Branch Chief
Date Posted: Jul 14, 2026
Requisition ID: 480331
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.
Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
Role Overview:
This Branch Chief position is responsible for overseeing State Implementation Plan development, vehicle emissions testing, implementation of National Ambient Air Quality Standards, air quality forecasting and modeling, and a variety of internal technical support. A thorough understanding of the Clean Air Act, Title V permitting requirements, and atmospheric science are essential to succeed in this position.This position supervises three Section Chiefs that manage twenty technical staff, which includes atmospheric scientists, engineers, and transportation professionals.
Day to day responsibilities include:
Supervision of workload and personnel.
Quality assurance.
Alignment of work products with agency goals and policies.
Facilitation of internal and public meetings.
Provision of guidance and direction, along with project management.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $85,020.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator (https://in.accessgov.com/spd/Forms/Page/spd/compensation-calculator/0) to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Develop, implement, and continuously improve program-specific goals, measures, and milestones based on the agency priorities, program objectives, and feedback from internal and external customers.
Develop policy guidelines, technical procedures, and administrative procedures as needed to ensure consistent, efficient, and coordinated operations of the sections within the branch.
Anticipate the resources needed of the program and ensure that those resources are available in a timely, efficient, and effective manner.
Strive to promote effective and constructive communication among agency staff to build trust and a cooperative team spirit.
Establish a synergistic relationship as necessary with federal, state, and local agencies, other offices within the agency, the regulated community, the environmental community, and the general public.
Serve as an agency resource regarding technical policy issues.
The job description 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.
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:
Broad knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of environmental sciences.
Thorough knowledge of the federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and policies pertaining to the cleanup of properties throughout the state.
Thorough knowledge of managerial theories and principles and ability to apply knowledge to manage multiple programs through subordinate supervisors.
Ability to represent the Assistant Commissioner on important issues and communicate effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective work relationship with individuals at all levels of state government, US EPA representatives, and the public
A degree is not required. However, at least seven (7) years of environmental health, environmental management, public administration, public health, or related experience; plus, one (1) additional year of supervisory or managerial experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
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.
Current Employee? Click here (https://performancemanager8.successfactors.com/sf/careers/jobsearch?bplte_company=indianaoff) to apply.
