Environmental Program Consultant

State of North Carolina • Raleigh, NC

2d • 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. This Environmental Program Consultant (EPC) serves as the technical lead responsible for coordination and implementation of the Area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP). The AWOP was developed to help water systems achieve higher levels of water quality and decrease the risk of a waterborne disease outbreak. This position also serves as the Public Water Supply (PWS) Section training coordinator by identifying training needs and either providing the training or arranging appropriate training by outside sources. Training events will be held both in-person and virtually. This EPC travels frequently to attend meetings, provide training, and engage with water systems, DEQ regional staff, AWOP team members, etc. Valid NC Driver's License required for driving state vehicles. Occasional overnight travel required. This position requires the ability to comprehend and properly interpret regulatory documents, perform detailed review and analysis of data sets, identify relationships and trends conducive to system evaluation and improvement, and effectively communicate regulatory and technical information to a range of audiences (little to no subject matter knowledge to subject matter experts). Site visits require the ability to navigate through rough and uneven terrain and work in unfavorable conditions, including exposure to heat/cold/inclement weather, noise, dust, fumes, machinery, and insects.

Requirements

• Valid NC Driver's License required for driving state vehicles.
• Master'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 three (3) years of experience related to the area of assignment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and analyze water system performance data to identify opportunities for technical assistance that will improve water system treatment performance and/or water quality
• Coordinate of AWOP Team activities to include meetings, determination of water system optimization status, generating reports, etc.
• Provide expertise in the development of guidelines and procedures relating to AWOP related technical assistance; organize and participate in AWOP technical assistance activities
• Provide operational process assistance and training to public water system personnel for achievement of AWOP goals and elevated public health protection
• Attend national and EPA Region 4 AWOP planning meetings
• Other related tasks as AWOP program evolves
• Lead and assist with the development, organization, and implementation of a training program to promote consistency for program initiatives, sanitary surveys procedures, data entry, enforcement activities, and regulatory changes/updates
• Develop, maintain, and coordinate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guidance documents, training materials, and training events
• Instruct in schools developed by the Water Operators Association for certification of water treatment facility operators.
• Assist with representing the Section on the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) for natural and man-made disaster
• Assist with Section initiatives to promote resilience in the regulated community from both natural and man-made hazards
• Miscellaneous special projects as assigned by Section management

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.
• This position currently qualifies for a hybrid telework option with routine office and remote workdays.
• Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees