Environmental Specialist II

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Air Quality

Job Classification Title

Environmental Specialist II (NS)

Position Number

65029769

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 position serves within the Division of Air Quality’s Ambient Monitoring Section (AMS), that works both in a field and laboratory setting. The primary purpose of this position is to perform advanced functions necessary for the operation and maintenance of various statewide ambient air monitoring networks supported by the Laboratory Analysis Branch (LAB). The position uses technical ability to install, operate, and maintain rainwater collection samplers, meteorological instruments, toxic air pollutant samplers, pollen samplers and other organic compound samplers. The position is also responsible for the operation and management of air monitoring sites as part of the implementation of the Urban Air Toxics (UAT) program, section 112(k) of the Federal Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 and air toxics priority pollutant characterization monitoring activities.


Key Responsibilities:

• Perform advanced data analyses methods and peer reviews of air pollution data produced using complex laboratory instrumentation including data report reviews and data entry using a laboratory information management system.

• Apply established field sampling methods, analysis methods, and general scientific principles to interpret quantitative and qualitative results.

• Prepare technical reports and presentations that represent trends in the ambient air data results where accuracy is essential due to the financial and public health implications of the data generated.

• Communicate complex technical issues effectively with and provide technical support to ambient monitoring staff in the regional offices, local and tribal programs, the Electronics and Calibration Branch (ECB) electronics technicians, the LAB chemists, the LAB specialists, and the LAB electronics technician regarding any inconsistencies with data or equipment or other monitoring issues.

• Participate in or perform internal technical system audits of regional offices, local
agencies, industrial sources, the LAB, the ECB, and provide technical assistance to ensure the collection of high-quality ambient air data.

• Support method, procedural, and project development, remain current on
emerging technologies and EPA guidance, and may serve in an acting
supervisory capacity when needed.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $52,592 - $57,848

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

The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) works with the state's citizens to protect and improve outdoor, or ambient, air quality in North Carolina for the health, benefit and economic well-being of all. To carry out this mission, the DAQ operates a statewide air quality monitoring network to measure the level of pollutants in the outdoor air, develops and implements plans to meet future air quality initiatives, assures compliance with air quality rules, and educates, informs and assists the public about air quality issues. Click here to learn more about the Division of Air Quality.

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.

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 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:

Cassey Beal

Recruiter Email:

hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov