Environmental Specialist II - Integrated Water Planning

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Water, Energy, and Environment - Agency 84 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $25.686 Job Posting: JR2026-00027206 Environmental Specialist II - Integrated Water Planning (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 06-30-2026 Job Description: We’re looking for the next great addition to the Integrated Water Planning Division (Division) at the Nebraska Department Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE). Do you have a passion for protecting Nebraska’s natural resources? Do you love knowing your work makes a difference in your community and state? Are you looking for a work environment that supports developing and applying new skills and technologies? Do you want to help implement Nebraska’s Water Quality and Quantity Task Force Goals in meaningful, measurable ways? Are you motivated by work that integrates water science, agricultural practices, planning, and stakeholder collaboration into real-world solutions? If you answered yes, then we might be the team for you! The Integrated Water Planning Division at DWEE consists of an enthusiastic group of dedicated planning and technical experts that work collaboratively with local, regional, state, and federal stakeholders on water quality and quantity projects throughout Nebraska. Our Division provides a supportive and collaborative work environment that offers many opportunities to learn and grow professionally. We are responsible for planning and implementation efforts for the following programs: • Integrated Water Management • Interstate Water Compacts, Decrees, and Agreements • Section 319 Nonpoint Source • Section 401 Certifications • Source Water Protection • Wellhead Protection • Water Quality Standards • Water Quality Integrated Report Benefits For You! • 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 Location: 245 Fallbrook Blvd – Suite #100 – Lincoln, NE Work schedule: Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Flexible schedule, 10-hour workdays allowed after six-month probation with management approval. For a complete listing of job duties, requirements, and to apply, go to statejobs.nebraska.gov 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! “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.” For a complete listing of job duties, requirements, and to apply, go to statejobs.nebraska.gov Job Duties: DWEE is seeking an Environmental Specialist II to support water quality and quantity programs through scientific analysis, program planning, data management, and stakeholder engagement. Success in this position requires a strong scientific foundation — including technical capability and sound scientific judgment — as well as the planning and communication skills needed to develop and implement the Division’s core programs. Examples of What You Will Do: Perform hydrogeological and water quality analyses, apply groundwater and watershed models, and interpret monitoring data to develop scientifically supported findings that inform planning, regulatory, and resource management decisions. Collect, organize, and review water quality and quantity datasets from multiple sources; integrate data, spatial analyses, and modeling results to evaluate trends, uncertainty, and program effectiveness. Use GIS tools to spatially analyze environmental conditions, trends and potential risks, review technical reports and data submittals for QA/QC and regulatory compliance, and develop figures to communicate scientific results. Perform technical components of water quality and quantity plan and program development, evaluation, and implementation across the Division’s core programs. Coordinate with project sponsors, NRDs, municipalities, utilities, and other partners to support plan development, track implementation, and ensure deliverable compliance. Review and evaluate grant applications, track deliverables, and prepare program outcome reports; contribute to operational workplans supporting statewide policy and Water Quality and Quantity Task Force goals. Maintain and manage large multi-source datasets, GIS-enabled databases and other data products; apply established metrics and benchmarking tools; and use programming tools (e.g., Python, ArcPy) to automate data processing and reporting workflows. Prepare and deliver presentations and written products — including technical reports, fact sheets, and outreach materials — for audiences ranging from technical colleagues to the general public. Represent DWEE at public meetings and outreach events; coordinate stakeholder engagement processes; manage workplans; and prepare meeting agendas, materials, and notes. 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, hydrology, community and regional planning, or a related field. Experience may substitute for education or a year-for-year basis. Preferred Qualifications: Hydrogeological analysis, including groundwater and surface water interaction studies Groundwater modeling (MODFLOW, particularly MODFLOW 6) Computer programming (Python, ArcPy, MATLAB, R, or Fortran) for data processing and automation GIS proficiency (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online) including spatial analysis and database management Writing and editing reports and other documentation Records and data organization and management Creating meeting materials such as agendas, handouts, and minutes Stakeholder input or public participation processes Creating figures to explain a complex concept Quantitative or qualitative data collection and analysis Natural resources or environmental planning Education and outreach Other (Required for this position): Some travel is required for this position, including occasional overnight travel. When not on approved, work-related travel, the employees’ work time will be completed at the DWEE’s Fallbrook office. Valid driver’s license or ability to provide independent transportation Ability to sit for long periods of time Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance; ability to work overtime or weekends if needed Submit a resume with detailed experience relevant to the position (in years and months) and a current list of at least three professional references with phone numbers and email DWEE will not sponsor non-immigrant work visas for this position Knowledge, Skills & Abilities The ideal candidate has: A strong foundation in hydrology, hydrogeology, and water quality science, with demonstrated ability to apply technical analytical tools — including GIS, groundwater modeling, and data management — to real-world water planning challenges. Can work independently to collect, analyze, and interpret complex environmental datasets; evaluate uncertainty; and develop well-supported findings that inform planning, regulatory, and resource management decisions. Able to translate that technical work into clear communication — whether through written reports, public presentations, or stakeholder coordination — across audiences ranging from technical colleagues to the general public. Has experience with natural resources planning, regulatory frameworks, and grant-funded programs is a plus, as is familiarity with Nebraska’s water laws, integrated management plans, and the agricultural systems that shape water quality and quantity across the state. If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: 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: 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. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans. Once you've had the opportunity to explore our current open positions, apply for those of interest to you. Click here for a video tutorial. Contact View email address on click.appcast.io for additional support. Check back on your candidate profile to see the status of your submitted applications, as well as any new postings that might interest you! Thank you for your interest in joining our team! State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!