Environmental Specialist II

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Water Resources

Job Classification Title

Environmental Specialist II (NS)

Position Number

60035470

Grade

NC14

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

The Environmental Specialist II is the lead for coordination and implementation of the animal feeding operation (AFO) program in the RRO. The position conducts inspections of animal operation facilities, provides overall guidance related to inspections conducted by other staff, conducts compliance oversight and enforcement for animal feeding operations, conducts review of permits and other responsibilities as needed to effectively carry out the program objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Inspect AFO operations to ensure that waste management plans and permit conditions are being followed.

• Perform detailed record reviews and visual inspection of the site and waste management system components.

• Review plans and specifications to evaluate whether the facility meets minimum regulatory requirements and will be protective of the waters of the state.

• Review closure plans and inspect lagoon closures; initiate and support compliance enforcement cases.

• Collect samples of waste, soil, sediment, and water to evaluate the extent of impacts to the environment, and implement enforcement actions.

• Train new AFO compliance employees and review staff work for technical accuracy.

• Address public complaints and information requests, and emergency response.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $50,633 - $69,224

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

* This is an anticipated vacancy.

This position is expected to be available on October 25, 2025. *

Supplemental Information

The Division of Water Resources:
The Division of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for protecting North Carolina’s drinking, surface and groundwater for all waterbodies including lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and aquifers. This environmental stewardship is accomplished through actions including permitting issuance, 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 six sections: Water Quality Regional Operations, Water Sciences, Public Water Supply, Water Quality Permitting, Water Quality NPDES Permitting, and Water Planning. Click here to learn more about the Division of Water Resources .

The Water Quality Regional Operations section focuses on service to the regional surface water and groundwater concerns of citizens, local governments and business communities. Regional office staff issue permits for sewer extensions, wetland and stream impacts, and well construction. Regional offices personnel also conduct permitted facility inspections and incident investigations.

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 and two (2) years of experience related to the area of assignment, 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