Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Water Resources

Job Classification Title

Environmental Program Consultant (NS)

Position Number

60031531

Grade

NC18

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

The Water Quality Permitting Program Consultant is responsible for administrative and professional duties associated with supporting Water Quality Permitting Programs with a specific focus on the 401 Certification and Buffer Authorization programs (“the programs”). The position engages in administrative and technical activities associated with the administration of laws, policies, and rules established by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the State’s Environmental Management Commission, and the North Carolina General Assembly to protect the state’s water resources.

Key Responsibilities:

-- Ensure all regulatory products (401 Certifications, Buffer Authorizations, Mitigation Approvals) are administratively supported and completed within statutory and regulatory timelines.

-- Quality Assurance and Quality Control of database entries into DEQ’s Basinwide Information Management System (BIMS) and Laserfiche, DEQ’s electronic document repository.

-- Draft 401 Water Quality Certifications and Buffer Authorizations for staff review.

-- Prepare analytical summaries and reports on the programs using applied knowledge of water quality permitting regulatory frameworks.

-- Provide analysis of, and recommendations for, policy changes within the Water Quality Permitting Section to support efficient operation and adaptation of the programs to rule changes and other legal or technical developments.

-- Serve as a back-up to other administrative staff who process incoming applications.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $63,927.00 - $81,569.00

Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above.

* This is a REPOST of position 60031531.

Previous applicants are still under consideration and do not need to reapply. *

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.

Water Quality Permitting consists of eight branches with staff located in Raleigh as well as at seven regional offices that work to regulate point-source discharges to North Carolina's surface waters. DWR's permit programs include programs for permitting for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants; non-discharge permitting, which is responsible for permitting and compliance of residual and wastewater effluent land application facilities; as well as the 401 & Buffer, 401 & Buffer Transportation and Animal Feeding Operations permitting programs.  

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.

Master'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 three (3) 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.

Recruiter:

Deborah J Williams

Recruiter Email:

hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov