Environmental Specialist I

Agency Dept of Environmental Quality Division Water Resources Job Classification Title Environmental Specialist I (NS) Position Number 60035364 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 Environmental Specialists (ES) with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section (WQROS) of DEQ’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) are our professional “boots on the ground” who go out to the field to inspect facilities, investigate complaints, collect samples, respond to environmental emergences, and provide technical assistance, outreach, and training. The positions require frequent coordination with the regulated community, permittees, other stakeholders, and the public at large. Field work requires the ability to perform tasks required for physical inspections; walking through rough, steep, and uneven terrain; and tolerating exposure to noise, extreme weather conditions, dust, fumes, machinery, insects, small animals, snakes, chemical substances, etc. State-owned vehicles are used, so ES must have a valid driver’s license. Occasional overnight travel may be required. Some environmental emergencies may require a response to occur after hours and/or weekends, on a limited basis. Back in the office, ES complete the required data entry and preparation and/or review of documents related to field inspections, permits and/or certifications, complaint investigations, compliance and enforcement actions, and keep their knowledge of rules and regulations current. This requires proficiency with computers, internet research, word processing software and spreadsheets. The primary areas of focus for this Environmental Specialist I position at the Raleigh Regional Office are facilities holding an NPDES discharge permit and sewer collection system permit. Key Roles/Responsibilities Conduct compliance inspections and sampling at facilities holding an NPDES permit and/or sewer collection system permit Review permit applications and assist with issuing permits under the regional office jurisdiction Prepare enforcement documents required by DEQ programs and policies Participate/develop, organize, conduct and analyze monitoring results of compliance efforts, special studies, and outreach initiatives targeted toward a specific pollutant reduction effort, watershed, sub-watersheds targeted area, regulated community specific initiative, permit renewal needs, rule development, and/or resources specific protection initiative Investigate and assess citizen complaints and environmental emergencies (including carrying the emergency phone on a rotating basis), and implement enforcement actions as needed Recruitment Range: $ 47,703.00 - $ 50,517.00 Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above. Job posting details will no longer be available after the position closes. Supplemental Information The Division of Water Resources: 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 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. 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. 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. *Bachelor's students in an applicable program with an anticipated graduation date will be considered. Job offers will be contingent upon completion of their degree. 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. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post‑secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting. #J-18808-Ljbffr Department of Environmental Quality