Environmental Specialist

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking to fill an Environmental Specialist III vacancy in Augusta, Maine. ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III Opening Date: September 11, 2026 Closing Date: End of the day September 24, 2026 Location: Augusta Position Number: 08300-2188 Position Type: Permanent Full Time/Year-Round Class Code: 9253 Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical Unit) Salary: $25.43 - $35.68 Per Hour* (This includes a 7.33% Salary Adjustment). This is earning potential over the course of nine steps; new hires start at step one. Annual step increases are based on performance reviews and authorization of such increases. BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION This position serves as a project manager for the Department's ongoing PFAS investigation of sludge and septage land application sites. In this capacity, the position manages investigations, conducts research of historically licensed activities, handles public inquiries, compiles, and distributes sampling data, and develops, executes, and tracks contracts. This includes a combination of administration, planning, project management, remedial activities, and outreach assignments. This position combines office work and field activity. The position also assists with other project work as needed. Work is performed under limited supervision. For more information on the specifics of the position, please contact Margaret Watson-Pierce at: View email address on click.appcast.io MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 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. PREFERENCES Experience in environmental assessment and remediation. Experience reviewing applications and data under local, state, or federal requirements. Experience interacting with a variety of parties, such as the general public, municipal officials, the regulated community, and special interest groups. Ability to direct project teams and work well within a team environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in the transfer of technical information to a non-technical audience. Ability to identify and resolve problems independently. Demonstrated organizational skills. Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorships or STEM OPT extensions. BENEFITS Work-Life Balance - 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 ($12,213.60-$14,369.04 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. Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements . Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value). Retirement Plan - The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee. Gym Membership Reimbursement - Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness - The State #J-18808-Ljbffr