AUGUSTA — Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Patricia Aho has resigned to take a job with Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, according to Gov. Paul LePage.

Aho served as commissioner since 2011 after having served as the agency’s deputy commissioner.

Aho will become Collins’ state office representative in Augusta, covering Kennebec, Lincoln and Knox counties.

“Pattie has been a tremendous asset to the administration by improving efficiency and accountability throughout the Department of Environmental Protection,” said LePage in a written statement.

Aho thanked her staff.

“Working with a dedicated staff, it has been my privilege to work to improve regulatory reform, increase accountability and transparency and modernize DEP’s approach to doing business,” said Aho in a prepared statement.

Collins said Aho’s experience will be valuable.

“I have known Pattie for a long time and I’m very happy to have her joining the staff,” said Collins.