Environmental Specialist II

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Water Resources

Job Classification Title

Environmental Specialist II (NS)

Position Number

65044623

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

This Environmental Specialist II (ES II) supports the NC Water Safety Act through study design, monitoring coordination, sampling method development, and sample transport for a statewide study of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants in municipal and industrial wastewater influent and effluent, as well as other monitoring needs.

Statewide studies supporting the Water Safety Act will generate large numbers of samples on an ongoing basis. The ES II should be prepared to spend up to half of their time traveling and working throughout the state, including extended workdays and overnight stays, especially during the first 2-3 years of employment. Valid driver’s license required. The ES II will pack and transport loaded sample coolers and must have the ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted.


Key Responsibilities:

~ Sampling and sample transport, including site visits, coordinating sample preservation conditions, and coordinating delivery of samples to Collaboratory academic institutions

~ Facilitating communication and coordination between DEQ staff, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitted dischargers, and the universities involved in the NC Collaboratory; managing conversations in person, electronically, and by telephone

~ Collaborating closely with existing programs to maximize sample collection efficiency and accuracy of data for water quality standards development, assessment, and emergency response

~ Training internal NCDEQ staff and external public and private entities on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for water and wastewater sampling for PFAS and other analytes

~ Auditing sampling proficiency to ensure consistent sample quality and data collection throughout the study

~ Supporting DEQ priorities such as PFAS and emerging contaminant monitoring, data management, reporting on special studies, and participating in stakeholder and public meetings


This position can be based at any of these three locations:
- Raleigh Regional Office, Reedy Creek Rd, Raleigh NC (Wake County)
- Mooresville Regional Office, East Center Ave, Mooresville NC (Iredell County)
- Winston-Salem Regional Office, W Hanes Mill Rd, Winston-Salem NC (Forsyth County)

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $52,592.00 - $72,314.00

Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above. Job posting details will no longer be available after the position closes.

Supplemental Information

The Division of Water Resources:

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for protecting North Carolina’s drinking, surface, and ground water for all waterbodies including lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and aquifers. This environmental stewardship is accomplished through actions including permitting issuance, investigations, regulatory compliance, and enforcement, monitoring and field assessments, certifications, laboratory analysis and testing, planning, water quality standards management, educational outreach, and other efforts. The Division comprises six sections: Water Quality Regional Operations, Water Sciences, Public Water Supply, Water Quality Permitting, Water Quality NPDES Permitting, and Water Planning.  Click here to learn more about the Division of Water Resources. 

The Water Sciences Section provides the Division of Water Resources with scientific and technical support required to monitor, regulate and manage water quality throughout North Carolina. The eight branches of the section, comprised of biologists, chemists, environmental specialists, and technical support staff, evaluate the state's aquatic resources through a variety of specialized biological, chemical, and physical techniques. These evaluations provide the basis for sound scientific decisions in the division's efforts to protect and enhance North Carolina's waters. The Ecosystems Branch coordinates statewide monitoring and special studies of water quality, algal blooms and wetlands.

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.

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

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:

Deborah J Williams

Recruiter Email:

[email protected]