Environmental Specialist I

The State of North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality is hiring an entry-level Environmental Specialist I in Wake Forest, NC. This role involves compliance activities related to stormwater, dams, and mining operations, including inspections and technical assistance. The position requires travel to various sites, and the ability to work in challenging environments. A valid Driver’s License is necessary, with a salary range of $47,703 - $50,518.
Agency


Dept of Environmental Quality


Division


Energy, Mineral , Land Resources


Job Classification Title


Environmental Specialist I (NS)


Position Number


60032447


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, Raleigh Regional Office. This position performs compliance activities related to stormwater facilities, dams, development sites 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 clients/consultants, and researching property status. The person in this position will also provide technical assistance to regulated parties and the general public and keep 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 reviews of applications submitted for the four regulated programs within the Division.
Performs inspections of sites/facilities regulated under each of DEMLR’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


Recruiting Range:


$47,703 - $50,518




Supplemental Information


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 as authorized by the Dam Safety Act of 1967, Mining Program as authorized by the Minding 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.




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; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.


EEO Statement


T he 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:


Charles Edward Payne


Recruiter Email:


hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov