Environmental Specialist I

The North Carolina Government is hiring an Environmental Specialist I to support environmental recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. This role involves compliance inspections, technical assistance, and regulatory guidance. Future graduates in environmental science are encouraged to apply. The position offers a hybrid telework option, allowing for both office and remote work. Responsibilities include communicating with permittees, processing applications, and addressing citizen complaints.
• * Future Graduates - Are you graduating soon and looking for a full-time job in environmental science? **

Apply now to be considered for an opportunity to work with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality when you graduate.

At every level, DEQ employees are part of the efforts to rebuild infrastructure and restore the environment after Helene’s impacts. Want to help? Join the DEQ team supporting Western North Carolina communities as they recover and prepare for future storms. Your work will have a meaningful impact on the lives of North Carolinians.

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.

The Environmental Specialist I position provides support, regulatory oversight, technical assistance, regulatory guidance and education to the public and permittees for various program areas.

Other Key Responsibilities:
• Perform compliance inspections and provide technical assistance and regulatory guidance for applicants
• Communicate inspection results with permittees, owners, officials or workers and prepare inspection reports and related correspondence.
• Review and process applications, including assisting with management plan review as necessary.
• Respond to citizen complaints and inspect sites where standards and other rules have possibly been contravened.
• Communicate regulatory guidance, technical assistance and education to permittees, applicants and the general public.
• Issue Notices of Violation and assess civil penalties, when necessary, provide any additional guidance, support or documentation to restore compliance with regulations.

Some emergencies may require a response to occur after hours and/or on weekends, on a limited basis.

The Division of Energy, Mineral & 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 as 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.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality:

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. Please visit our website at the Department of Environmental Quality for more information.

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.

Recruitment Range: $45,926 - $60,868

Location: 225 Green St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders.

DEQ uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.
• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to their applications.
• If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an official transcript to each application to receive credit for this education.
• If applicants earned a foreign degree, foreign degrees require an official evaluation for U.S. equivalency, and must be submitted to Human Resources for verification. There are several organizations that perform this specialized service, feel free to use any service of your choosing. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) has several options on their website that can provide credential verification:

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account and click "Application Status." If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by management. If you are no longer under consideration, you will receive an email notification. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact Ben Brooks at 919-707-9232 and/or ben.brooks@deq.nc.gov

For technical issues with your application, please call the GovernmentJobs.com Applicant Support Help Line at 855-524-5627.