Location: Augusta,Maine,United States
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Environmental Specialist III
Opening Date: April 29, 2024
Closing Date: May 13, 2024
Job Class Code: 9253
Grade: 04-23 (Pro / Tech)
Salary: $47,840.00 - $64,542.40/ yr.
Position Number: 02000-4083
Limited Period Position
Position Location: This is a full-time position located in Augusta. This opportunity allows partial telework with management approval.
The Maine CDC, Drinking Water Program (DWP), is seeking an Environmental Specialist III to provide technical support and assistance in implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) rules and regulations. The Drinking Water Program is tasked with overseeing over 1,900 public drinking water systems throughout Maine, administering federal and state safe drinking water regulations to ensure that water systems provide safe, secure, and reliable drinking water.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Public water systems have measures of technical, financial, and managerial capacity to assure adequate and safe drinking water for consumers. The Capacity Development Coordinator uses technical assistance tools to ensure public water systems meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. This is accomplished through evaluating existing water systems and assisting them with capacity building projects, pursuant to the Maine Capacity Development Plan for Public Water Systems. In this position, you will also oversee the Operator Certification program, reviewing proposed training courses for credit and the operator application process, as well as serving as the DWP’s representative on the Operator Certification Board.
Core Responsibilities
• Compile information concerning Public Water Systems (PWS’s) that are not in compliance with rules/regulations.
• Determine if PWS’s have the technical, financial, and managerial capacity to provide adequate and safe drinking water.
• Determine if PWS’s should be referred for escalated enforcement.
• Determine if PWS’s should be returned to compliance status after a violation.
• Determine if training courses merit operator credit.
• Determine if certified operators are in compliance with relevant regulations.
• Determine if capacity development policies/procedures should be reviewed/updated.
Minimum Qualifications: (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).
A six (6) year combination of education and/or experience in environmental, biological, physical science, or engineering which includes two (2) years of environmental experience. Qualifying education must include at least 15 credit hours of science or engineering coursework from an accredited educational institution.
Preferred candidates will also have:
• Knowledge of Microsoft Access, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of issues related to water and water pollution.
• Knowledge of biological, chemical, physical, geological, ecological and/or engineering principles as well as water chemistry and treatment processes.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and implement training related to drinking water rules and regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret complex rules and regulations and share that knowledge with others in an easily understood format.
• Ability to utilize rules knowledge to make recommendations to changes in procedures, policies, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules and regulations related to drinking water and the Maine DWP.
• Knowledge of SDWIS (Safe Drinking Water Information System), the DWP’s database of record.
Agency information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.
The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.
For additional information about this position, please contact Robin Frost, Data Management and Program Support Team Supervisor, at (207) 287-8411.
*To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter with your application.
Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.
To request a paper application, please contact Ashley.Smith@Maine.gov .
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
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