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.

The two primary areas of focus for this Environmental Specialist II position at the Asheville Regional Office are regional office tasks of the Division's Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) program and acting as the lead, primary contact, and coordinator for the regional watershed assessment and restoration program. These include specialized tasks that require input from an experienced specialist in expert-level technical knowledge of stream biota, advanced water quality analytical and assessment methods, and integrated water quality data collection, analysis and interpretation. This position will also provide support to other program areas including Non-Discharge, NPDES, or 401.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform compliance inspections and enforcement for permitted facilities including CAFO permitted operations
• Coordinate and direct the regional office watershed restoration program for the western 19 county area.
• Conduct training and outreach efforts related to program roles in watershed restoration
• Investigate and assess citizen complaints and environmental emergencies (including carrying the emergency phone on a rotating basis), and implement enforcement actions as needed
• Other tasks as assigned by supervisors, which include but are not limited to report review, enforcement actions, permitting, environmental sampling, and public outreach associated with other programs under the jurisdiction of the DWR, such as Non-Discharge, NPDES, or 401

Recruitment Range: $52,592.00 - $72,092.00

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.

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.

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.

Recruiter: Tiffany Michelle Ford

Recruiter Email: View email address on click.appcast.io