Environmental Cleanup Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

OIL & HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SPECIALIST II

Opening Date: July 31, 2026

Closing Date: End of day August 21, 2026 (EXTENDED)

Location: Augusta

Position Number: 08330-1447

Position Type: Full Time/Year-Round

Class Code: 9258

Grade: 24 (Professional/Technical Unit)

Salary: $51,688.00 - $72,467.20 Per Year*

*This is earning potential over the course of nine steps; new hires start at step one.Annual step increases are based on performance reviews and authorization of such increases.

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

*In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: Join the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and help protect Maine's communities, public health, and natural resources through the investigation and cleanup of petroleum-contaminated sites. This position offers a rewarding combination of field work, project management, technical problem-solving, and collaboration with environmental professionals across the state.

The Oil & Hazardous Materials Specialist II serves as the Department's project manager for complex, long-term remediation projects involving petroleum-contaminated sites. Working closely with environmental contractors, consultants, municipalities, responsible parties, and state and federal agencies, the successful candidate oversees site investigations, evaluates environmental data, develops and reviews technical work plans, and helps ensure remediation activities meet regulatory requirements while achieving effective, protective cleanup outcomes.

This position provides a dynamic balance of office and field work. Responsibilities include conducting site inspections, collecting environmental samples, operating field screening equipment, reviewing technical reports, evaluating remedial alternatives, and monitoring cleanup progress. The successful candidate collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to develop practical, science-based solutions, provides technical guidance throughout the remediation process, and helps ensure cleanup activities effectively protect public health, groundwater resources, and Maine's environment.

In addition to managing environmental remediation projects, the Specialist coordinates environmental service contracts, supports procurement and project funding activities, reviews contractor deliverables and invoices, and works collaboratively with the Department's Underground Storage Tanks Unit and other program staff to support statewide environmental cleanup and response efforts. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact by restoring contaminated properties, protecting vital natural resources, and serving the people of Maine.

For questions specific to the position, please contact Chris Sparacio at christopher.a.sparacio@maine.gov

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelors' Degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Geology, or other physical science and three (3) years' experience in investigation, monitoring, or inspection work in an environmental science field including at least one (1) year dealing with oil and hazardous materials technologies. Equivalent work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

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 using13 paid holidays,12 days of sick leave, and3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60-$14,369.04 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor 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 aboutprogram requirements.
• Dental Insurance- The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan- The State of Maine contributes14.06%of payto 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 theFederal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program- Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receiveforty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation- Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in aMaineSaves457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn aboutadditional wellness benefitsfor State employees from theOffice 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.

.

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.