Environmental Specialist IV - 1802 - Augusta

Department of Environmental Protection; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 64,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Holidays

Vacation Leave

Job summary

Department of Environmental Protection in Augusta, ME seeks an Environmental Specialist IV to supervise the CCR Unit, review work products for accuracy, and participate in hearings and negotiations. The role requires strong leadership, policy insight, and rigorous record-keeping across department programs.

You will oversee damage claims related to oil discharges, guide staff, and contribute to cost recovery and billing efficiencies, with a comprehensive benefits package and a stable year-round

Qualifications

• Eight-year combined education/experience in environmental science, incl. 2+ years supervisory/program management experience.
• At least 15 science/engineering credit hours must be included in qualifying education.
• Experience guiding applicants to federal/state/local programs and interpreting laws related to petroleum/hazardous substances.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the Department-wide Collections & Cost Recovery Unit and review unit work for clarity and compliance.
• Represent the Department at public hearings and meetings; negotiate resolutions of complex situations.
• Oversee case tracking and official record-keeping per Department practices.
• Assist Division Director in policy development and departmental efficiency efforts.
• Provide training and guidance regarding the Maine Ground and Surface Waters Clean-up and Response Fund.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Program management

Oral and written communication

Policy guidance

Record-keeping and documentation

Education

Environmental science/related field experience

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST IV Opening Date: October 27, 2026 Closing Date: End of the day November 10, 2026 Location: Augusta Position Number: 08300-1802 Position Type: Full Time/Year-Round Class Code: 9254 Grade: 26 (Supervisory) Salary: $63,960.00 - $90,480.00 Per Year* *(This includes a 2.5% Salary Adjustment). This is earning potential over the course of nine steps; new hires generally 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, 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

This position supervises the Department-wide Collections & Cost Recovery Unit. The CCR Unit focuses on billing, collections and resolving environmental damage claims across all Department program areas. The position is responsible for reviewing recommendations and final work products of the unit for clarity and consistency with statute, rules and established policies. This position will represent the Department at public hearings and meetings as needed and is often called upon to negotiate resolutions of complex situations. The position will deal with the general public and the regulated industry and can involve working in stressful and time-sensitive situations. The position will oversee the tracking and proper record-keeping of all cases. Assists Division Director in development of policies and guidance for use by unit staff and identifying and implementing efficiencies in the Department’s cost recovery and billing efforts. The position is also responsible for overseeing third party damage claims and eligible clean-up costs resulting from oil discharges and provides overall guidance and training to Department staff regarding the Maine Ground and Surface Waters Clean-up and Response Fund Program.

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• An eight (8) year combination of education and/or experience in environmental science or related area which includes at least two (2) years of supervisory or program management/administration experience. Qualifying education must include at least 15 credit hours of science or engineering coursework.
• Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills or experience: Experience in providing guidance and assistance to potential applicants to federal, state, or local programs. Experience applying federal and state laws and rules concerning management of petroleum products or hazardous substances. Experience interviewing potential responsible parties and investigating releases of petroleum or other hazardous substances. Experience working with a variety of interested parties, such as other state agencies, the public, municipalities, the regulated community, and legal counsel. Experience in collections or account management. Excellent judgement and independent management skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize cases. Documented ability to stay organized and maintain official records in accordance with Department record-keeping practices. Experience in oral and written communication of technical information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Current staff we 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-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.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can 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. 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.

About Us

Join Maine State Government and Make a Difference in Your Community. If you're looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to serve the public and make a difference, consider working with Maine State Government! Our departments boast an array of professions, including attorneys, biologists, correctional officers, equipment operators, engineers, human resources professionals, information technology experts, law enforcement officers, nurses, park rangers, social workers, and transportation workers. With more than 100 agencies, boards, and offices, Maine State Government is the perfect place to explore various industries and interests. Whether you're interested in finance or forestry, there's an opportunity for you to help make Maine an even better place to live.