Ombudsman - Community

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The Community Ombudsman serves as a liaison between the DNREC and communities statewide. This position provides public engagement support to all programs within the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental to advance departmental environmental justice (EJ) initiatives. The Ombudsman cultivates and maintains relationships with the regulated community, community groups and citizen stakeholders and supports town hall meetings, workshops, informational sessions, and other methods to foster meaningful engagement. This position assists with the development and distribution of outreach materials, such as brochures, fact sheets and/or web-based communications; this may include writing, producing graphics, and/or multimedia. This position works closely with the Community Involvement Advisory Council and the Environmental Justice Coordinator to steward the Community Environmental Project Fund.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Meets with individuals, citizen groups, state and federal legislators, representatives of business/industry and/or communities to discuss and demonstrate methods for meeting the regulations/legislation or understanding their impacts on communities and the decision making process. Directs clients to those sources within the agency and other agencies that can assist with technical questions and problems.
   
• Works with the Delaware Development Office, Small Business Association, (local, regional and national offices), the Department of Commerce, various other federal agencies and private sector financial institutions to assist individuals, businesses and industry in locating financing of retrofits, etc. as required by legislation/regulations.
   
• Drafts legislation; facilitates and promotes citizen participation in the development of new or revised legislation/regulation and permitting.
   
• Conducts studies to evaluate the economic impact resulting from various legislation; prepares reports concerning economic impacts and the effectiveness of various programs designed to assist impacted parties.
   
• Maintains close contact with peers throughout the country to compare methods for compliance, funding, legislation/regulation, communication, etc.
   
• Participates in regulatory proceedings and special projects as directed by a Director or Cabinet Secretary.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Ombudsman
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

Ombudsman: Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control:

1. Three years experience in public relations, media relations or communications such as establishing and promoting a positive image with the public, informing or influencing specific audiences through the use of internal and external communications such as public forums, journalism, writing, marketing, advertising, promotions, or special events.
2. Three years experience in program evaluation which includes evaluating programs and services to identify problems, determine compliance and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency to ensure program goals and overall objectives are met.
3. Three years experience in recommending alternatives, improvements, courses of action and other changes based on findings.
4. Six months experience in developing policies or procedures.
5. Six months experience in interacting with legislators, cabinet officials or interest groups as a liaison.
6. Six months experience in interpreting environmental laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.

The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Telework and Alternative Work Schedules according to the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy. More information will be shared at the time of interview. 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

As a condition of hire you must possess a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.