Environmental Specialist II - Drinking Water Field Services

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Water, Energy, and Environment - Agency 84

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$26.263

Job Posting:

JR2026-00029195 Environmental Specialist II - Drinking Water Field Services (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

09-29-2026

Job Description:

Under limited supervision, as a member of the Field Services and Operator Training Section of the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment Public Drinking Water Program provides assistance and oversight to public water systems, to ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations. The section is responsible for the inspection of public water systems, provision of on-site technical assistance to water systems, and the training and licensure of water system operators.
While you will have the opportunity to interact with water system personnel, and water professionals throughout the State, your primary responsibilities will be providing assistance and oversight to public water systems within a region of eastern or southeastern Nebraska. You will be doing work that impacts virtually every resident, and visitor, of the State of Nebraska.
Please let us tell you what you will get as a State employee!
• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the state
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment
At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!
Location and address of position: 245 Fallbrook Blvd – Suite 100 – Lincoln, NE
Work schedule: Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Flexible schedule may be allowed with management approval.

Job Duties:

• Conduct surveys and inspections of public water systems to ensure compliance with State and Federal safe drinking water regulations.
• Provide on-site enforcement and guidance on violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to public water system operators and owners.
• Provide technical assistance to water system operators and owners on modifications necessary for water system compliance.
• Investigates complaints of potential health risks associated with a public water system.
• Attend public meetings to explain SDWA regulations and compliance requirements to public water system owners, local officials, and water consumers.
• Conduct inspections of new public water well sites to assist in determining suitability for both water quality and quantity.
• Oversee portions of the construction process of public water wells, storage facilities, distribution systems and water system facilities and assist with final inspections.
• Prepare technical reports of findings following water system surveys and inspections.
• Participate in developing coursework and provide instruction for water operators at conferences and in the classroom.
• Attend public functions to promote safe drinking water and education of the public relating to public water systems.
• Participate in diverse projects within the scope of the Department’s mission.
• Work independently.

Requirements/ Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in the physical sciences, natural sciences, environmental science, geology, biology, agronomy, civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or a related field. Experience may substitute for education or a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience operating a public water system, including work with water production, distribution, storage, and treatment facilities, with current licensure as a water operator desired.

Other (Required for this position):

• Must have the qualifications necessary to obtain a Grade I Water Operator license as listed in Title 179 NAC 10-005,01(3)(a, b, c, d) within four years of hire.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to provide independent transportation.
• Ability to travel overnight.
• Ability to lift 20 pounds.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrains and steep slopes.
• Ability to climb, bend and stoop.
• Ability to work Independently in the East Central area of the State (Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington Counties).
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Submit a resume with relevant information with your experience clearly listed as it pertains to this position
• Submit a current list of at least three professional references (previous employers) with valid telephone numbers and email

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of: General principles of hydrology, geology, engineering, mechanics, electricity, chemistry, and biology as they apply to the operation and evaluation of public water supply systems to include source water, treatment, storage, delivery, and protection of drinking water.

Skill in:  Communicating with individuals and groups with varying technical backgrounds to collect and relay information; prioritizing workloads: working independently.

Ability to:  Learn, interpret, and apply applicable Federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to safe drinking water; read and understand water system plans and specifications; understand necessary operation and maintenance procedures, assess potential public health risks; provide guidance and technical assistance to operators and local officials; and prepare written reports of findings.

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Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.