Agency
Dept of Environmental Quality
Division
Water Resources
Job Classification Title
Environmental Specialist II (NS)
Position Number
65002023
Grade
NC14
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 Work
- This is a REPOST of position 65002023.
Previous applicants MUST reapply to be considered *
This Environmental Specialist II (ES II) manages tasks related to 401 Water Quality Certifications and Buffer Authorizations in the Water Quality Regional Operations Section (WQROS) at the Washington (NC) Regional Office (WaRO). Tasks include evaluating wetland impacts, buffer authorizations, conducting surface water determinations, riparian buffer coordination, preparation of associated certifications, approvals, and/or permits, and enforcement recommendations. The ES II also responds to water quality-based complaints and environmental incidents, provides emergency response as necessary, and provides support for other WQROS operations as needed.
This position requires: occasional overnight travel; ability to perform tasks required for physical inspections; ability to walk several miles through rough terrain, over hills or ditches, during field investigations and tolerate exposure to loud noise, extreme weather conditions, insects, small animals, snakes, and chemical substances; proficiency with computers, internet research, word processing software and spreadsheets; and driving a state-owned vehicle, which requires a valid driver's license. Some emergencies may require a response to occur after hours and/or weekends, on a limited basis.
Key Responsibilities
- 401 Water Quality Certifications and Buffer Authorizations: Review Preconstruction Notification (PCN) applications; Draft 401 Water Quality Authorization Certifications, Riparian Buffer Authorization Certifications, Riparian Buffer Minor Variances, and additional information letters; provide support to central office staff related to major variances, requested projects, and EMC presentations
- Provide support to other WaRO WQROS programs to satisfy daily operational needs, including providing wastewater facility compliance oversight such as facility inspections, review of monitoring data, and preparation of enforcement-based documents
- Conduct designated 401 inspections and prepare enforcement-based documents to address areas of non-compliance, including Notices of Violation and Civil Penalty Assessment packages
- Investigate citizen complaints and environmental incidents, provide emergency response for water quality-based emergencies, and take action as needed to address any identified compliance issues
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Recruitment Range: $52,592 - $59,069
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.
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 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 and two (2) years of experience related to the area of assignment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
EEO Statement
T he 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:
[email protected]
