Agency: Dept of Environmental Quality
Division: Water Resources
Job Classification Title: Environmental Specialist I (NS)
Position Number: 60035402
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 WorkThe Environmental Specialist position provides permitting support, regulatory oversight, technical assistance, regulatory guidance and education to the public and permittees for various program areas, including 401 Water Quality Certifications, State buffer rules, water quality standards and water resource protection.
Key Responsibilities:
Perform compliance inspections and provide technical assistance and regulatory guidance for applicants.
Communicate inspection results with permittees, owners, officials or workers and prepare inspection reports and related correspondence.
Review and process applications, including assisting with management plan review as necessary.
Respond to citizen complaints and inspect sites where standards and other rules have possibly been contravened.
Communicate regulatory guidance, technical assistance and education to permittees, applicants and the general public.
Issue Notices of Violation and assess civil penalties, when necessary, provide any additional guidance, support or documentation to restore compliance with regulations.
Some emergencies may require a response to occur after hours and/or weekends, on a limited basis.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Recruitment Range: $45,926.00 – $50,517.00
Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above.
Supplemental Information:
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 issuing permits, 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 five Sections: Water Quality Regional Operations; Water Sciences; Public Water Supply; Water Quality Permitting and Water Planning. Learn more by visiting Division of Water Resources.
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: Tamara Cherry
Recruiter Email: hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov
