Geologist/Hydrogeologist

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Waste Management

Job Classification Title

Geologist/Hydrogeologist (NS)

Position Number

65034471

Grade

NC18

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 is an anticipated vacancy. This position is expected to be available on 08/31/2026.*

This Hydrogeologist position within the Solid Waste Section in the Division of Waste Management provides project oversight and comprehensive technical hydrogeologic reviews and evaluations for solid waste management facilities. This position will be responsible for ensuring facility owners and operators maintain compliance with environmental requirements and perform corrective measures for contaminated environmental media.

This position will review permit application documents, hydrogeological and environmental reports and monitoring plans; groundwater and landfill gas assessments and remediation/corrective action; and risk-based remediation closures for solid waste facilities per NCGS 130A 310.65-77. This position will interact with fellow staff, facility personnel and their representatives, various stakeholders, and the public; will issue written correspondence, permits, and other legal mechanisms required for the facilities; will conduct field reconnaissance as needed; and will track of project details and activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and evaluate the geology and hydrology of a site for the suitability of the proposed solid waste management activities and to ensure the facility plan and design elements are compatible with the hydrogeologic characteristics of the site.

• Review water quality and landfill gas monitoring plans to ensure that the monitoring systems are adequate to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the facility design and operation.

• Evaluate environmental sampling data to determine compliance with groundwater, surface water, and landfill gas standards per regulations established by the State and Federal regulatory agencies.

• Manage environmental site assessments and corrective action and conduct all administrative procedures involved with the technical review, evaluation, and approval of plans and reports.

• Provide technical and regulatory assistance to municipalities, consulting engineers, the public, interest groups, organizations, and inter- and intra-agency staff.

• Assist with preparation of permit documents for solid waste management facilities in consultation with other professionals within the Solid Waste Section.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $63,927 - $66,248

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

The Division of Waste Management is responsible for protecting the public health and environment through assuring that solid and hazardous waste and underground storage tanks are managed properly, and existing contamination is cleaned up across the State of North Carolina. This is accomplished through the Hazardous Waste, Solid Waste, Superfund and Underground Storage Tank Sections, and the Brownfields Redevelopment Section. Click here to learn more about the Division of Waste Management | NC DEQ.

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 geology, geosciences, physical science or a related field, or engineering with 30 credit hours of geological science course work from an accredited college or university. Some positions may require licensure as a Professional Geologist by the North Carolina Board for the Licensing of Geologists; 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:

Valerie Moses

Recruiter Email:

[email protected]