Under general supervision, conducts inspections of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO’s) and evaluates compliance with federal and state water quality regulations and permit conditions. Other primary duties include preparing reports and documenting inspection observations including evaluating violations. Also reviews draft permits, conducts files reviews, responds to complaints, and supports the Department facility database.

This position is also responsible for work in other sections of the Department such as air, waste, wastewater, petroleum spills etc. as assigned.  This position will be working in North Platte.

The position may also assist in sampling the NDEQ's ambient and basin surface water networks.

Hiring rate of position:     EQPS I – $  21.085   Hourly

                                            EQPS II - $  22.665 Hourly

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

• Schedule and conduct inspections of livestock operations and livestock waste control facilities to determine compliance with environmental rules and regulations.
• Respond to citizen complaints and investigate potential sources of environmental pollution.  Schedule and conduct complaint investigations according to agency plans and procedures.
• Review permit applications and draft permits to determine compliance with applicable rules and regulations and provide comments to the permit writer.
• Review annual reports from CAFOs
• Provide technical assistance and information on the Nebraska Environmental Protection Act, Title 130 – Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Livestock Waste Control.
• Participate in public meetings and outreach activities.
• Assist in other Department programs as needed.
• 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, Agri Business, Business, Teaching and computer programming field AND one year of full-time professional experience in a related field, consistent with the duties of the position. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis

Environmental Quality Programs Specialist I = 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, Agri Business, Business, Teaching and computer programming field.  Candidates who do not meet the 1 year of experience requirement will be hired as an Environmental Quality Programs Specialist I.  Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis

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

Knowledge of: The principles of biological, physical and chemical sciences; statistical and analytical methods; word processing, spreadsheet and database management computer software.  General agronomy principles and livestock operations.  General groundwater and surface water principles and sampling methods.

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, MS Access, and ArcView. 

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.