Environmental Specialist II

The Environmental Specialist II position at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality involves performing inspections, providing technical assistance, and mentoring within the Asheville Regional Office. Key responsibilities include reviewing plans, responding to complaints and emergencies, and liaising with government agencies on sedimentation, stormwater, mining, and dam safety issues. The role supports environmental stewardship and compliance in North Carolina.
Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality



Division

Energy, Mineral , Land Resources



Job Classification Title

Environmental Specialist II (NS)



Position Number

60093172



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

The Environmental Specialist II (ES II) serves as a senior environmental specialist within the Asheville Regional Office. Duties include preliminary plan reviews, inspections, complaint response, emergency response and training. This position performs higher-level technical activities in the region as related to sedimentation and erosion control, stormwater, mining and dam safety. This includes evaluation of severe violations in the region under consideration for enforcement. This position also serves as regional office liaison to other State, Federal and Local government agencies.




Key Responsibilities:


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.


Mentoring of Environmental Specialists in the Regional Office.



Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences


Recruitment Range


$52,592 - $55,696





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





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 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.





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


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