Engineer I

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Office of Continuous Improvement

Job Classification Title

Engineer I (NS)

Position Number

65040328

Grade

NC16

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 position is Exempt from the Human Resources Act (EHRA) with the exception of Articles 6 and 7. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with applicable State Benefits.*

This position provides support for local government units designated as distressed with submittal of an application for funding through the review of funding applications for funding priority, engineering reports, and engineering drawings and specifications. This position serves as a technical contact for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, manages construction for funded projects, and serves as a liaison for the program to municipalities, consulting engineers, the public, interest groups, organizations, and the Division.

This position provides engineering support for the administration of available funds for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This position is responsible for managing drinking water and wastewater projects.

Other Key Responsibilities:

Read, interpret, and apply engineering standards and principles to the review of funding applications, detailed engineering reports, design plans and specifications, construction bidding and contract documents and monitoring construction.

Interpret and ensure compliance with State and Federal laws, regulations, guidelines, and procedures pertaining to funding programs so that funds are provided to recipients in a timely manner and without waste, fraud, or abuse.

Assist applicants and their consultants through meetings, written, and oral communications to facilitate access to funding, project development, design, and construction.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range:  $57,983 - $89,561

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

The Office of Continuous Improvement:

The Office of Continuous Improvement (OCI) enhances the performance of the DEQ by fostering compliance and efficiency across diverse projects. OCI leverages business processes, data analysis, compliance, and engineering expertise to drive improvement. 

Embedded within DEQ divisions, OCI works to develop and strengthen processes and workflows that support DEQ's mandate to deliver federal funding effectively and equitably for infrastructure, energy, and resilience projects. OCI is charged with helping DEQ teams solve challenges, provides data strategy, technical support, and policy expertise.

Division of Water Infrastructure

The Division of Water Infrastructure (DWI) administers water, wastewater and stormwater funding programs in the Department of Environmental Quality according to Federal and State laws, including the Water Infrastructure Fund as described in NCGS 159G and the Community Development Block Grants for water and wastewater infrastructure (CDBG-I).  Water Infrastructure Fund programs include the federal Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), the federal Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), the state Viable Utility Reserve (VUR), the Local Assistance for Stormwater Infrastructure Investment (LASII), the State Wastewater Reserve, and the State Drinking Water Reserve. DWI supports the State Water Infrastructure Authority (SWIA) which awards federal and state funding for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. DWI assists eligible applicants in meeting drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater needs to protect public health and the state’s water resources. 

The Viable Utility Projects Unit (VUPU)

The Viable Utility Projects Unit (VUPU) oversees wastewater and drinking water projects funded by the Division (except for CDBG-I) for local government units designated as distressed. Projects may include the full range of water infrastructure construction and planning projects, including distribution or collection systems, treatment plants, water supply development, and storage systems, that require a variety of technical disciplines to review. The unit also supports other units within the Division and may assist with planning and study projects such as asset inventory and assessment studies and merger regionalization feasibility studies.  

The Unit oversees funded projects from application through design and construction, including disbursement of funds. Staff may review and prioritize applications for funding; review and approve project planning, development, and design documents; review and approve change orders, and inspect construction projects. 

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 an applicable field of engineering from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

A valid driver's license is required.

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:

Jean Buchanan

Recruiter Email:

hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov