Surface Water Monitoring Project Manager

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Wellness program

Paid leave

Education reimbursement

Free parking

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

State of Indiana seeks a Surface Water Monitoring Project Manager to lead field and lab activities for water quality monitoring. The role requires independent work in the Watershed Assessment and Planning Branch, with duties ranging from sample collection to data interpretation and reporting.

This position emphasizes environmental science, aquatic ecology, GIS and data analysis, with travel across Indiana and collaboration with regulated communities, government officials and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of environmental or environmental public health experience.
• Broad knowledge of chemistry, biology, hydrology, mathematics and environmental sciences.
• Ability to conduct surveys and investigations of sites and review projects.
• Excellent writing and communication skills for reports and guidance.
• Willingness to perform field sampling and travel within Indiana up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Serve as environmental expert guiding regulated communities and authorities.
• Project management to ensure timely program delivery and technical reviews.
• Support multiple programs within the agency in various capacities.
• Prepare sampling/analysis work plans and conduct field work.
• Provide technical analyses to assess environmental impacts and compliance.
• Coordinate outreach with stakeholders and applicants.

Skills

Environmental science

Aquatic ecology

Field sampling

Data analysis

Communication

Tools

ArcGIS

R programming

Microsoft tools

Power Platform

Job description

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Surface Water Monitoring Project Manager

Date Posted: Sep 30, 2026

Requisition ID: 484554

Location:

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46219

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM):

Our mission is to implement federal and state regulations to protect human health and the environment while allowing the environmentally sound operations of industrial, agricultural, commercial, and governmental activities vital to a prosperous economy. We issue air, water, and solid and hazardous waste permits that restrict discharges to environmentally safe levels. Staff members inspect and monitor regulated entities; provide compliance and technical assistance; monitor and assess air, land, and water quality; use enforcement actions as necessary to ensure compliance; and respond to incidents involving spills to soil or waters of the state.

Role Overview:

This Environmental Manager 2 position exists within the Targeted Monitoring Section, Watershed Assessment and Planning Branch, Office of Water Quality. This role serves as a specialist in environmental science, especially aquatic ecology, and is skillful in work groups focused on production of quality deliverables. Performs field, laboratory, and office duties described in IDEM's Water Quality Monitoring Strategy, especially with the collection of water chemistry, E. coli and algae from rivers, streams and lakes, for assessing the aquatic life use in Indiana's waters. The role is responsible for Watershed Characterization and Performance Monitoring annual projects, working independently and without direct supervision to collect samples, take field parameter measurements, obtain GPS data and complete other relevant field duties with attention to detail, accuracy, thoroughness, and following proper procedures as outlined in the Watershed Assessment and Planning Branch standard operating procedures and IDEM policies. The role is also responsible for all programmatic related activities, including sample collection, data management, planning, and data assessments. This job requires field work and travel within Indiana 25% of the time.

Other job requirements include a thorough knowledge of chemical, physical, and biological sampling methodology, including sampling medias such as water and algal communities. The ability to conceptualize, coordinate, implement and conduct surveys, investigations of waterbodies, review projects, and interpret findings. Proficient in communicating the data and information to a wide variety of customers using verbal, electronic, and writing techniques. The work may involve physical exertion from moving and carrying light to heavy equipment and sampling gear to and from the office into the field to collect the environmental samples under a wide range of weather conditions. The ability to recognize potentially dangerous situations and take appropriate action to solve problems. The job entails regular use of analytical tools such as ArcGIS, R-programming language, Microsoft tools and Power Platform tenants. Incumbent is responsible for proper operation and maintenance of State-owned property, such as State vehicles, watercraft, laboratory, field sampling, and personal protection equipment.

This position requires a valid IN driver's license.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Serves as an environmental expert and provides guidance to regulated communities, government officials, attorneys and staff responsible for a variety of programs and program elements.
• Project Management: Performs project management duties to ensure effective and timely management of program area needs, attends meetings, and responds to telephone calls, e-mails, etc., as required. Acts as a technical point-of-contact for assigned programs administering environmental programs which may include, but not limited to, environmental media sampling, data analysis, technical writing, work plan and report preparation, technical reviews, etc.
• Support Services: Works to support the various programs in assigned agency in multiple capacities.
• Sampling: Assists with the preparation of sampling and analysis work plans. Conducts field work as necessary following agency/section Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for assigned sites.
• Technical Analysis & Testing: Conducts technical analysis and/or provides technical insights to assess environmental impacts with goals to meet state and national regulations.
• Outreach Coordination: Communicates effectively with responsible parties, consultants, and/or their representatives, affected stakeholders, and interested parties such as citizens, public officials, and interest groups in a courteous and professional manner regarding permits, laws, questions, and program-related inquiries.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Broad knowledge of theories, environmental protection principles and practices, specialty area, and program area.
• Thorough knowledge of chemistry, biology, hydrology, mathematics, and other environmental sciences as they relate to program area.
• Thorough knowledge of soil, water, laboratory analysis and interpretation as it relates to program area.
• Ability to conduct surveys and investigations of sites, review projects/situations, read work plans, interpret findings, and make recommendations.
• Ability to prepare documents for administrative and regulatory action.
• Excellent research and writing skills for preparing accurate, precise, clear, and thorough reports.
• Ability to effectively interact and orally communicate with parties with diverse levels of environmental expertise particularly for purposes of meetings, hearings, and negotiating critically sensitive issues.
• Ability to interpret and apply legal terminology and practices, and the ability to apply these in a variety of conditions and situations.

A degree is not required. However, at least five (5) years of environmental or environmental public health experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b)account (similar to401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan optionsA robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .