Natural Resource Inspector

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, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indianas citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. The Division of Water collects, maintains, and provides water resource information. This includes administering surface and groundwater resource assessments, alleviating flood disaster damages, regulating floodplain areas, reviewing dam and levee projects, and educating the community about water efforts and conservation.

Role Overview:

This position will cover the northern region (1/4) of the state, therefore the candidate should be stationed in the northern part of the state. The location of this position may be flexible and decided upon hiring. Work will consist of a mix of office, field, and remote work with required check-ins to the Division of Waters Indianapolis office at least monthly.

In this position, you will be in charge of inspections and management of compliance issues, along with various public assistance issues, within your assigned region of the state. This may entail at least one or two days of field work a week, or as necessary. You will need to be able to interpret laws, regulations, and policies, especially those related to the Flood Control Act, Lake Preservation Act, and other statutes administered by the Division of Water. The Division of Water does not specifically handle water quality issues or water sampling, but deals with flooding/floodplain related construction and issues. You will utilize various mapping tools and interpret plans and maps while researching compliance of projects and determining possible enforcement actions. Regular communication and coordination with various local, state, and federal agencies is extremely important in this position. Strong communication skills and database file management skills are necessary.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Perform field inspections, document findings, and prepare accurate inspection reports to determine compliance with contract documents and the environmental protection performance standards of state and federal laws.
• Conduct inspections to ensure compliance with relevant contacts and permit requirements.
• Conduct technical reviews of permit applications and permit revisions.
• Communicate issues found in the field with contractors and agency personnel, clearly and objectively.
• Gather evidence for investigations, initiate violation investigation files while cooperating with appropriate personnel, and prepare notices of violation.
• Assess the impacts of violations and make recommendations needed to mitigate a violation.
• Maintain and update investigation, compliance, and enforcement information databases.
• Conduct field sampling, analyze data, and make recommendations for remediation strategies.
• Aid in the development, design, and management of construction projects.
• Prepare data and information on technical and administrative operations.
• Seek coordination and cooperation on projects and programs.
• Provide compliance assistance by reviewing proposed construction projects and explaining the applicable permitting requirements to property owners, consultants, and various government officials.
• Interpret and enforce laws, regulations, and policies.
• Assist in the review, revision, and development of standards, regulations, and procedures.
• Attend meetings, seminars, and workshops to disseminate information, review procedures, and learn new methods and techniques.
• Conduct liaison activities providing technical assistance, public outreach, and coordination.
• Testify as an expert witness at administrative hearings and court proceedings.
• Assist department legal staff in litigation.
• Respond to requests from other agencies, industry, and the general public regarding compliance and technical objectives of the division.
• Respond to emergency situations (i.e. spills, fires, blowouts) and coordinate actions with other local, state, and federal agencies and communicate orally and in writing with the central office.

The job profile 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 Youll Need for Success:

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

• Knowledge and skill typically acquired through a Bachelor's degree in engineering, agriculture, natural resources, environmental sciences, construction management/technology, or physical sciences from an accredited college or a degree in a related field plus comparable work experience.
• Be willing to travel with reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to organize and conduct inspections in a professional manner, while applying regulations to the specific situation, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations.
• Ability to document field inspections in an accurate, complete, and concise manner.
• Ability to use technical field equipment.
• Working knowledge of computers, databases, and common software.
• Knowledge of the theories, practices, and principles as they relate to the position.
• General knowledge of State and federal laws and regulations pertaining to area of responsibility and the ability to interpret and apply them.
• Knowledge of agency policy, procedure, and objectives.
• Ability to prepare documents for administrative and regulatory action.
• Ability to coordinate and interpret complex construction documents, maps, plans, and technical data.
• Specialized knowledge of chemistry, biology, mathematics, and other environmental sciences for the identification and mitigation of potential toxic materials and environmental impacts.
• Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas orally and in writing, including technical writing and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and as an effective contributing member in a teamwork environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to mentor and supervise staff with less training.
• Ability to work outside under extreme weather conditions.

A degree is not required.

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

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

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 to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A 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

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

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 jobs@spd.IN.gov.