Environmental Technician II

Environmental Technician II (S)

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 Technician II coordinates and conducts the Ambient Monitoring System (AMS) and Random Ambient Monitoring System (RAMS) monitoring for the Division of Water Resources at the Asheville Regional Office, which covers 19 counties. This position also organizes and conducts special studies within the Regional Water Quality/SWPS Monitoring Program. Field work requires the ability to carry field equipment (up to 50 lbs.); work outdoors during inclement weather conditions; walk in heavily vegetated areas, streams, and rough and/or steep terrain; and ability to swim since some boat work may be involved. State-owned vehicles are used, which requires a valid driver's license. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct field monitoring activities for the AMS and RAMS monitoring program
• Provide quality assurance and quality control for the collected AMS and RAMS monitoring data, including chain of custody and approved collection and preservation techniques
• Review and evaluate station locations, monitoring frequency, and parameter coverage
• Conduct special studies as requested by Central Office related to planning, modeling, permitting, reclassification of rivers and streams, and other agencies such as Wildlife
• Assist with preparation of reports on special studies, AMS, and RAMS monitoring
• Maintain monitoring equipment and oversee the laboratory, including as a consultant to the Supervisor for equipment purchases
• Provide equipment and sampling protocol training for regional staff as needed
• Complete routine administrative duties such as work plans and maintaining electronic files (i.e., BIMS, EPA, and other DEQ databases), and attending meetings
• Other duties as needed supporting the work of the regional office, such as permitting, inspecting, compliance, enforcement, and environmental emergency response

Recruitment Range: $37,377.00 - $44,290.00

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. Visit 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: Associate'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 in environmental or natural resources management work, 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.