Engineer I

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Energy, Mineral , Land Resources

Job Classification Title

Engineer I (NS)

Position Number

65026568

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 Engineer I assists in the management of the statewide implementation of The Dam Safety Law of 1967 and the North Carolina Administrative Code 15A NCAC 2K “Dam Safety” Rules to protect life and property from unsafe dams. The program responsibility is carried out through four major task efforts: (1) emergency response related to dam incidences as needed (2) enforcement proceedings for dams in disrepair which threaten the public welfare, (3) periodic inspections of all jurisdictional dams, and (4) permit review of all plans to construct, repair, modify or breach a jurisdictional dam. This position will be responsible for the review of hydrologic and hydraulic models for coal ash related dams; review and approval of engineering plans and specifications to construct, repair, or modify coal ash dams; provide technical consultation to coal ash dam owners, engineers, consultants, internal and external staff; Provide training to regional staff in dam safety inspections and assist in the inspection of dams; assist coal ash dam owners in drafting emergency action plans; And response respond to dam safety emergencies.

This position requires the ability to walk through rough and uneven terrain and work in inclement weather, noise, dust, and insects. Position does require travel to and from various project sites and dams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performing review of plans, design reports, and specifications to construct, repair, modify, breach, or remove coal ash dams. The review consists of hydrologic, hydraulic, geotechnical, and structural engineering evaluation of these submittals to ensure that sound dam safety engineering principles and the design requirements of the dam safety law and regulations have been met.
• Meeting with applicants and their consultants as it pertains to the status of projects under review.
• Assisting in the inspection of coal ash dams throughout the state at the direction of the state dam safety engineer and at the request of the regional offices.
• Assisting coal ash pond dam owners in drafting emergency action plans (EAP's) for the immediate or high hazard category coal ash pond dams, including performing hydraulic dam break analysis.
• Responding to dam safety emergencies and working with the state dam safety engineer to coordinate emergency actions in the event of pending dam failure related to coal ash ponds and to take action as required in the event of pending dam failure.
• Assist in the management and administration of federal grants including monitoring project execution to ensure compliance with all laws, regulations, and policies.
• A valid driver's license is required to complete the duties of this position.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range:  $54,983 - $61,404

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

Necessary Special Qualification May require registration as a professional engineer by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

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