Environmental Specialist IV (Safer Chemicals Program Manager)

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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The Department of Environmental Protection, Policy Office of the Commissioner, is seeking to fill an Environmental Specialist IV vacancy in its Augusta office.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST IV

(SAFER CHEMICALS PROGRAM MANAGER)

Opening Date: April 17, 2026

Closing Date: End of day May 15, 2026

Location: Augusta

Position Number: 200024898

Position Type: Permanent Full Time

Class Code: 9254

Grade: 26 (Supervisory)

Salary: $61,214.40 - $86,590.40 Per Year*

*(This includes a 2.5% Salary Adjustment) This is earning potential over the course of nine steps; new hires generally start at step one. 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 detailed Resume.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position supervises the Safer Chemicals Program that regulates chemicals use in products sold in Maine. The position oversees Department implementation of the PFAS in Products law, Reduction of Toxics in Packaging law, Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging law, Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Products law, Flame Retardants in Furniture law, and Maine’s Toxic Use Reduction (TUR) program. The position will supervise staff who implement these laws, draft new and revised rules, engage stakeholders, develop and implement regulatory tools such as reporting forms and FAQS, and provide guidance to product manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. The position will represent the Department in public hearings, public meetings, and other administrative proceedings related to the Safer Chemicals Program and support other Department’s programs as needed or future Safer Chemical program responsibilities as created or directed by the Legislature. The position will direct and assist staff, providing supervisory oversight over programmatic tasks.

For more information on the specifics of the position, please contact Kevin Martin at kevin.martin@maine.gov or (207) 480-0175.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: An eight (8) year combination of education and/or experience in environmental science or related area which includes at least two (2) years of supervisory or program management/administration experience. Qualifying education must include at least 15 credit hours of science or engineering coursework.

Preference will be given to candidates with skills and/or experience in:

• Knowledge of Maine’s Safer Chemicals Program
• Ability to identify and analyze issues, reach logical conclusions, and make sound recommendations/decisions
• General knowledge of chemistry or toxicology
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in the administration of regulatory programs
• Demonstrated organizational 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.