Environmental Specialist I

** Future Graduates - Are you graduating soon and looking for a full-time job in environmental science? **      

Apply now to be considered for an opportunity to work with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality when you graduate. 

At every level, DEQ employees are part of the efforts to rebuild infrastructure and restore the environment after Helene’s impacts. Want to help? Join the DEQ team supporting Western North Carolina communities as they recover and prepare for future storms.  Your work will have a meaningful impact on the lives of North Carolinians.

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.

This position primarily performs compliance activities related to stormwater plan review.  This includes inspection, preliminary application review and/or enforcement activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, approvals and permits.  Other purposes of this position include but are not limited to initiating documentation for enforcement actions, writing reports/memos to clients/consultants, and researching property status.  The person in this position will also provide technical assistance to regulated parties and the general public and keep the program databases and project management tools up to date.  

This position requires the ability to walk through rough and uneven terrain and work in inclement weather, noise, dust, fumes, machinery and insects.  The position requires travel to and from various project sites.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Performs preliminary reviews of applications submitted for the stormwater program within the Division.
• Performs inspections of sites/facilities regulated under DEMLR’s Stormwater program. 
• Advises and provides technical assistance, guidance, and written technical/compliance including enforcement documentation to staff and clients. 
• Meets with applicants and their consultants to facilitate project development, design, construction, and ultimately permit approval and site compliance.  

 The Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources:

The Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources (DEMLR) is comprised of two Sections:  Land Quality and Geological Survey.  For more information:  https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/energy-mineral-and-land-resources

The Land Quality Section is responsible for the administration of four regulatory programs: Dam Safety Program as authorized by the Dam Safety of 1967, Mining Program as authorized by the Mining Act of 1971, Sediment Program as authorized by the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 and Stormwater Program as authorized by state statutes and the federal Clean Water Act. DEMLR collects permit fees and issues permits for mines, dams, sedimentation control for construction sites, and stormwater permits for various activities and refers enforcement cases to the Attorney General's Office.

DEMLR is responsible for scheduling, organizing and transcribing minutes of the North Carolina Mining Commission and the Sedimentation Control Commission as well as reporting to the Environmental Management Commission regarding dam safety and stormwater matters.

The N.C. Geological Survey (NCGS) Section’s mission is to provide unbiased and technically accurate applied earth science scientific information to address societal needs.  This includes geologic maps, mineral resource and geochemical information, topographic maps and digital products, and earth science education initiatives. The NCGS "...examines, surveys, and maps the geology, mineral resources, and topography of the state" and

encourages the wise conservation and use of geologic resources by industry, commerce, agriculture and government agencies for the general welfare of the citizens of North Carolina. The results of the NCGS research are documented in Bulletins, Open File Reports, Information Circulars, Special Publications, and Geologic Map Series. The NCGS along with DEMLR provide staff to the Oil and Gas Commission.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality:

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. Please visit our website at the Department of Environmental Quality for more information. 

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.

Location: Washington Regional Office, 943 Washington St, Washington, NC 27889

The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position.   We will not review resumes in lieu of Experience and Education listed on the application.  Click these links for additional information: Introduction to the Job Application and Addressing Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.  (Note:These links refer to Dept. of Public Safety process; this process is the same for Dept. of Environmental Quality.)

To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following: 

• Ability to apply the basic environmental concepts, practices, and theories involved in the design, development, review, permitting, and/or operations of projects/sites and their potential environmental and safety impacts.
• Ability to analyze, manipulate and evaluate information/data, including the use of software. 
• Ability to formulate or assist in the development of management alternatives and recommendations.
• Ability to organize and direct moderately complex research or field studies.
• Ability to prepare written/verbal reports; and ability to work with considerable independence.
• Valid driver's license.

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. Seeoshr.nc.gov/experience-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. 

*Graduating Senior students with applicable degrees listed above with an anticipated graduation date will be considered.  Job offers will be contingent upon completion of their degree.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders.  

DEQ uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to their applications.
• If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an official transcript to each application to receive credit for this education.
• If applicants earned a foreign degree, foreign degrees require an official evaluation for U.S. equivalency, and must be submitted to Human Resources for verification. There are several organizations that perform this specialized service, feel free to use any service of your choosing. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) has several options on their website that can provide credential verification: https://www.naces.org/members  

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account and click "Application Status."  If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by management.  If you are no longer under consideration, you will receive an email notification.  If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact Ben Brooks at 919-707-9232 and/or ben.brooks@deq.nc.gov

For technical issues with your application, please call the GovernmentJobs.com Applicant Support Help Line at 855-524-5627.  

Salary : $45,926 - $52,875