Drinking Water Data Specialist

Augusta , Maine , United States | Life Physical Sciences | Full-time

Apply by: April 16, 2024

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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)Environmental Specialist IIIOpening Date: April 2, 2024Closing Date: April 16, 2024Job Class Code: 9253

Grade: 04-23 (Pro / Tech)

Salary: $47,840.00 - $65,542.40 / yr.Position Number: 2000-4085Position Location: This is a full-time position located in Augusta. This opportunity allows partial telework with management approval.

Limited Period PositionThe Maine CDC, Drinking Water Program (DWP), is seeking an Environmental Specialist III to provide technical support and assistance in implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) rules and regulations. The Drinking Water Program is tasked with overseeing over 1900 public drinking water systems throughout Maine, administering federal and state safe drinking water regulations to ensure that water systems provide safe, secure, and reliable drinking water.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This position is responsible for data management that is specifically designed to provide technical support and assistance to Drinking Water Program staff and public water systems related to the laws, rules and regulations associated with the Safe Drinking Water Act, environmental issues, and public health.

Core Responsibilities

• Provides oversight and support for staff using the Safe Water Information Field Tool (SWIFT) and other contracted software.

• Provides oversight and support for staff in the use of GPS and GIS, including training, troubleshooting, and managing the DWP’s GIS database.

• Creates queries to provide data and QA/QC.

• Provides guidance and assistance to staff on database-related issues-this includes, but is not limited to, developing standard operating procedures, creating and conducting training seminars and technical assistance on database organization and workflow issues.

• Provides advice and recommendations for policy changes, particularly those related to use of GPS/GIS.

• Coordinates point of contact changes, including QA/QC of changes made.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:(Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).

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.

Preferred candidates will also have:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Knowledge of issues related to water and water pollution.

• Knowledge of biological, physical, geological, engineering, ecological and/or chemical principles.

• Knowledge of standard lab procedures as well as chemicals and chemical characteristics.

• Knowledge of environmental sampling/monitoring/testing methods and practices.

• Ability to create and maintain MS Access applications and manage database connections and links.

• Ability to create process flows and translate this information to a user-friendly technical document.

• Ability to develop/implement training sessions related to drinking water data.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to make recommendations related to changes in procedures, policies, rules and regulations.

• Ability to troubleshoot data problems and find solutions.

• Ability to offer remote computer assistance to field staff.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations applicable to drinking water and the Maine DWP.

• Knowledge of SDWIS (State Drinking Water Information System), the Drinking Water Program’s database of record, SWIFT, and Tracker.

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.

Agency information:

TheDepartment of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

For additional information about this position, please contact Robin Frost, Data Management and Program Support Manager, at (207) 287-8411.

*To apply , please upload a resume and cover letter with your application. Please submit all documents or files in PDF format. To request a paper application, please contact [email protected] .

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

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 Fit – 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 ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 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.

Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

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—receivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act .

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

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.