Environmental Specialist III - Augusta - 2204 (Anticipated Vacancy)

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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III

-ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

Opening Date: May 06, 2026

Closing Date: End of day May 19, 2026

Location: Augusta

Position Number: 08300-2204

Position Type: Permanent Full Time

Class Code: 9253

Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical Unit)

Salary: $25.43 - $35.68 Per Hour*

• (This includes a 7.33% Salary Adjustment). This is earning potential over the course of nine steps; new hires will start at step 01. Annual step increases are based on performance reviews and authorization of such increases.

Interested candidates need to complete and submit an online Direct Hire Application , Cover Letter , and a detailed Resume.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This is professional services work involved in the development and implementation of programs overseen by the Department’s Sustainability Unit. This position will work closely with another Environmental Specialist III position to continue implementation and administration of the stewardship program for packaging program and may also assist other stewardship and recycling programs within the Unit. Continued implementation will include participation in the selection of the stewardship organization (“SO”) and provide oversight of the selected SO. Administration and enforcement of the program will require working with staff, stakeholders, and the SO to provide education and outreach statewide; facilitate municipal participation and municipal data collection; provide compliance assistance to producers and other program stakeholders; provide oversight, administration, and enforcement of alternative collection programs; organize, schedule, and facilitate ongoing stakeholder meetings for annual program processes; develop, analyze, and review annual reports from program participants as well as assist with the development of the program’s own annual report and ongoing program assessment.

Work is performed under limited supervision; however, this position works closely with another Environmental Specialist III position assigned to the program. For more information about the program, visit the Department’s website: https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html

For more information on the specifics of this position, please contact Brian Beneski at: (207) 592-0248 or Brian.Beneski@maine.gov

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:

• Knowledge of Maine's municipal solid waste management programs and systems.
• Knowledge of extended producer responsibility and product stewardship programs.
• Proficiency in understanding, interpreting, and synthesizing information from multiple, complex texts to infer meaning and draw conclusions.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Sound judgement and decision making.
• Demonstrated willingness to take initiative and action.
• Cooperative and collaborative.
• Organized with good time management skills.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship 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.

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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.