Environmental Specialist III - Presque Isle

Department of Environmental Protection; Presque Isle (ME); On-site; USD 37,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Environmental Protection in Presque Isle seeks an Environmental Specialist III to join our Solid Materials Management Unit. You will conduct licensing, compliance, and assistance work for various solid waste facilities and programs, supporting regulatory activities across Maine.

The role covers ~50 licensed sites, complaint response, and collaboration across municipal areas. Strong communication, project management, and regulatory knowledge are essential; contact Eric Hamlin for

Qualifications

• Six-year combination of education/experience in environmental, biological, physical science, or engineering, including two years of environmental work.
• Qualifying education must include at least 15 credit hours of science or engineering coursework from an accredited institution.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage several projects with different deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Solid waste and/or regulatory experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct licensing, compliance and assistance work related to beneficial use activities and solid waste facilities (landfills, transfer stations, processing facilities, incinerators).
• Perform compliance and assistance work related to non-hazardous waste transporter program, biomedical waste program, and fire department training burns.
• Manage ~50 licensed sites/projects for the Solid Materials Management Unit and support multiple licenses/activities.
• Respond to and resolve complaints at unregulated and licensed sites/facilities across over 100 municipalities and unorganized townships.
• Assist with solid waste training sessions and other department projects as needed.

Skills

Excellent oral and written comms

Strong interpersonal skills

Project management

Regulatory experience preferred

Education

15 credit hours in science/engineering coursework

Two years environmental experience

Job description

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking an Environmental Specialist III to join our office in Presque Isle.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III Opening Date: November 5, 2026 Closing Date: End of day November 20, 2026 Location: Presque Isle Position Number: 08320-1570 Position Type: Full-Time Class Code: 9253 Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical Unit) Salary: $26.57 - $37.29 Per Hour* *(This includes a 7.33% Salary Adjustment)

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position conducts licensing, compliance and assistance work related to beneficial use activities, and several types of solid waste facilities including landfills, transfer stations, processing facilities and municipal solid waste incinerators. The position also performs compliance and assistance work related to the non-hazardous waste transporter program, the biomedical waste program, and authorization for fire department training burns. The position is currently responsible for approximately 50 licensed sites/projects for the Solid Materials Management Unit, several of which hold multiple separate licenses/activities. The position is also responsible for complaint response and resolution both at unregulated sites and licensed sites/facilities with the coverage area including over 100 municipalities and numerous unorganized townships. The position assists with solid waste training sessions and may assist with other project work throughout the Department as needed. For more information on the specifics of the position, please contact Eric Hamlin at: [phone] or [e-mail].

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.

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.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage several projects with different deadlines at the same time and adapt to rapidly changing priorities
• Solid waste and/or regulatory experience is preferred but not required

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.

• 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 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.