Directs the activities of an air construction permitting section in the Permitting & Engineering Division to accomplish the goals and directives of the Nebraska Environmental Protection Act, Clean Air Act, and state environmental statutory requirements.
• Administers the activities of the federal and state Air Quality Construction Permit program.
• Recommends approval or denial of construction permits for major and minor sources of air pollution.
• Responsible for developing policies and procedures applicable to air quality permitting and ensuring their implementation, and to maintain consistency in application of regulations and program policies.
• Interprets federal and state laws and regulations to staff, facility owners and operators, local officials and private citizens to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Assists the division with regulatory planning and implementation including the development, promulgation and publication of rules and regulations for permit programs.
• Assists in determining program and budget requirements, administering the State and EPA Agreement, and managing the division's property and equipment needs. Prepares recommendations regarding staff, facilities, equipment, and other resources as needed.
• Coordinates with Air Quality Operating Permits Section and routinely interact with Operating Permits Section supervisor on permitting activities and issues of potential or common concern.
• Coordinates with Air Quality Compliance Section on investigation activities and enforcement action against violators of various environmental rules and regulations discovered through the permitting process.
• Coordinates with EPA, local air quality agencies, and other state permitting authorities on permits and issues of potential or common concern.
• Represents the agency at public meetings, Legislative hearings, national workgroups, and regional workgroups as necessary.
• Participates in public relation activities including coordinating the response to citizen comments on permits, including conducting public hearings as requested.
• Supervise Section staff. Establish, monitor & discuss expected workloads and assign work to staff. Encourage & foster teamwork within the section, section, and agency. Quickly resolve issues that hamper completion of projects. Monitor and provide training and encouragement to staff. Ensure program goals and objectives met. Ensure policies and procedures followed. Perform annual performance evaluations of Section staff and work with staff to set individual goals.
• Supervise, coordinates and collaborates with Air Division modeler to ensure permitting modelling and monitoring requirements are met.
• Plan and implement goals and objectives of the Air Quality Construction Permits Section. Coordinate permitting activities. Coordinate Section activity with other agency programs. Track progress of tasks for successful completion. Establish criteria for permitting documents.
• Instructs subordinates on the handling of operational matters when existing policies, procedures or guidelines do not cover the situation.
• Confers with management staff to discuss administration and technical aspects of agency programs and to resolve related problems.
• Compiles and provides data to management to facilitate program decision making and planning.
• Assures integrity of both computer and paper documentation and tracking systems in support of actions taken by the Department including administrative actions, public hearings, and litigation.
• Evaluates work performance of subordinates and recommends personnel actions including promotions, reassignments, status changes, and appointment of new employees.
• Directs the implementation of agency, State, and Federal rules, regulations and legislation related to the assigned Environmental Control programs through the work Section staff.
• Performs professional and technical program work of a complex nature; makes decisions based on personal judgement that could have a significant impact on the environmental quality of the State. 

Master's degree in environmental science, biology, life science, or engineering with thesis work relating to environmental quality plus one year of experience in a related field. OR Bachelor of Science degree in the physical sciences, natural sciences, environmental science, geology, biology, agronomy, civil engineering, environmental engineering or a related field plus three years of work experience in a related field.

PREFERRED: Preferences given for one year or more of experience in management of an environmental air quality program; two years or more of experience supervising professional staff; experience with Clean Air Act; experience with State Government data base systems; demonstrated initiative; experience with process improvement; experience interacting with EPA air quality staff.

OTHER: Valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent transportation; ability to travel with occasional overnights; ability to lift 30 pounds; ability to climb a ladder, bend and stoop; ability to work in outdoor temperature extremes;  ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Knowledge of: environmental laws, guidelines, rules and regulations; department programs related to environmental issues; the principles and practices of administration including planning, staffing, and budgeting; biological, physical, and chemical sciences as they apply to ecosystems; best management practices as they effect environmental quality.

Ability to: plan, organize, and assign the work of subordinates; apply administrative principles and practices; train and evaluate the job performance of subordinate staff; communicate orally and in writing with personal representing divergent backgrounds, interests, and viewpoints to convey administrative and program information and to explain agency operations and management decisions; exercise independent judgment, self-motivate, and complete assignments; prepare complex technical papers and reports; use computers and other tools for data analysis and storage; interpret and apply program legislation and administrative directives to operations of the program.

Skill in: managing personnel and general management; conducting business and negotiating with persons of a different viewpoint to mediate an acceptable solution for all those concerned.