Environmental Specialist

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 has responsibilities in both the shoreline survey and the facilities inspections programs within the Shellfish Sanitation and Recreational Water Quality Section. As part of the shoreline survey program, the person in this position will evaluate and assess the public health significance of any potential or actual pollution sources that may impact shellfish growing waters in all active growing areas between the New River in Onslow County and the South Carolina State Line. This position is also responsible for conducting inspections, certifications, and audits of shellstock, shucking/packing, and crustacean processing operations in southeastern North Carolina in accordance with the guidelines set by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program as well as the North Carolina rules governing the sanitation of shellfish and the handling, packing, and shipping of crustacea meat. Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct shoreline surveys to assess the public health significance of any potential or actual pollution sources that may impact shellfish growing areas between the New River in Onslow County and the South Carolina State Line.
• Conduct inspections, certifications, and audits of all shellstock, shucking/packing, and crustacean processing operations in southeastern North Carolina.
• Serve as technical expert to shellfish and crustacean processors, and provide advice, training, and technical assistance as needed.
• Provide guidance to shellfish and crustacea operations on HACCP principles and assist in the development of HACCP plans for each facility.
• Assist in the investigation of any shellfish-related foodborne illness complaints or necessary trace-back investigations or recalls in the region.

Recruitment Range - $52,592 - $62,559

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is responsible for the stewardship of the state's marine and estuarine resources. The DMF's jurisdiction encompasses all coastal waters and extends to 3 miles offshore. Agency policies are established by the nine-member Marine Fisheries Commission and the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. North Carolina is a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

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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 years of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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.