Dept of Environmental Quality
Water Resources
Environmental Specialist II (NS)
65044623
NC14
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.
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.
~ 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Deborah J Williams
hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov
Whether you are interested in the arts, transportation, IT, the environment, public safety, healthcare or countless other areas, the State of North Carolina has an opportunity for you.
North Carolina State Government employs more than 81,000 people across the state in various agencies, branches and universities. Our careers are as diverse as the citizens we serve! We are seeking skilled and dedicated individuals from a wide range of educational and experience backgrounds.
Governor Josh Stein believes in the potential of our great state and its people. He knows that we can build a state and an economy that work for everyone. By investing in our public schools and giving students the tools they need to succeed, creating good jobs and raising incomes for the middle class, and strengthening our communities, North Carolinians can live and work in places they are proud to call home.
Working for the State of North Carolina can offer you the chance to effect positive change for our residents and visitors, take advantage of numerous benefit options and advancement opportunities, and work in an environment that values collaboration, creativity, innovation and diversity. Learn more about state government jobs at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northcarolina.
