Environmental Specialist I

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Water Resources

Job Classification Title

Environmental Specialist I (NS)

Position Number

65028294

Grade

NC12

About Us

The primary mission of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina's needs. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DEQ facilities and through the state's school system. DEQ touches the lives of all North Carolinians in many ways to enhance and ensure our quality of life.

Description of Work

Primary duties include support of the regional offices 401/wetland/buffer program and completion of associated tasks to include stream determinations. Secondary tasks include compliance oversight and inspections of a sub-set of NPDES wastewater operations, surface water sampling and incident response support (to include fish kill and algal bloom investigations), and response to PFAS/emerging contaminant interests. In addition, the position will support regional operations in a manner to ensure performance expectations are met.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist with stream determination requests and complaint response.

Conduct follow-up site compliance inspections for buffer authorization and Water Quality Certification projects.

Assist with evaluating 401 Water Quality Authorization Certification and Riparian Buffer Authorizations.

Assist with compliance inspections at National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and non-discharge wastewater treatment facilities to evaluate compliance with permit conditions, as well as surface water and groundwater requirements.

Assist with Ambient Monitoring System (AMS) stations and four Random Monitoring Stations (RAMS) are located across the region. Stations are sampled monthly for physical and chemical parameters

Investigate complaints received from many sources and provide incident response to environmental emergencies and storm related events.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $$45,926.00 - $50,517.00

Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above.

Supplemental Information:

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for protecting North Carolina’s drinking, surface and ground water for all waterbodies including lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and aquifers. This environmental stewardship is accomplished through actions including issuing permits, investigations, regulatory compliance and enforcement, monitoring and field assessments, certifications, laboratory analysis and testing, planning, water quality standards management, educational outreach, and other efforts. The Division comprises five Sections: Water Quality Regional Operations; Water Sciences; Public Water Supply; Water Quality Permitting and Water Planning. Learn more by visiting Division of Water Resources .

If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.

This position currently qualifies for a hybrid telework option with routine office and remote workdays. The NC Department of Environmental Quality trusts our employees to be self-motivated and successful in hybrid/remote roles. Telework options are subject to change at the discretion of management.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

T he State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Tamara Cherry

Recruiter Email:

hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov