This position is located in Norfolk Nebraska and will schedule and conduct routine and complaint inspections of air emission sources to determine compliance with environmental regulations.  The individual will write inspection reports, letters, and enforcement requests based upon these inspections.  They will review permit applications to determine compliance with air quality regulations.  This position will be required to perform ambient air monitoring maintenance and calibration and repair in accordance with approved procedures.  This is full-performance, journey level work which includes responsibility for programs within the scope of an assigned section; performs related work as assigned.

The position may also assist in sampling the NDEQs ambient and basin surface water networks.

• Schedule and conduct inspections of air emission sources to determine compliance with air quality environmental regulations.  Write inspection reports, letters, and enforcement requests.
• Perform ambient air monitoring maintenance, calibration and repair as needed in accordance with approved procedures.
• Provide technical assistance and information on the Nebraska Environmental Protection Act, Title 129 – The Nebraska Air Quality Regulations and other applicable rules and regulations.  Participate in public meetings and outreach activities.
• Develops strategies, modeling techniques, methods, protocol and standards to implement environmental protection plans and programs for use within the State.
• 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.
• Reviews and revises regulations, technical guidelines and proposed legislation to establish State standards in response to new standards recognized in the professional community and/or required by federal standards.
• Develops and applies new methods of data interpretation to improve agency capacity in identification and evaluation of environmental impacts and program implications.
• Meets with federal, State and local government representatives and the general public to explain environmental quality program policies and programs.
• Reviews and makes recommendations for approval or denial of permits, certifications, facility plans, environmental impact statements, etc; conducts compliance evaluations of permitted facilities to ensure continued conformance with permit provisions.
• Testifies at hearings as an expert witness to verify observations and conclusions from data collection and interpretation as required in legal actions.
• Reviews EPA guidance documents, memorandums, Federal Register notices, federal and State regulations, professional journals and trade magazines to keep abreast of emerging issues.
• Calibrates ambient air quality equipment.
• Assist in ambient and basin surface water collection and analysis as needed.

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY PROGRAMS SPECIALIST II

Bachelor of Science Degree in the physical sciences, natural sciences, environmental science, geology, biology, agronomy, civil engineering, environmental engineering or a related field consistent with the duties of the position, including soil science, chemistry, geology, hydrology, limnology, biology, statistics, technical writing, resource planning and computer programming field AND one year of fulltime professional experience in a related field, consistent with the duties of the position. 

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY PROGRAMS SPECIALIST I

Educational - Same requirements as Environmental Quality Programs Specialist II

Experience - No years of experience

OTHER:   A valid driver's license or ability to provide independent transportation is required; ability to travel 50% of the time with some occasional overnight stays; ability to participate in the agency’s medical monitoring program; ability to lift 50 pounds; ability to climb steep slopes/embankments; ability to bend and stoop; ability to work in outdoor temperature extremes; ability to traverse uneven terrains; Ability to walk long distances; ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance; ability to drive in inclement weather.

Knowledge of: The principles of biological, physical and chemical sciences; statistical and analytical methods; word processing, spreadsheet and database management computer software.  General air emission rules and regulations. 

Skill in: Communicating technical and regulatory issues orally and in writing - Managing multiple projects and priorities - Computer skills working with Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Access.  Using analytical judgment to make decisions.

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 prepare reports and technical papers; use computers and other tools for data storage and analysis; work in varying elements; maintain good working relationships with co-workers and the regulated community.