Environmental Specialist III - Augusta - 1279 (Anticipated Vacancy)

maine; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 35,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection seeks an Environmental Specialist III in Augusta for a full-time, year-round role overseeing the Overboard Discharge (OBD) Compliance Inspection Program. You will ensure licensed OBD systems are properly installed, operated, and maintained across Maine.

The position includes directing seasonal aides, reviewing compliance data, and providing technical guidance to permit holders and operators.

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.

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.

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.

Interested candidates need to submit a Direct Hire Application , along with a Cover Letter , and a detailed Resume*

*For us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

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.

For more information on the specifics of the position, please contact Ben Pendleton at: [phone].

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.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day.

We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Li