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.

This Environmental Specialist II serves as a Rule Manager and helps ensure that all public water supply (PWS) systems statewide are in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the NC Drinking Water Act, and other related rules and regulations. Each Rule Manager will serve on one of several teams in the PWS Section Compliance Services Branch. This position serves as the Rule Manager for the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) Rule and for the Public Notification Rule. Site visits require the ability to navigate through rough and uneven terrain and work in unfavorable conditions, including exposure to heat/cold/inclement weather, noise, dust, fumes, machinery, and insects. May drive state vehicles; valid Driver's License required. Occasional overnight travel required. Environmental Specialists in Compliance Services positions generally spend less than 5% of their time in the field. Position requires the ability to successfully manage multiple projects within time constraints and comprehend and interpret regulatory documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Read, review, and understand federal and state drinking water regulations and Section policies pertaining to assigned contaminant groups and rules
• Stay up to date on information and developments related to the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) Rule and the Public Notification Rule
• Serve as the main contact for inquiries from system owners/operators, Regional Office staff, laboratory personnel, health officials, and consumers on the interpretation and implementation of assigned Rules
• Document, extract, manipulate, and interpret data using the PWS Section's database, Excel, etc.
• Evaluate and track each system's compliance history, determine non-compliance with federal and state rules and regulations, develop strategies for reducing violations and penalties, issue enforcement actions, as necessary
• Review public notices submitted to the Section and delivered to customers for specific required content and adherence to the required delivery timeframes
• Identify training needs; develop and provide internal and external training materials and presentations related to various aspects of the Rules
• Participate in special projects and assist with other areas of responsibility within the Branch on an as needed basis

Recruitment Range: $52,592 - $75,930

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.

DWR's Public Water Supply (PWS) Section promotes public health by ensuring that safe, potable water is available in adequate quantities to the residents and visitors of North Carolina served by PWS systems by assuring that such systems are properly located, constructed, operated, and maintained. PWS systems provide piped drinking water to at least 15 connections or 25 or more people 60 or more days per year. The section has branches and programs for: implementation of the mandates of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act; review and approval of plans and specifications for new and expanding or improving PWS systems; inspections, investigations, and technical assistance; emergency responses and complaint investigations; source water assessment, protection, and wellhead protection; capacity development; and administration of an operating fee permit program.

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: 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.

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.