Environmental Specialist II

Environmental Specialist II (NS)

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.

This Environmental Specialist II is the team lead for the 401 Water Quality Certification Program, Isolated Wetlands/Waters Program, and Riparian Buffer Protection Program (the Programs) for the Division of Water Resources (DWR), Water Quality Permitting Section. This position is responsible for technical review of applications for certifications, permits, and exceptions, and is a critical liaison between Central and Regional offices to ensure consistent implementation of the Programs. The Specialist works with applicants, consultants, and other agencies, interfaces with the public at large, and conducts public hearings when necessary. This position requires excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet strict deadlines; the physical ability to perform field work in rugged conditions throughout the state during all seasons, including exposure to inclement weather, noise, dust, fumes, machinery and/or insects; occasional overnight travel; and a valid driver's license. If not previously completed, NC Surface Water Identification and Training Certification (SWITC) course will be required after hire.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as primary reviewer for technical reviews of major development project applications for Individual 401 Water Quality Certification, Individual Isolated Waters Permit, and/or Exceptions from the Riparian Buffer rules
• Work routinely with the Division of Coastal Management on projects that need a 401 Water Quality Certification and authorization under North Carolina's Coastal Area Management Act; may also be asked to provide technical assistance on Mitigation Bank Review Teams and Individual Permit review teams
• Assist Branch staff in acting as liaison between the 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch Central Office and seven (7) DWR Regional Offices to ensure consistent implementation of the Programs across the state
• Present technical information at training sessions for public and private entities, including the Surface Water Identification and Training Certification (SWITC) Course and Major Variance requests to the Environmental Management Commission
• Develop, review, and update guidance as it pertains to the Programs; provide technical expertise during the development of new water quality rules, assist with stakeholder groups during the rule-making process, and sit on technical advisory groups
• Perform on-site determinations for the presence of waters and wetlands subject to the 401 rules and/or the riparian buffer rules, and attend site visits for pre-application meetings and/or post-certification evaluations

Recruitment Range: $52,592.00 - $61,532.00

The Division of Water Resources 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 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 Water Quality Permitting Section 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch is responsible for implementing water quality standards and other state regulations within the state's waters, such as lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands. The Branch comprises Programs such as 401 & Isolated Streams & 401 Stormwater, Compliance Assistance, Riparian Buffer Protection, Stream & Wetland Mitigation, Nutrient Offset & Buffer Mitigation.

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: 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: The 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.