Environmental Specialist III - Augusta - 1279 (Anticipated Vacancy)

Department of Environmental Protection; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 53,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Environmental Protection in Augusta is seeking an Environmental Specialist III to administer the Overboard Discharge (OBD) Compliance Inspection Program, ensuring that the roughly 649 licensed OBD systems operate in accordance with their licenses and state requirements.

You will lead inspections, coordinate seasonal staff, manage compliance data, and support enforcement actions throughout licensing, operation, and removal, while collaborating across disciplines to protect water

Qualifications

• Six years combined education and/or experience in environmental, biological, physical science, or engineering with two years in environmental work.
• Qualifying education must include at least 15 credit hours of science or engineering coursework.
• Preference for experience with overboard discharge systems, wastewater treatment plants, or septic systems.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and ability to manage statewide inspection program.
• Experience conducting regulatory compliance inspections.
• Knowledge of water quality laws and regulations.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively in writing and speech.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and manage the annual OBD compliance inspection program, including on-site and offshore inspections and follow-up activities.
• Direct, train, and oversee seasonal Conservation Aides for the OBD inspection program.
• Monitor and manage OBD compliance, review data and reports, and prepare enforcement actions.
• Provide technical assistance to permit holders and contract operators on system operation and permit requirements.
• Maintain OBD program records and coordinate with Licensing and Enforcement Units.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Science/engineering coursework (15 credits)

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

Opening Date: September 25, 2026 Closing Date: End of the day October 16, 2026

Location: Augusta

Position Number: 08330-1279

Position Type: 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:

The position is primarily responsible for administering the Maine DEP Overboard Discharge (OBD) Compliance Inspection Program and ensuring that approximately 649 licensed OBD systems are properly installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with their licenses and applicable Department requirements throughout the State. The position works with OBD license holders, contract operators, municipal and public officials, and Department staff throughout the life cycle of each system, from licensing and renewal through operation, compliance, enforcement, and eventual removal.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct and manage the annual OBD compliance inspection program, including planning and conducting on-site and offshore inspections, investigating complaints, documenting findings, and coordinating follow-up activities.
• Direct, train, and oversee seasonal Conservation Aides responsible for supporting the OBD inspection program, including participation in their seasonal hiring, training, and assignment of field work.
• Monitor and manage OBD compliance, including review and maintenance of compliance data, Discharge Monitoring Reports, and preparation of compliance and enforcement actions.
• Provide technical assistance and regulatory guidance to OBD permit holders and contract operators regarding system operation, maintenance, permit requirements, corrective actions, and system removal.
• Maintain and administer OBD program records and systems, including inspection and compliance data in the Maine Enterprise Licensing System, and coordinate with the Licensing and Enforcement Units to support effective implementation of the OBD program.

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.
• Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills or experience:
• Experience/knowledge of the design and operations of overboard discharge systems, wastewater treatment plants or traditional subsurface septic systems.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to independently manage a statewide inspection program, prioritize competing responsibilities, and meet regulatory and reporting deadlines.
• Experience conducting regulatory compliance inspections.
• Knowledge of water quality laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of water pollution issues.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently in remote or challenging locations.
• Demonstrated skill identifying and resolving issues through collaboration across disciplines to support a high-functioning team.
• Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorships or STEM OPT extensions.

Benefits:

• 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 of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• 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 forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Equal Opportunity / Diversity Statement

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.

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Why Join Us?

We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package and a workplace that allows you to 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.