Environmental Specialist I (Flexible/Hybrid)

The State of North Carolina is hiring an Environmental Specialist I for a full-time position in Beaufort County, NC, with a hybrid telework option. Responsibilities include performing wastewater facility inspections, compliance evaluations, and addressing environmental emergencies. The role supports the Division of Water Resources in protecting water supplies and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Candidates must have a valid driver's license and be self-motivated in a hybrid work environment.
Description of Work

Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a difference?
DEQ has an open opportunity for an Environmental Specialist I.

It is full-time (40 hours per week) with State Benefits.

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 primary purpose of the Environmental Specialist I is to perform wastewater facility inspections and address compliance needs at NPDES and Non-Discharge facilities and provide aid to Central Office and Regional Office staff with permit reviews.

Key Responsibilities:
• Perform on-site compliance evaluations/inspections of Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), and other Non-Discharge and/or NPDES wastewater facilities as needed.
• Review on-site facility records and documentation of physical conditions of animal waste management system components, including field conditions.
• Conduct on-site compliance investigations in response to complaints and reports of activities contributing to environmental impacts.
• Provide response to a variety of environmental emergencies as needed.
• Valid Driver License.

The Division of Water Resources:
The Division of Water Resources' mission is to protect the state's water supplies and foster stewardship of this natural resource for use by current and future generations of citizens. The Division comprises five Sections: Water Quality Regional Operations; Water Sciences; Public Water Supply; Water Quality Permitting; Animal and Coal Ash Operations; and Water Planning. This goal is achieved through providing technical assistance, consultative services, permitting of regulated entities, certification of water treatment plant operators and wastewater operators, inspection and compliance activities, laboratory analysis and testing, and educational outreach and training. Click here to learn more about theDivision of Water Resources.

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. Visitwww.studentaid.gov to learn more.

This position is located at: 943 Washington Square Mall, Washington, NC 27889

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position. We will not review resumes in lieu of Experience and Education listed on the application. Click these links for additional information: Introduction to the Job Application and Addressing Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. (Note: These links refer to Dept. of Public Safety process; this process is the same for Dept. of Environmental Quality.)

To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:
• Ability to apply the basic environmental concepts, practices, and theories involved in the design, development, review, permitting, and/or operations of projects/sites and their potential environmental and safety impacts.
• Ability to analyze, manipulate and evaluate information/data, including the use of software.
• Ability to formulate or assist in the development of management alternatives and recommendations.
• Ability to organize and direct moderately complex research or field studies.
• Ability to prepare written/verbal reports; and ability to work with considerable independence.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

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 oshr.nc.gov/experience-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.
• Graduating Senior students with applicable degrees listed above with an anticipated graduation date will be considered. Job offers will be contingent upon completion of their degree.
Supplemental and Contact Information

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: https://www.naces.org/members.
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 Tamara Cherry at (919) 707-9202 and/or tamara.cherry@deq.nc.gov.

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