Environmental Manager
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats.
Role Overview:
As the Biologist, you will be responsible for serving within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and be responsible for the statewide application of professional biological knowledge and techniques to review aquatic vegetation control permit applications and assist in developing aquatic vegetation management plans for public waters in Indiana, as well as review fish stocking permits and scientific research permits for fish surveys.
The person in this position must have or be capable of obtaining a Category 5 Pesticide Applicator’s license from the Indiana State Chemist’s Office. This position must also maintain a high level of customer service for the issuance of permits and response to the public for questions about aquatic vegetation treatments and their effects on fish and wildlife, as well as fish stocking permits and fisheries surveys. This position requires the understanding of lake ecology, as well as the laws governing aquatic vegetation control permits, fish stocking permits, and scientific research permits. The incumbent must independently review permit applications and determine if the permit should be issued in compliance with laws and policies and issue approved permits, balancing ecological and social needs. The incumbent must manage the aquatic vegetation control permit database and fish stocking database, and review treatment reports for compliance. The incumbent aids customers in obtaining permits and answers questions from agency staff as well as the public on the control of aquatic vegetation in public waters and the potential effects on fish and wildlife resources, in addition to fish stocking permits.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Environmental Technical Advisory & Program Support
- Serves as an environmental expert and provides guidance to regulated communities, government officials, attorneys and staff responsible for a variety of programs and program elements.
- Conducts technical analysis and/or provides technical insights to assess environmental impacts with goals to meet state and national regulations.
- Provides technical and regulatory guidance to the regulated community in their assigned geographic area.
- Performs project management duties to ensure effective and timely management of program area needs, attends meetings, and responds to telephone calls, e-mails, etc., as required. Acts as a technical point-of-contact for assigned programs administering environmental programs which may include, but not limited to, environmental media sampling, data analysis, technical writing, work plan and report preparation, technical reviews, etc.
- Works to support the various programs in assigned agency in multiple capacities.
Permitting & Regulatory Review
- Researches state and federal guidance, laws, and regulations related to permits. Contacts applicants to request additional information to process applications, when necessary. Responds to comments from applicants, defends permit terms and conditions, and interacts with permittees to resolve permitting issues. Attends and participates in public meetings and hearings regarding permit actions throughout Indiana and/or appears in legal appeals of permit actions.
Regulatory Compliance & Field Operations
- Conducts surveys, inspections and investigations of facilities and sites, review projects/situations, reads plans, interprets findings, and cites appropriate violations of state and federal regulations. Provides technical and regulatory guidance to the regulated community in their assigned geographic area.
- Uses all compliance, enforcement tools, and resources available to ensure that regulated sources return to compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and standards in a timely manner.
- Assists with the preparation of sampling and analysis work plans. Conducts field work as necessary following agency/section Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for assigned sites.
- Communicates effectively with responsible parties, consultants, and/or their representatives, affected stakeholders, and interested parties such as citizens, public officials, and interest groups in a courteous and professional manner regarding permits, laws, questions, and program-related inquiries.
The position involves routine travel to conduct inspections, investigations, and field reporting at regulated sites. Work hours may vary to meet operational demands and ensure efficient completion of assignments. The employee attends occasional meetings or events at the agency office.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
- Broad knowledge of theories, environmental protection principles and practices, specialty area, and program area.
- Thorough knowledge of chemistry, biology, hydrology, mathematics, engineering, and other environmental sciences as they relate to program area.
- Thorough knowledge of soil, water, air sampling, laboratory analysis and interpretation as it relates to program area.
- Ability to conduct surveys, inspections and investigations of facilities and sites, review projects/situations, read plans, interpret findings, and make recommendations.
- Ability to prepare documents for administrative and regulatory action.
- Excellent research and writing skills for preparing accurate, precise, clear, and thorough reports.
- Ability to effectively interact and orally communicate with parties with diverse levels of environmental expertise particularly for purposes of meetings, hearings, and negotiating critically sensitive issues.
- Ability to interpret and apply legal terminology and practices, and the ability to apply these in a variety of conditions and situations.
A degree is not required. However, at least five (5) years of environmental or environmental public health experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis
