Environmental Compliance Specialist II

Introduction

Join the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to contribute to protecting and conserving the state's air, water, and land resources, enhancing public health and environmental quality. MDE envisions sustainable, thriving ecosystems and communities across Maryland.

Position Location and Grade

This role is based at the Maryland Department of the Environment's Land and Materials Administration, Resource Management Program’s Animal Feeding Operations (AFO) Compliance Unit located at 120 Broadway Street, Suite 13, Centreville, MD 21617. The position is classified as Grade 15.

Main Purpose of Job

The Environmental Compliance Specialist II will conduct inspections focused on enforcing compliance at animal feeding operations. The responsibilities include evaluating, advising, and ensuring best management practices are applied to both production areas and land application sites of AFOs. The role also involves enforcing the General Discharge Permit and other environmental regulations safeguarding human health and the environment.

Working Conditions

• Work may involve exposure to uncomfortable or harsh environments.
• Visits to agricultural production sites including waste handling and storage areas.
• Mandatory use of personal protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, hearing safeguards, steel-toed shoes, hard hats, and masks during site inspections.
• Strict biosecurity measures to prevent contamination between AFOs; use of biohazard gear at some facilities may be necessary.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions throughout site visits.
• Use of state vehicles is required; applicants with out-of-state licenses must provide certified driving records. Drivers must maintain a driving record with no more than five points.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have at least five years’ experience working in environmental regulatory compliance covering multiple domains such as water pollution control, sediment and erosion management, wetlands, flood control, stormwater management, various mining operations, air quality control, waste management, hazardous waste, and oil spill control.

Substitutions for experience include:

• Sixty credit hours from an accredited institution, including thirty credit hours in related disciplines (earth science, environmental science, geology, civil/environmental engineering, biology, chemistry, agronomy, forestry, or related fields) plus two years’ inspection or investigation experience for four years of the required experience.
• A bachelor’s degree in relevant fields plus one year of related environmental compliance experience.
• Military service as an Environmental Engineering or Natural Resources officer may substitute on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or agricultural/environmental science.
• Two to four years of agricultural inspection or compliance experience.
• Strong background in agriculture and livestock.
• Proficient computer skills.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must hold a valid Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license if duties require vehicle operation.
• May need certification or licensing specific to environmental compliance fields as assigned.

Special Requirements

Employees are subject to call-in situations and must provide reachable phone contact information.

Selection Process

Candidates must thoroughly complete applications and supplemental questionnaires by the deadline, providing clear evidence of qualifications. Incomplete or minimal responses will be disqualified. Applications are scored and the top candidates placed on an eligibility list valid for at least one year. Educational credentials from outside the U.S. require evaluation by approved agencies before hiring.

Legal Employment

Candidates must be legally authorized to work under U.S. Immigration laws.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling and telework options for many roles.
• Complimentary mass transit in Baltimore and Annapolis.
• Generous paid leave increasing with service tenure.
• Paid holidays.
• Health insurance with low out-of-pocket costs.
• Contributory pension plan with employee and employer participation.

Additional Instructions

Applying online is preferred. Paper applications and questionnaires may be emailed or mailed by the closing date. Resumes alone are not accepted. For inquiries, contact the Maryland Department of the Environment recruitment office. Maryland values diversity and encourages veterans, persons with disabilities, and bilingual candidates to apply. The department strives to foster an inclusive workforce reflecting the community it serves.