Environmental Specialist I

The Environmental Specialist I position at the State of North Carolina involves implementing conservation policies and programs across 29 western counties. Responsibilities include collaborating with various stakeholders, leading conservation activities, and providing training to local officials. The role requires considerable travel within the region and is home-based, with candidates needing to reside in specific counties. Knowledge of environmental management and excellent communication skills are essential.
Agency

Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services

Division

Soil , Water Conservation

Job Classification Title

Environmental Specialist I (NS)

Position Number

60032364

Grade

NC12

About Us

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

Description of Work

The position is responsible for carrying out policies and procedures set by the NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission, NCDA&CS, and the Division of Soil and Water Conservation to ensure effective and timely local delivery of state nonpoint source conservation and cost share programs through local conservation districts within 29 western counties. The position represents the Division on various regional and state committees and task forces; interacts with public officials, educators, environmental organizations, land trusts, and the private sector on both state and federal conservation issues; and seeks opportunities to secure technical, financial, and educational resources for local districts to promote conservation of natural resources on the state's private working lands. Regional activities include organization and implementation leadership for watershed-based conservation activities, environmental educational programs, and various special projects as assigned.

The position plays an important role in information transfer by assisting local district officials and staff in planning and carrying out state conservation program activities and training; advising district boards in prioritizing and targeting nonpoint source water quality problems and water resource concerns within their respective boundaries and watersheds; coordinating and documenting training to appointed and elected district board members, and assisting district boards in the preparation of strategic plans, basin plans, yearly work plans, grant applications, community conservation projects, and programs.

The position involves considerable regional and statewide travel with frequent evening meetings and occasional overnights.

This position is home based. Must reside within one of the counties in the Primary Counties territory.

Primary Counties (16): Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Yancey. Secondary Counties (13): Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range-$45,926-$60,141
• Considerable knowledge of environmental or natural resource conservation management, or the scientific principles related to water quality and nonpoint source pollution management.
• Excellent communication skills in both written and oral form.
• Experience working with groups and facilitating meetings.
• Experience in Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Must possess a valid driver's license or be able to obtain within 60 days of hire.

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.

Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.

All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.
• Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *

Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.

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:

Toni Lynn Tooley

Recruiter Email: agr.workday@ncagr.gov