Agency: Dept of Environmental Quality
Division: Water Resources
Job Classification Title: Environmental Specialist I (NS)
Position Number: 60035486
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 WorkThis Environmental Specialist I is an entry level position with the Division of Water Resources’ National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permitting program. Position responsibilities include permitting, compliance determinations, enforcement, facility inspections, and more.
Work requires the ability to analyze data and reports, independent judgment, decision-making ability, adaptability to policy and regulatory changes, and the ability to communicate technical information in a professional manner verbally and in writing. Familiarity with environmental regulations, wastewater treatment, permits, and/or technical writing may be helpful for this position.
Key Responsibilities:
– Perform activities required for processing and issuing permits, approvals, certifications, and/or stream determinations
– Coordinate program activities with staff in DEQ’s Regional Offices by providing technical assistance and oversight for reporting and tracking of statewide compliance and enforcement, database management, and statewide consistency of program administration
– Support NPDES programmatic development, consistency, and continuity through the development and application of permitting metrics and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); assist with development of point source environmental policy and procedures
– Provide technical assistance and outreach/education in a professional manner
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Recruiting Range: $45,926 – $50,518
Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above.
Supplemental Information
The Division of Water Resources:
The Division of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for protecting North Carolina’s drinking, surface and groundwater 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. Click here to learn more about the Division of Water Resources.
NPDES Compliance and Expedited Permitting has five (5) primary functions:
- Process individual (NC00*) NPDES wastewater permit renewals and minor modifications.
- Process new and renewal Certificates of Coverage (CoCs) for NPDES wastewater General Permits (NCG*).
- Coordinate statewide NPDES wastewater compliance activities.
- Issue Tax Certifications.
- Coordinate with EPA on Statewide Oversight & Reporting Requirements.
If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov 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
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.
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.
Recruiter: Deborah Williams
Recruiter Email: hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov
