.
The Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Quality, Division of Water Quality Management, is seeking to fill an Environmental Specialist III vacancy in Augusta, Maine.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III
Opening Date: July 21, 2026
Closing Date: End of the day August 04, 2026
Location: Augusta
Position Number: 08330-1240
Position Type: Permanent Full Time/Year-Round
Class Code: 9253
Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical Unit)
Salary: $25.43 - $35.68 Per Hour*
Interested applicants need to submit a Direct Hire Application , along with a Cover Letter, and a detailed Resume.
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position is primarily responsible for the compliance, monitoring, and inspection of assigned wastewater facilities and other licensed and unlicensed discharges. Related duties include conducting and documenting regular inspections, reviewing data reports and plans, collaborating in related Department licensing and enforcement activities and communicating findings with Non-Compliance Review Committee and regulated community on water-related compliance matters. The ESIII participates in development of DWQM- related policy and procedure guidance and action plans as they apply within the scope of compliance activities. The ES III also provides leadership and management support and facilitates the Department's professional training and outreach efforts to the wastewater community. Other duties will include wastewater/water complaint response and resolution; review of and comment on Bureau of Land Resources (BLR) projects; assistance in ambient water quality monitoring and other field work, and other related duties as needed and assigned by the regional supervisor. This position periodically assists in the implementation of the Small Community Grant Program, Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) Program, Underground Injection Control Program and the Sand/Salt/Snow dump programs in the Region.
For more information on the specifics of the position, please contact Ben Pendleton at (207) 592-6871.
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 wastewater treatment facilities.
- Experience conducting regulatory compliance inspections.
- Knowledge of water quality laws and regulations.
- Knowledge of water pollution issues and science.
- Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and manage multiple projects.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Experience in technical writing.
- 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-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 ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 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 14.11% 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.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.
.
If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.
