Environmental Specialist I

Environmental Specialist I (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 I provides technical assistance and compliance enforcement to the Animal Feeding Operations (AFO) program for permitting land-based application of animal waste to protect water quality and the environment. 2000+ permitted animal facilities statewide have a certified Animal Waste Management Plan as an operational guideline in tune with general, individual, and NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits. This position helps permittees operating these facilities stay compliant and operate the animal waste management systems without polluting the surface and ground waters of the state. Site visits involve potential exposure to various environmental and other hazards associated with AFO. Valid driver's license required for driving state vehicles.

The following types of knowledge/experience are not required, but may be helpful in this position:

• Animal waste management alternatives and recommendations
• Soil science, cropping systems, agronomy, agriculture processes and operations, nutrient management, and hydrology
• Chemistry and biology as they apply to water quality, animal waste, and wastewater treatment facilities
• Working with applications and/or plans for environmental permits
• Data gathering techniques and procedures, including file reviews, database research, and onsite collection

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical and compliance assistance to permittees, internal and external stakeholders, and AFO program supervisor
• Review animal waste permit applications to determine site and soil suitability for use as an animal waste land application site
• Conduct compliance and enforcement activities for animal operations statewide including site visits, follow-up visits, reports, and enforcement letters
• Review non-compliant sites and facilities that may be in violation and jeopardize the environment; determine adequacy of facilities' plans in meeting state requirements
• Investigate and respond to agricultural complaints and environmental emergencies, including conducting site visits, interviewing involved parties, and collecting appropriate samples
• Respond to data requests and assist with public outreach through stakeholder groups, public and media inquiries, educational institutions, and governmental agencies

Recruitment Range: $47,703.00 - $63,147.00

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 Animal Feeding Operations Program within the Water Quality Permitting Section has regulated animal operations and established siting requirements for application setbacks from property boundaries and perennial streams since 1992. Animal operations are defined by General Statute as feedlots involving more than 250 swine, 100 confined cattle, 75 horses, 1,000 sheep, or 30,000 poultry with a liquid waste management system. AFO is responsible for permitting and compliance activities across the state and provides customer service and technical assistance to permittees, general public, industry, and government agencies. Staff are responsible for development of general permits or permit template language; permit application reviews and permit issuance; certification and/or authorizations; determination of the compliance status of permitted and regulated activities; and the initiation of enforcement actions and legal orders.

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.

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.

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.