Industrial Wastewater Permit Writer
Date Posted: May 13, 2026
Requisition ID: 477583
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
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, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM):
Our mission is to implement federal and state regulations to protect human health and the environment while allowing the environmentally sound operations of industrial, agricultural, commercial, and governmental activities vital to a prosperous economy. We issue air, water, and solid and hazardous waste permits that restrict discharges to environmentally safe levels. Staff members inspect and monitor regulated entities; provide compliance and technical assistance; monitor and assess air, land, and water quality; use enforcement actions as necessary to ensure compliance; and respond to incidents involving spills to soil or waters of the state.
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Role Overview:
The Senior Environmental Manager (SEM1) serves as a technical expert within the Industrial NPDES Permits Section of the Office of Water Quality. This role is responsible for drafting and reviewing some of the most complex industrial NPDES permits, conducting wasteload allocation analyses using stream modeling techniques, and evaluating specialized submittals such as Section 316(a)/(b) demonstrations, water treatment additive reviews, variances, and antidegradation applications. The SEM1 routinely participates in policy and rule development, reviews work produced by junior staff, provides training, and may act as Section Chief when needed. Responsibilities also include preparing preliminary effluent limits, representing the agency in internal/external workgroups, participating in public meetings and hearings, and engaging with permittees, consultants, operators, attorneys, and the public to resolve permitting issues.
Top Skills Sought in an Ideal Candidate
Ability to review complex applications, draft industrial NPDES permits, interpret federal/state regulations, and apply water quality science and modeling concepts.
Capable of managing multiple concurrent projects, performing detailed technical reviews, and providing sound policy or regulatory recommendations.
Effectively communicates in writing and verbally with permittees, consultants, attorneys, agency staff, and the general public; able to represent the Section in meetings, hearings, and workgroups.
A valid IN driver's license is required
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Interprets laws, regulations and guidelines for assigned environmental program areas.
Develops and modifies existing state programs to adapt to changes in federal or state legislation-mandated policy changes.
Coordinates review of environmental projects and/or program area to meet program needs and objectives.
Maintains a tracking system to ensure that projects are currently working through the appropriate program processes in acceptable timeframes.
Prepares and provides a variety of written communications including responses to letters of inquiry from concerned citizens, elected representatives, government officials, and regulated entities.
Chairs or facilitates a variety of work-related committees as needed.
Utilizes programs and electronic database systems to meet program area needs. Serves as a subject matter expert on applicable systems in program area.
Researches, analyzes, and reports on priority projects and their progress.
May perform audits on environmental programs or facilities and make recommendations for corrective action or improvements.
Provides technical assistance and/or evaluates compliance to environmental regulations and programs.
Coordinates review of requests for variance and exemptions from environmental program regulations
Reviews program plans for completeness, economic and technical feasibility, and environmental impact.
Designs and directs projects regarding specific and complex environmental issues, providing technical expertise for analysis, interpretation, and logistics of projects.
Prepares progress reports for management and senior leadership and provides consultation to management and staff.
Reviews and evaluates technical work reports and supporting data for acceptability and conformance with federal requirements, laws and regulations, conclusions, and recommendations.
Assigns and reviews work of lower-level staff members.
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 You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
Extensive knowledge of theories, practices and principles of Environmental Management and related areas
Thorough knowledge of theories, practices, and principals of physical sciences (chemistry, biology, physics) as they relate to program area
Thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations as they apply to program area and the ability to apply these in a variety of conditions and situations
Ability to conduct surveys, inspections and investigations of facilities and sites, review projects/situations, read plans, interpret ?ndings, and make recommendations
Ability to establish long- and short-term project management goals and objectives
Ability to prepare documents for administrative and regulatory action
Ability to e?ectively interact with local, state, and federal groups and government representatives orally and in writing
Ability to prepare accurate and thorough reports
Ability to develop and de?ne procedures and accomplish objectives within the appropriate and established deadlines
Ability to interpret and implement public policy as it relates to program speci?c environmental rules or laws
a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, or a related field with at least 6 years of work experience in an environmental or environmental public health field required.
Related certifications and coursework may be considered for education or experience.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
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.
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