Drinking Water Rules Lead Specialist

at State of Maine, Bureau of Human Resources in Augusta, Maine, United States

Job Description

Drinking Water Rules Lead Specialist

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)Environmental Specialist IIIOpening Date: February 24, 2023Closing Date: March 10, 2023Job Class Code: 9253

Grade: 23 (Pro/Tech)

Salary: $45,136.00 – $60,881.60 / yr.Position Number: 02032-1923Limited Period Position

Position Location: This is a full-time, limited period position located in Augusta. The position is authorized for three years, and the program will be requesting conversion to permanent status. This opportunity allows partial telework with management approval.

The Maine CDC, Drinking Water Program, is looking for an Environmental Specialist III to provide technical support and assistance in implementing the rules and regulations associated with lead in drinking water. The Drinking Water Program is tasked with overseeing public drinking water systems throughout Maine, administering federal and state safe drinking water regulations. The Drinking Water Program works with more than 1900 public water systems to help ensure that they provide safe, secure, and reliable drinking water.

This position will be responsible for understanding and interpreting rules and regulations pertaining to lead in drinking water, in Public Water Systems and in schools. The purpose of this position is to protect public health and ensure safe drinking water by coordinating activities to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. This knowledge will be used to assist public water systems, schools, drinking water program staff and other interested parties in understanding the regulations, and ensuring compliance with all necessary rule requirements. This position will be involved in the State Lead in Schools project as well as in the understanding, interpretation, and implementation of the new revisions to the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR).

Core Responsibilities

As a key member of the Drinking Water Program, your core responsibilities will include:

+ Determining if schools and childcare facilities comply with the inventory, sampling, mitigation and public notification requirements of the State Lead in Schools rule.

+ Determining if public water system (PWS) comply with state and federal lead rules/regulations.

+ Determining/assisting in the necessary next steps once a standard is exceeded.

+ Determining how information and data results will be disseminated.

+ Developing tools to improve communication with schools, public water systems and the public.

+ Determine whether policies/procedures should be reviewed/updated.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

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 candidateswill also have:

+ Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules and regulations related to drinking water.

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

+ Knowledge of issues related to water and water pollution.

+ Knowledge of biological, chemical, physical, geological, ecological and/or engineering principles as well as water chemistry and treatment processes.

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

+ Knowledge of environmental sampling and testing methods and practices.

+ Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

+ Ability to develop and implement training related to rules and regulations.

+ Ability to develop tools to assist with understanding and implementing rule requirements.

+ Ability to read and interpret complex rules and regulations and share that knowledge in an easily understood format.

+ Ability to utilize rule knowledge to make recommendations to changes in procedures, policies, rules and regulations.

+ Ability to work well in a team environment and be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Agency information:

The Department 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 Amilyn Stillings, Senior Health Program Manager, at (207) 287-6472.

*To apply,please upload a resume and cover letter with your application.

*In your cover letter, you must provide the following information:

1) explain what prior education and/or experience you have had doing the elements under “Job Description,” above; and

2) explain which, if any, of the attributes under “Preferred candidates will have” section, above.

Benefits

+ 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 ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 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 ($350.40 annual value).

+ Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16 % 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 four weeks of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family