Environmental Chemist

State of North Carolina•Wake County, NC

42d•$50,633 - $72,830•Hybrid

About The Position

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. The Environmental Chemist/Ambient Monitoring Coordinator must plan and coordinate work performed by the RRO Ambient Monitoring staff and review ambient air quality data to ensure that it meets all Quality Assurance Plan criteria and results in valid data with a high level of integrity. The Environmental Chemist/Ambient Monitoring Coordinator must also maintain a working knowledge of all monitors the RRO operates and be able to serve as back-up operator for any of these monitors. The Environmental Chemist/Ambient Monitoring Coordinator will be required to conduct complaint investigations and write the associated technical report and letter(s). The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) works with the State's citizens to protect and improve outdoor (ambient) air quality in North Carolina for the health, benefit, and economic well-being of all. As a part of the Department of Environmental Quality, DAQ also enforces State and Federal air pollution regulations. The General Assembly enacts State air pollution laws, and the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) adopts most rules dealing with air quality. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated DAQ as the lead agency for enforcing federal laws and regulations dealing with air quality in North Carolina. Click here to learn more about the Division of Air Quality. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in the practical application of theoretical chemistry including one year in environmental work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the operation of the ambient air monitoring program in the Raleigh Regional Office by ensuring that all ambient monitoring staff are operating the monitoring equipment in accordance with the requirements established in the North Carolina Division of Air Quality's Quality Assurance (QA) plans, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 40 CFR 50, 53, and 58, and the directives of the Chief of the Ambient Monitoring Section in the Raleigh Central Office (RCO) and by maintaining proficiency in the operation and maintenance of all monitoring equipment and acting as back-up operator when required.
Fulfill the 'Regional Auditor' functions as described in the QA plans and verify that proper QA procedures have been followed during data collection by reviewing continuous monitoring data, determining if unscheduled site visits are required, reviewing operator logbooks for completeness, assessing data quality and flagging suspect data.
Work with the ECB, Projects and Procedures Branch (PPB), and Laboratory Analysis Branch (LAB) to assure smooth operation of the region's ambient monitoring network.
Write technical reports, general correspondence, compliance letters, enforcement reports, and other technical documents, and serve as an advisor to air quality staff, industry representatives, state and federal agencies, and the general public on issues related to air quality and compliance. Requires effective communication, both verbally and in written form, of technical information.
Respond to citizen complaints pertaining to open burning, dust, odors and other air quality concerns to determine compliance with State and Federal rules.

Benefits

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.

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