Environmental Specialist I

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Energy, Mineral , Land Resources

Job Classification Title

Environmental Specialist I (NS)

Position Number

60032490

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 Work

This position is an entry level environmental specialist with the Division of Energy, Mineral & Land Resources, in the Asheville Regional Office and performs compliance activities related to stormwater facilities, dams, development sites, and/or erosion & sedimentation, and/or mining operations. 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 regulated parties and the public and keeping 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. Position does require travel to and from various project sites and dams. Job duties will include emergency response at the Emergency Operations Center.

Key Responsibilities:
• Performs preliminary review of applications submitted for the four regulated programs within the Division.
• Performs inspections of sites/facilities regulated under each of the division’s four programs: Sedimentation Control, Stormwater, Dam Safety and Mining.
• 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.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range:  $47,703 - $50,518

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

Supplemental Information:

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 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.

If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit https://studentaid.gov/ to learn more.

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:

Debra Windham Godwin

Recruiter Email:

hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov