Review Clean Water Act Section 404 (Dredge & Fill) applications for Water Quality impacts. (Sec. 401 program). Write Water Quality Certification letters on certain 404 permits (Individual Permits, Nationwide Permits in SRW-As, some others).  Confer with regulatory and resource agencies on 404 applications. Represent NDEQ in the Interagency Review Team, which oversees the wetland mitigation banking program in Nebraska. Attend field site visits concerning 404 application projects.  Confer with 404 applicants and their representatives regarding 404 applications.  Review Sec. 319 grants applications. Assist with/coordinate surface water or ground water Sec. 319 projects, working with sponsors, consultants, the public and other agencies to achieve 319 program goals, as needed.  Give presentations, represent Department at meetings, assist with Envirothon, as needed

• Reviews and makes recommendations for approval or denial of permits, certifications, environmental impact statements, etc.
• 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.
• Writes, 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.
• Analyzes data, statistics, charts and tables to prepare reports, technical papers or correspondence for presentation to the general public and/or the regulated community.
• 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.
• Develops and reviews contracts and grant proposals relating to specific projects within the scope of the agency and assigned section.
• Uses advanced statistical and computer modeling techniques to interpret environmental quality data and writes reports to identify problems and pollution abatement alternatives.
• Collects environmental quality data as necessary to meet program objectives.
• Reviews EPA guidance documents, memorandums, Federal Register notices, federal and State regulations, professional journals and trade magazines to keep abreast of emerging issues.
• Operates, maintains and calibrates scientific equipment. Performs maintenance functions as necessary.
• 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.

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.  OTHER:  Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent transportation, Ability to travel overnight, ability to work in outdoor temperature extremes, ability to walk on uneven terrains, regular and reliable attendance.

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 topographic and geologic maps; 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 outside in varying elements and terrains.