Under general supervision, conduct inspections of air emission sources and evaluates compliance with federal and state air quality regulations and permit conditions. Conduct observations of air emission performance tests and relative accuracy test audits at state and federally regulated facilities across the State of Nebraska.  Other primary duties include preparing reports and documenting inspection observations including evaluating potential violations. Reviewing air emission performance test results and preparing reports related to the performance test results. Review draft permits, conduct file reviews, responds to complaints, assist the ambient air monitoring team and supports the Department facility database. 

Hiring rate of position:    *$21.085  Environmental Quality Programs Specialist I

                                           *$22.665 Environmental Quality Programs Specialist II     

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

• Conducts inspections of air emission sources and determines compliance with State and federal regulations and permit conditions.
• Conduct field observation of air emission performance tests and relative accuracy test audits (RATA) at state and federally regulated facilities across the State of Nebraska.  Assuring the performance test and RATA are performed in accordance with state and federal rules.
• Conduct a review of the air emission performance test report and RATA report and compare to applicable state permits and federal rules. 
• Receives and responds to complaints regarding air quality concerns.
• Conducts pre-inspection file reviews, documents inspection results, and maintains facility database.
• Reviews draft construction and operating permits and provides feedback on compliance issues.
• Documents violations and support Department enforcement process.
• 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.
• Assist the ambient air monitoring team with calibrations, audits and data entry.
• Meets with federal, State and local government representatives and the general public to explain environmental quality program policies and programs.
• Testifies at hearings as an expert witness to verify observations and conclusions form 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.
• 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. 

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 full-time professional experience in a related field, consistent with the duties of the position.  NOTE:  Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY PROGRAMS SPECIALIST I

Educational - Same requirements as Environmental Quality Programs Specialist II

Experience - No years of experience

NOTE:  Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis

Other:  Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent transportation; ability to work in North Platte;  overnight travel 5-10% and extended hours of possibly 10-12 hour days. Selected candidate is subject to a physical exam and screening along with participation in the agency’s medical monitoring program; Ability to lift 35 pounds; ability to climb a 10 foot ladder; ability to climb, bend and stoop; ability to walk on uneven terrains and steep slopes to accomplish tasks; ability to work in outdoor and indoor temperature extremes; must be able to work in an industrial setting, regular and reliable attendance required. 

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

Skill 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 data to draw conclusions and prepare reports and technical papers; use computers and other tools for data storage and analysis.