Job description

DRINKING WATER PROTECTION SPECIALIST

DESCRIPTION: Under the general supervision and direction of the Water Resources Coordinator, the employee will coordinate, supervise, and carry out the development and implementation of drinking water protection projects and programs for public and private water supplies, coordinate with other entities involved in drinking water protection (i.e. public water suppliers, Nebraska Dept. of Environment and Energy, University of Nebraska, etc.), assist with implementation of the District Groundwater Management Plan and Groundwater Rules and Regulations, and assist as needed with other District water-related projects and programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (The employee may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all of the duties that may be assigned.):

Work with multiple partners to protect, manage, and develop drinking water sources within the Lower Platte South Natural Resource District (LPSNRD).

Manage Community Water System Protection Area (CWSPA) program under LPSNRD Groundwater Management Plan, including coordinating Phase II and Phase III Verification Studies.

Work with approximately 30 CWSPAs to communicate with local governments and communities, producers, businesses, and private citizens to promote effective protection and management of drinking water sources.

Participate in nitrogen certification training for producers in CWSPAs, including analysis and development of training techniques.

Facilitate partnerships with local extension partners, community leaders, LPSNRD, agencies, and other partners to identify needs and resources for CWSPAs.

Promote LPSNRD cost share programs within the CWSPAs and lead efforts to enroll agricultural producers and others in those programs.

Facilitate public meetings under the program and ensure that community boards are kept informed of LPSNRD actions in drinking water protection.

Use innovative strategies to coordinate with partners to educate producers and the general public about cost share programs and drinking water programs.

Work with each community within the LPSNRD to develop communication tools and a messaging strategy for drinking water protection as well as possibly developing and implementing Wellhead/Drinking Water Protection Plans for those communities.

Work with District staff including Water Resources Specialist, Water Resources Compliance Specialist, Water Resources Conservationist, Water Resources Technician, and occasionally work with/supervise part-time employees and interns on drinking water and groundwater related issues.

Work with Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment Coordinator, providing staff review, assistance, and input on projects involving drinking water protection.

Participate in the District’s groundwater monitoring programs, inspection and permitting responsibilities for chemigation, well decommissioning program, water well permits, groundwater compliance activities, and BMP programs for groundwater specifically as they relate to CWSPAs and drinking water.

Provide input and support on revision and implementation of the District’s Groundwater Management Plan and Groundwater Rules and Regulations, annual Groundwater Management Plan Review and other associated documents and reports, annual Integrated Management Report updates, and other water-related publications specifically as they relate to CWSPAs and drinking water.

Provide input on annual budget recommendations for District drinking water management activities/responsibilities.

Provide technical and administrative support to appropriate District subcommittees.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS REQUIRED (These may be acquired on the job and are needed to perform the work assigned.):

Nebraska statues and regulations regarding groundwater and NRD groundwater responsibilities;

General geology and groundwater geology/occurrence/characteristics;

Groundwater monitoring and sampling techniques;

Analysis and interpretation of groundwater quality and quantity data and related scientific information;

Inspection techniques as related to groundwater programs;

General public, agricultural, and industrial issues as related to groundwater quality and use;

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in geology, water science, natural resources, environmental science, or related field, or five years’ equivalent work experience.

Ability to: work effectively with communities and drinking water suppliers, agricultural producers, businesses, schools, and individual citizens on matters involving drinking water; write and administer grants; and communicate effectively in writing and speaking at all levels.

Skills in: water monitoring and sampling equipment and techniques; basic technical and statistical analysis of scientific data; basic geographic/mapping/spatial analysis; presentation of program/project information to a variety of audiences; managing and administering multi-year plans, contracts, grants, agreements, etc.

Must have a valid Nebraska Driver’s License

Must have a Water Well Monitoring Technician, Water Well Contractor, or similar water well certification through Nebraska Dept. of Environment & Energy (must obtain within six months of employment if not already certified)

Physical: Must be able to lift a minimum of twenty (20) pounds; work varied hours when required, to include job-related evening meetings.

Position Classification: Full-time/salary/exempt.

The closing date for applications will be June 5, 2023 at 4:30pm. If interested, please submit a letter of interest and resume to the attention of Kristin Buntemeyer, Lower Platte South NRD, P.O. Box 83581, Lincoln, NE 68501-3581 or email to jobs@lpsnrd.org. For further information please contact LPSNRD at (402) 476-2729.

The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Search Engine Keywords

Drinking water

Geology/groundwater geology

Groundwater/groundwater protection

Best management practices

Agriculture/agricultural

Natural resources

Environmental/environmental science

Monitoring/groundwater monitoring

Wellhead Protection

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Lincoln, NE 68521: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

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